AWD vs FWD Mpg

[imboden013]

Just got back from my 2nd trip to the smoky mountains the last month.

1st trip was to Gatlinburg 24 Maverick hybrid Fwd approximately 1500 miles averaged 44.3 mpg average temp 75degrees

2nd trip was to Townsend Tn 25 Maverick hybrid AWD 4k tow approximately 1150 miles averaged 40.4 mpg average temp 65.

drove very nearly same route as Gatlinburg and Townsend are only about 20 miles apart. Drove about same manner. 25-45 on back mountainous roads, I-40 60-70mph as it was rainy and foggy on way home 2nd trip.

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[Mavl-ous]

Seems right, especially with the added tow package on the AWD. Still, not too shabby. In fact, at those MPGs, the difference is almost statistically insignificant. Hand grenades and horseshoes...

 

[gzebrick]

Small price to pay for AWD and towing capability if you need it / want it. Both numbers are very very good!

 

[imboden013]

Small price to pay for AWD and towing capability if you need it / want it. Both numbers are very very good!

Wanted the AWD as on my 1st trip the cabin we rented had a very steep drive with a curve just as you started up steepest part. My 24 FWD spun the tires every time we drove up the drive. Got home and started search for the AWD. Got lucky and found the 25 at a local dealer. Took our older 23 Maverick hybrid and was able to talk them down to $8500 difference. So now we have a HPR 24 hybrid and an eruption green hybrid AWD. Probably never need the 4K tow as I’ve already used the 24 to tow a 5x8 U-Haul trailer full of furniture and it handled job just fine while giving me 29mpg on a 250 trip. From east Arkansas to Hot Springs Arkansas. Kept it to 65 mph on interstate. Can’t ask for more.

 

[Waterick]

I think because of the new transmission in the '25 hybrid, your mileage will be very similar between those two. A '25 FWD hybrid should do even better but, I've seen no data to really confirm this yet.

 

[imboden013]

I think because of the new transmission in the '25 hybrid, your mileage will be very similar between those two. A '25 FWD hybrid should do even better but, I've seen no data to really confirm this yet.

I’ve only had the 25 for a week but I already found that I don’t like sync 4 or the controls on the screen. I know most users love sync 4 over sync 3 but 4 is annoying when using an iPhone.

 

[dalola]

Wanted the AWD as on my 1st trip the cabin we rented had a very steep drive with a curve just as you started up steepest part. My 24 FWD spun the tires every time we drove up the drive.

If you're trying to go up a steep incline with limited traction in a FWD, you need to do so in reverse. Weight transfer is real.

 

[imboden013]

If you're trying to go up a steep incline with limited traction in a FWD, you need to do so in reverse. Weight transfer is real.

Don’t think I’d want to try this driveway in reverse, particularly in the dark

 

[dalola]

Don’t think I’d want to try this driveway in reverse, particularly in the dark

You were spinning on blacktop? I assumed it was gravel....

 

[imboden013]

You were spinning on blacktop? I assumed it was gravel....

Yep, blacktop. That drive was narrow and steep about 15-20% incline. You couldn’t get any speed up to help you because of the curve and even if you could the parking area at top had a tree in the middle with room for 1 car on each side and maybe 20-25 feet to stop. I’d get up there and get stopped and when I went to open the tailgate the first time I parked ( after dark by the way) my tailgate was about chest high. The road going up the mountain had a sign that said chains or 4 wheel drive required in winter.

 

[imboden013]

Oh! Forgot to mention first time I went up the drive not only was it dark, but there had been a light rain a few hours before.

 

[dalola]

Yep, blacktop. That drive was narrow and steep about 15-20% incline. You couldn’t get any speed up to help you because of the curve and even if you could the parking area at top had a tree in the middle with room for 1 car on each side and maybe 20-25 feet to stop. I’d get up there and get stopped and when I went to open the tailgate the first time I parked ( after dark by the way) my tailgate was about chest high. The road going up the mountain had a sign that said chains or 4 wheel drive required in winter.

15-20% is not that bad.... I'm surprised you were slipping on blacktop. My gravel drive has a few spots of 15 degrees (~25%), and it usually gives a lot of FWD's issues. But dry blacktop should be no problem at 15-20%.

 

[imboden013]

15-20% is not that bad.... I'm surprised you were slipping on blacktop. My gravel drive has a few spots of 15 degrees (~25%), and it usually gives a lot of FWD's issues. But dry blacktop should be no problem at 15-20%.

May have been more than 20, I spun tires ever time I went up the drive but after spending 10 days going up and down drive I was getting better about spinning tires. One thing that didn’t help was that I’ve still got stock Michelins on it

 

[dalola]

May have been more than 20, I spun tires ever time I went up the drive but after spending 10 days going up and down drive I was getting better about spinning tires. One thing that didn’t help was that I’ve still got stock Michelins on it

Well, one thing is for sure, AWD is superior in hill country! My Maverick has no issues on my drive, even with snow. The AT3's are a big help as well.

 

[imboden013]

Well, one thing is for sure, AWD is superior in hill country! My Maverick has no issues on my drive, even with snow. The AT3's are a big help as well.

Up until I bought my hybrid, I’d always driven 4x4 F150s

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