MPG difference between Rubi and Sahara

[Torero]

Mathematically there should be a difference between the JL Rubicon and the others with smaller tires and higher diff ratio. Is it really noticeable? Does the EPA estimate both same?

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[GhostlyRides]

I have a rubicon with a lift and 37s, get about 14 mpg around town. Somebody else with a stock rubicon or Sahara can chime in to compare.

 

[wranglerguyman]

stock rubi, get 17-18 50/50 city highway

 

[sisoul]

stock rubi, get 17-18 50/50 city highway

What he said.

 

[Movingday]

I’m currently getting 21 mpg in my Sahara. Mix of city and highway. About 1400 miles driven

 

[Gdub]

Sahara, 350 miles on it, stock everything right now, 21 mpg. That is barely a tank of gas thru it so I am sure it may change.

 

[Kurtj29]

Stock JLUR about 1,600 miles on it. Mix of city and highway average = 18.7 mpg by the computer. (which is a heck of of lot better than the full size Chevy Pickup I traded it in for...!!!). about 13 or so.

 

[Dubya]

You didn’t ask, but I’m getting 21+ in a stock sport S. Manual. Mostly backroads, some highway.

 

[RisingEagle]

stock rubi, get 17-18 50/50 city highway

same for me.

I think most Rubicons (with the offroad tires, 33s, etc) are going to be a bit lower gas-mileage wise over Saharas with the more onroad-style tires.

tires (understandably) make a huge difference. I don't think it's as much the size as it is the type.

Sport-S - 17" 70/255 - 31.1" tall, 10" wide
Sahara - 18" 70/255 - 32.1" tall, 10" wide
Rubicon - 17" 70/285 - 32.7" tall, 11.2" wide

so there's only .6" of a total difference in tire height between a Sahara and a Rubicon (and an inch of width)

(info from here)
https://www.jeep.com/compare/detailed-chart.html?modelYearCode=CUJ201810&variation=1
https://tiresize.com/calculator/

if you ran the same type of tire on any of the stock models, I'd wager they'd all be within .5 of a mpg difference.

 

[Torero]

So it seems it does make a difference. The Sahara and the sport do better than the Rubicon. I was curious. Thanks guys.

 

[Torero]

same for me.

I think most Rubicons (with the offroad tires, 33s, etc) are going to be a bit lower gas-mileage wise over Saharas with the more onroad-style tires.

tires (understandably) make a huge difference. I don't think it's as much the size as it is the type.

Sport-S - 17" 70/255 - 31.1" tall, 10" wide
Sahara - 18" 70/255 - 32.1" tall, 10" wide
Rubicon - 17" 70/285 - 32.7" tall, 11.2" wide

so there's only .6" of a total difference in tire height between a Sahara and a Rubicon (and an inch of width)

(info from here)
https://www.jeep.com/compare/detailed-chart.html?modelYearCode=CUJ201810&variation=1
https://tiresize.com/calculator/

if you ran the same type of tire on any of the stock models, I'd wager they'd all be within .5 of a mpg difference.

Well but there is the differential gear ratio that is different as well. I think that one is responsible for most of the difference.

 

[Flyguy81]

Rubi with no lift, stock tires. Little heavier than stock due to Ace rails, winch, etc. Avg around 19.5 with 2200 mi

 

[Jeepmarkjl]

Well since the gas tanks on both are the same size and having owned both a JLUS and JLUR within a 30 day period the total range displayed on the dash after filling up both showed the Sahara with a total range of 346 miles and the Rubi at 308 miles. Meaning Sahara is roughly 12% more efficient. Both are stock with no mods. Could my ranges be affected by previous driving - sure. But nonetheless, the Sahara performs better at MPG - no surprise at all.

 

[JLUSoCal]

i have a stock Rubicon with about 300 extra pounds and likely another 500 on vacation right now. Our trip from Moab to Flagstaff on a single tank with 20% left (over 400 miles out of that tank it's calculating. Showing 22 MPG at roughly 55-65 miles an hour on 2 lane highway between the two cities with several hill climbs as well. Not bad.

We've done 85 across Utah and was calculated at the pump at 16.36. Our worst mileage was 11.59 mpg BUT that was slow crawling off road on difficult trails - that's dismal BUT fun!

My signature has my Fuelly in it. I will fill up tomorrow or Saturday before heading back to San Diego. The computer seems to be a bit optimistic on some fill-ups and spot on for others...

I will likely add a lift and 35's but gas mileage is pretty decent for a brick - going 65 IF it stays at 21 will be good.

 

[digitalbliss]

Something I don't think anyone has mentioned is the difference in rear end gear ratios. The Rubi is 4:10 and 3:45(?) for the Sahara. This will make as much difference as anything.

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