Vortec: Too much engine? (Mileage questions)
Hi, I'm getting dangerously close up upgrading my 1999 Yukon with a 5.3 engine to a 2007 Yukon XL with a 6.2 engine. I was test-driving it today and saw the display list an average MPG of 11.5. Yik...
Forum Discussion
Campfire Time wrote:
The argument for smaller engines in trucks is often better mileage, but I've never been convinced that's true. We just sold a 2003 Trailblazer, much smaller than a 1/2 ton and it had an I6. Logic would make you think that it would get halfway decent mileage for a full framed mid-size SUV with that 6 cyl. engine. Its daily mileage wasn't any better than our PU. And only marginally better than our last Suburban.
You know, I've thought this as well. In the late 90's, my brother and I had identically sized/shaped Jeep Cherokees; mine had an I6, his an I4. Same mileage, his was just slower! I've known lots of guys who have gone for the smaller V8's in their trucks and had the same results as I did with a similar truck and bigger engine. When it comes down to it, you have to get the same weight moving, and it is going to take the same amount of energy, regardless of where it comes from.
Where I have seen bigger differences is in transmission, gearing, and stuff like that, particularly with highway driving. Our '10 Suburban does 15-20% better on the highway than our '05 (w/ 4.10 gears, 4 spd transmission), although the usual town mileage is about the same for both vehicles (in the 13-14 range).
