How much does driving in 4 wheel drive lower the MPG from driving in 2 wheel drive?

A Liberty in 2WD gets about 15-18mpg highway... in 4WD it gets 10-14mpg, but in 4WD you should not try to exceed 45mph or you'll run the chance of damage the transfer case and transmission.

If you are using the 4WD for snow and ice, which is exactly when you should be using it, chances are you're only doing up to 35mph anyway, so it is possible to get higher-end mileage, 14mpg or a bit more, if you're easy on the gas and brakes, and are on relatively flat roads. Deep snow or mud creates more resistance, thus causes the engine to work harder, yielding lower mpg.

On a side-note, anyone with a selectable 4WD should drive a few miles (4-5) in 4WD mode every month, just to keep the transfer case in working order and to verify that everything works like it should... that way when you NEED it, you won't be stuck. Been there - done that...

it rather is genuine. right here is why. a million. a 4 wheelchronic vehicle weighs extra. normally 3-500 lbs b/c of the extra gears, axles and housings required. weight = gas economic device. 2. a 4 wheelchronic vehicle has extra friction. you're pushing the gears around, they have extra friction than purely the set of bearings which would be in those wheels otherwise. weight and friction blended propose decrease gas economic device. if the 4 wheelchronic is grew to become on, there is much extra friction that's why you get decrease gas economic device with it on than off. AWD ability each and all of the wheels have ability each and all of the time. 4 wd ability that 2 wheels have ability and 2 might nicely be grew to become on via the operator in case you pick them.

it drops by 2-6mpg driving in 4wd isnt very smart because your universal and transfer case aren't made for pavement.