Better mileage on a Toyota or Dodge Minivan?

I have a 96 Yukon, 4WD and get 14-16 mph. I would like anyone who may have a minivan 96-06, let me know about their mileage, issues, etc. It doesn't matter if it's a Chev, or other makers. I need imput. Thanks

 

Here's a link that may help you.

( http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList )

My 99 Caravan, with 3.8L engine, 4 adults, hockey or lacrosse equipment, luggage would run 22-26 mpg on highway, depending on speed ( 60-75 mph) .Overall city/highway average. 18-22 MPG. Still roughly same with approx. 180,000 miles on engine now.

 

06 Pont Montana on trip 2 people plus lugage (old man driving) 26 all day 28 if you slow down to 50

 

Isn't the Yukon one of the larger rigs out there? If so, it takes more power to move something heavy.

And there is a visous cycle in the fact that if it is big and heavy, there will be more wind resistance, and the engine will have to be bigger in order for the vehicle to be able to overcome that and to accelerate good, which then means a bigger engine, which means more frictional losses from the engine.

 

Okay ecman51, the Yukon isn't one of the largest, I can think of at least five other vehicles that surpass. It's a 1/2 ton, yes it's a V-8 and 4WD. I understand your statement, and due to the factors you mentions, that's why I'm trying to locate an additional vehicle to drive in the non winter season. I appreciate you input.

 

retired wrench and Mike.B; thanks guys for your information, I believe personal experience is better than any statistics. I will check out the link. Thanks again!

 

I have few freinds in France have simaiur size minivans as we call them petit camion{ little truck } they get pretty decent fuel milage they typically get about mid to upper twenty's that with gaz engine with diesel it will be higher useally low thirty's.

Belive or not some minivans they do have AWD verison as well and I did check some info with fuel mileage seems they are not really wide margin between the two just couple number but nothing really wide spread.

However as other poster mention few diffrent number it all come down to your driving habites , load on the minivan , weather , road speed that will varies a bit.

Merci,Marc

 

Merci beaucoup, I found it very helpful.

 

I have a turbocharged Porsche track car that I drive to sports car driving events 250 miles away. I always check the mileage as I carefully drive it to the track. The car would always get 30+ miles per gallon. Then, all of a sudden, the fuel mileage dropped to 24 mpg for several trips in a row. I tested the oxygen sensor, found it faulty, replaced it, and my fuel mileage rose back to 30+ again.

It's something to check.

 

I happened to park by a Yukon XL today. The thing sure looked close enough to a tank to me. Is the XL for xtra large and is a larger version?, or no? It looks in the league of the Ford Expedition. Some polioce depts. have them. Intimidating to see that pull up behind you.

 

If you are comparing the size, you also need to compare the engine spec, if you want to get technical. Mine is a 1/2 ton, 3/4 tons will have increased HP and torque. The Yukon XL in 96 was the largest SUV that GMC made. Now they have the Yukon Denali, which is 6.2L/V8 and up to 403hp. The Suburban from Chev 1/2 ton is simular to mine and they also have a 3/4 ton, 6.0L/v8, 352hp. The Tahoe is similar to mine too. My body is larger, yet same engine specs. The Escalade from Cadilac is 6.2L/V8 and 403hp. The Range Rover is worse on gas than mine per their specs. Do we even mention the Hummer? Now that's a tank.

BTW, XL refers to extra opinions.

Thanks for the challenge!

 

LawrenceC, before I relocated I had an air sensor replaced. That was exactly what I thought could be my problem. I just need to get the computer code checked. Thanks for the reminder.

 

I guess the Hummer got axed.

I figured that families with kids buy these extra large vehicles for the safety of their kids, if they can afford that luxury. And maybe gas mileage is only a minor concern? When I was in that parking lot yesterday, there also was a Rav4......a much smaller rig.

I did not realize those machines you mentioned had that much horsepower. But I guess today, they are able to squeeze more horsepower out of engines than they used to, out of the same given litres or cubes.

 

I wouldn't put kids in a car if I had a financial choice. We also had a travel trailer, and with our business we needed the haulong capacity.

 

Driving with loose cats in the car can be more fun than kids. Had 3 cats and 2 carriers. One died on my lap last fall at the age of 18 so it will be easier to take the other 2 for rabies shots this year.

 

sorry to hear about your cat. It's hard anytime a pet dies.

 

Believe it or not, I took it harder than than my mom's death, probably because I was expecting it for years before it happened. TYVM chilly

 

I can relate, had to put my lab of 12yrs down, stood by my husband as they disconnected his brothers breathing tubes, watched and listened to my poor step mother death rattle, before the drs wheeled her away to surgery. Life is to short to hold grudges and not forgive.

 

Two sites list fuel mileage specs at 13.8 highway and 14. The weight depends on engine/2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. Takiing me too long to navigate web (I'm a very impatient person). I am getting figures in the 4500-5000 pound range. My car is about 3000. It takes so much fuel, to especially propel vehicles forward, from a dead stop(city driving/stop signs/lights). Heavy vehicles are bound to suffer substantially in city driving as opposed to cruisng on the highway.

You can improve mileage by anticipating lights and trying to slow and keep rolling as the light turns green. And do not do jack-rabbit starts. Also it may help things like the tranny and timing belt/chain to last longer, you'd think.

 

thanks, I appreciate that info. Have a great day.