Hypermiling a 2008 Jeep Patriot SUV?

mitakuuluu · #1 09-10-2007, 12:16 AM

Hey all,

Been lurking around here for awhile and thought I'd jump in and get some advice too

I recently purchased a 2008 Jeep Patriot 4x2 SUV/CUV. I would have loved to get a Prius, but alas, big dogs and camping gear don't work real well, plus I couldn't seem to find a Prius or Escape Hybrid in the $16,000 range

I've had her for about 2,000 miles and have been very happy with my fuel economy, and have played around with a couple of basic techniques to get higher MPG. Right now I'm up to about 30mpg (last three) average, with a high tank of 34mpg. Compared to the EPA 2007 22/27 and 2008 21/25, that's good...but feel like I could probably do a little better still.

My driving is about 25% city and 75% highway.

The vehicle is about 3500lbs, has a 2.4L Chrysler 'World' 172hp 4cyl engine, and is combined with a Jatco continuously variable transmission with manual shift mode. It has all the aerodynamics of a brick on wheels.

Here's a chronicle of my study so far... any input would be much appreciated!

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2670

mitakuuluu · #2 09-10-2007, 04:15 AM

Not sure why my sig only shows me at 99% of EPA... I'm getting at least 100%, lol.

SlowHands · #3 09-10-2007, 07:20 AM

nice post over in the link that you gave. Looks like you're on a pretty good method already. The first thing that jumps at me would be watch your throttle (TPS) on the ScanGauge, it is quite surprising how little movement of your foot make fairly big jumps in fuel suckage during acceleration. Nice numbers so far, keep it up!

mitakuuluu · #4 09-15-2007, 01:56 AM

I've been trying to keep my TPS readings as low as possible, trying to never exceed 20 except on steep hills (the one leading up to my house needs about TPS 50 to maintain speed).

Is TPS the best to monitor? Or LOD? I have read about "DWL", but wonder if this is just a mislabeling of "constant throttle position"?

SpartyBrutus · #5 09-15-2007, 11:18 AM

Great post!

I might be able to twist my Wifes arm to switch to a Patriot from our Caravan if YOU can get that FE up over 30 - I am counting on you!

Do you think the 5 speed would do as well or better than the AT CVT FE? I really would like a 4x4 for offroading but I expect the extra weight and tranny losses hurt FE a lot versus the 4x2.

Seems like you have most of the FE tips covered well - have you done anything with low rolling resistance tires, higher inflation pressure? Probably not ready for any differnt oil yet....

Thanks again.

Former 96 XJ owner - "larger brick"

mitakuuluu · #6 09-15-2007, 04:28 PM

Sparty, I've hit 30mpg on a couple fills. Gradually getting up towards 30mpg overall after a first few tanks in the 25mpg range. It's rated 24/27 (2007) and 21/25 (2008), so I think I will easily see 30 as I learn more about it.

There are two flavors of 4x4, the Freedom Drive I and II in the Patriot.

FDI is comparable to the CR-V's system, a part-time adaptive AWD that can be locked. The official MPG hit is not much, 23/27 for the CVT model. If I remember right, the FDI 5spd is rated 25/29 out of the box.

The FDII has a crawl ratio and is only available with the CVT. Generally shorter gearing on this means 21/25.

I think that a good driver could coax 30mpg out of the FDI stick without much trouble, as going from 25/29 EPA to 30 would be cake for most of you guys.

I'm running 42psi in the tires right now. Jeep recommends 35/32, I think. I may try to pump them up to just under 50 but I forget what the max sidewall is.

I'm happy with my Patriot so far, but it is what it is - a cheap, American-made small SUV. The mechanical side of things feels very solid but there are some cosmetic build quality issues that are indicitive of a $16K SUV. You might want to check http://www.jeeppatriot.com if you're interested in learning more.