True... forgot about the battery... doesn't matter though... Even on flat level terrain at 65-70 MPH the hybrid is STILL going to EECK out a win over the I4 Escape. I get 30MPG in a 4WD on the freeway at about 67MPH. You can't do that in even a Manual I4 Escape. Maybe 27-28 so you'd be close but you still do slightly better in the Hybrid.

I only got 31-32MPG in a manual transmission ESCORT ZX2 I4! You aren't going to do better with a heavier vehicle that has a high profile!

And you can't forget the CVT effect.... In 5th gear you are running at 67MPH. Is that the most effient RPM for the engine with that load? Is 4th? or are you better off somewhere in between. All gear systems will be compromises a CVT isn't.

I forgot about the Atkinson Engine gain as well... kills the low end but burns less gas than the I4 equivalent.

Its certainly true that the biggest gain over the conventional is in stop-go city driving. However it still gets better mileage than the I4 on the freeway.

 

Don't confuse constant speed with constant RPMs. Cruise control maintains the former, with constant fluctuations in the latter.

 

Negative split mode is the least efficient mode of the eCVT.

Negative Split Mode
• The engine is on and the generator motor consumes electrical energy to reduce engine speed
• The traction motor can operate as a motor or a generator to make up the difference between the engine power and the desired power
• Typical highway mode
• Occurs when the engine needs to be on, the system can not be operated in parallel mode and the battery is charged near its upper limit

On the highway, I use a much neutral coasting as possible to remove the load on the engine. This is a high speed P&G and allows an increase in FE. Also, at higher speeds tailwinds need to be used and headwinds are reasons to slow down and take slower roads. I avoid CC in headwinds because it has the same effect as hills. Drafting at a safe distance behind a large truck at a steady speed is another technique I use if possible.

GaryG

 

Ditto what Gary said... I can do 32-36MPG @ 62-67MPH with high speed P&G, FS and sometimes following larger vehicles at a safe distance (safe = other drivers routinely pull in between me and the vehicle in front).

 

That's relative, in my little experience in SoCal other vehicles can 'squeeze' into a fraction of a car length!

Edmunds reports the curb weights for 08 as:
Curb Weight: 3638 lbs FEH
Curb Weight: 3547 lbs Xlt V6 (-91)
Curb Weight: 3272 lbs Xls 5sp (-366)

Altho I suspect more of the 366 is options over just engine & batt...

Quote:
Originally Posted by 08hybridok
It's my understanding the atkison rengine loves to be at the same rpm for extended periods, I thought this is where it shined. Did I read that wrong somewhere?

I wasn't, it's been years, but isn't the first couple hours outa Vegas flat, or nearly flat? flat should = constant RPM to Speed, I didn't mention CC to maintain RPM, but I'm lazy and would (actually I'd buy a ticket on SouthWest vs Drive that desert again, but I'm partial to SW)

 

I'll give you I was wrong and she is heavier. Still, anyone think they can pull 29-30MPG in a 4WD Xls 5sp on the freeway with their tires at the standard 35psi and by not playing any other "tricks" either... I just drive at 65-67MPH and take the accelerations easy. I'm not neutral coasting drafting or anything. I could pull those out of my pocket and do better if I wanted to. Thats my real point..

Oh and 08hybridok... I'd have to agree with you on the squeeze thing. I had a guy here in MI try to squeeze into the exact same area as I was in this morning. He didn't even try to leave a fraction of a car length. I guess he works at the hospital and figured even if he was arriving on a gurney at least he'd be there FAST!

 

Some of it is flat, particurally the Vegas to Mt Pass and Zzyzx Rd to just south of Barstow, and then it's all downhill from Hesperia to OC... I'm concerned mostly with the fact that I destroyed my MPG on the Cajon Pass and the Baker Hill. (for thoes that don't know the Baker Hill is about 14 miles at a constant 5-6% grade)...

As for flying... I hate that drive more than anyone else. I am a guy that flys about 130,000 miles per year so I don't mind flying, but with a new puppy (it'll be here on Tuesday) and the fact that my wife is coming - it means that it's not cost effective to fly...

That and WN doesn't have first class, don't assign seats, doesn't allow standby unless you buy up to full fare, doesn't have a priority security line, doesn't have a priority check-in line and doesn't treat their best ("elite") travlers very well. Until they start doing any of the above I'm not going to be flying WN...