Does soft top being down significantly effect mileage?

[DHW]

Trying to determine if having my soft top down would have any significant effect on mileage on a highway road trip where MPH averages 60-70. My guess is no to a significant decrease, but wondering if any of you have any experience on this topic.

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[MrMischief]

In my TJ you could feel the extra drag. As in hills I could climb in 5th would suddenly require 4th. Doors off made it even worse.

I think I notice the same thing in my 2 door JL, but having the automatic now I find I don't pay nearly as much attention. My guess would be yes it will impact your fuel economy but I don't know by what degree. If I had to take a random shot in the dark guess I'd bet as much as 3 mpg, but I tend to run at the 80 mph posted limited. I have not noticed a difference between top/doors off and top/doors/windshield off, but I tend to stick to around town below 45 mph when the windshield is down so drag is less of a factor.

 

[Xcoaste]

It will, but the enjoyment you will get will outweigh everything else!

 

[SilverSurfer]

Yes, it will have an effect. It is a simple nett effect of drag, or if you want aerodynamics.

Science 101

 

[saltlife4shore]

Of course it will. In all honesty though, top down for the entire trip may cost you an extra $5-15 in gas. Does it really matter though, did you want the top down, did you want a jeep! Do you want to have the open air experience. You only live once.

 

[Powelligator]

From what I can see when the full top is down it's got to be like a parachute behind you catching air. Even without the top the spare tire would still catch air. I've never driven a long distance with it down, just around the town and trail runs with it down and there I'm not concerned about MPG.

 

[00 Trans Ram]

I can tell you that, with my hardtop and doors off, I get ~5mpg lower at interstate speeds.

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