So I've been on the lookout for an upgrade to my '02 2wd. I'm gonna go newer, but with the current gas prices, I've done something I never thought I'd do: consider a 3.0 rather than a 4.0.

I know this is discussed through and through time and again, but indulge me if you will. For those of you who have the 3.0 and those with the 4.0, what is your MPG like (I'd like to get some 'real-world' numbers rather than rely on the 'given' stats)?

I really have been focusing on a finding a 3.0, but having owned a stock (although not for very long) 4.0, its still tough to part with the idea. Not until I test drove a couple 3.0's in the past weeks that I was quite surprised. Bear in mind my '02 2wd is a 4-banger, so even the 3.0 is gonna feel better.

Note: My '02 2wd is a 5 speed and I will be going with the same in a newer truck (hence why I'm faily content with the idea of a 3.0).

So let me hear some feedback! Thanks guys.

 

Dont waste your time, get a 2.3 duratech same power a 3.0 v6.

3.0 sucks gas just as much as your 4.0 as much less power while the new 2.3 has same power at the 3.0 basically but gets great gas mileage.

 

My 3.0 auto with 32s and 4.10s gets 17-18 honest MPG city driving and a solid 21 highway. Thats just not babying it either, in the city I beat on it pretty good.

 

I have a '99 4.0l 4x4....

right now. i have 181 miles on my tank, so lets say 180. with 1/2 tank left. that equates to......

18 gallon tank / 2 = 9 gallons used (or 9 gallons left)

180 miles / 9gallons = 20mpg


keep in mind i have all new plugs, wires, and just got my head gasket fixed, intake manifold replaced, and a Gibson exhaust. also that is without my tailgate being on. i've been doing a 50/50 mix of highway/backroad driving......and keeping my tach below 3k 95% of the time. tire PSI's are at the 30front/35rear recommended level for my truck. no A/C on, windows open, even the rear slider.

 

my 07 4.0 3.73 stock tires i get about 18 in the city and i usually get about 21-22 on the highway. although my records are 21 in the city and 25 on the highway. i'm usually pretty heavy in the pedal too.

 

Your math doesnt work, the fuel gauge isn't accurate like that. When it shows you have a 1/2 tank left that isn't exactly 1/2.

 

well my truck has been sitting on perfectly level ground for over an hour, and the needle is ABOVE the 1/2 line, so i gave it the benefit of the doubt. I'll let you know how much i get for this tank. I should be filling up friday night or saturday morning.

 

i think if your gonna get the v6 you cant not get the 4.0, you eaither go for gas miladge and get the 2.3 or more power in the 4.0, i think what mark said is pretty aucurate.

 

my 3.0L 6-cyl is getting 19.5 city / 24 Highway... not bad at all considering I have the 4:10 ratio gears too...

 

i get 13.6 city and driving back from greensboro i just got 19.5 highway HAHAHA oh man...

Completely stock i was getting 15mpg city, 21 highway

With exhaust i got 18mpg city...never took a highway reading, imagine it would be 22mph or so

With exhaust, intake, i get 13.6mpg (Hopeing its a dirty MAF sensor haha) and 19.5 highway.

I roll on 235/75/15's as well. Theres a couple other guys on here that get gas mileage like mine out of their 3.0's....guess its the luck of the draw

 

i get about 16-17 mpg in town but its really how hard you drive especially with a stick you can get a lot mpg with a stick

 

I can agree with the horsepower ratings of what you're referring to. But with regards to torque, which is (in my opinion) what gives a manual trans its advantage, the numbers are quite abit higher for (even the newest) 3.0 over the 2.3.


Regardless, thanks for the responses so far guys!

 

You can find the EPA ratings here:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx...Field=Findacar

The 3.0 & 4.0 are rated for the same MPG.

 

Thanks Tommy, that's a great resource!

 

In my 02' 4.0 I get 20.5 mpg consistently city or highway no matter how I drive it.

 

I have an '03 3.0 2WD stick and drive 90% highway.Got the truck 2 years ago with 11k on it , now has 111K.
Driving like a sane person and not going over 65 mph ever i average 27.5 mpg after I installed an e-fan 1 year ago. 26 mpg before the fan.
Driving 65-75 , mileage takes a dump to 24 mpg.These things are not very aerodynamic.

Regarding auto trans versus manual ,I have been noticing the majority of people on here that have slave cylinder issues are in / around cities.
More stop and go seems to equate to shorter slave life.

 

Personally, if you want a Ranger for MPG... go with the duratec. I was thinking the exact same thing as you 4 months ago and ended up with "Lil' Yellow".

I've been more then disappointed in the MPG I'm getting. I have yet to break 20 MPG even with 1/2 the tank highway miles with the cruise set at 65. I'm getting right around 19 MPG with every tank. I haven't used it for a full highway session yet so hopefully I could bust 20 with that.

When I was driving my red one daily, I could pull 20 pretty much every tank (before the 33s). Not sure if it's the higher gearing or what, but you would think that a 3.0 with a stick could beat a 4.0 OHV with an auto in MPG.... but definitely not in my case. If anything, its worse.

I say go with Duratec and a 5-speed. I will be looking that way in the future.

 

Ever since i got my 4.0 the gas pump has become my best friend. I probably get 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. And although the 3.0 gets a little bit better mileage, there is a significant loss of power.

 

buy a car, lol

 

ya seriously, if gas mileage is your sole concern, u dont need a truck, get a economic car....

 

My 3.0 gets the same mileage your 4.0 gets.

That's the only thing about my Ranger that I dislike. I wish I could increase the mileage. To be honest that is one reason I keep looking at the F150's. I know people that have them and get better gas mileage than I do.

 

yea, my father has a 2004 F150 with a 4.6 and he gets almost 20 or 21 mpg city. makes me sick, but i love my ranger so i dont think that i could part with it.

 

i go with the car idea, if u want mileage, a truck is not the thing unless you got a cap, tonneau cover, or turbo net, which all waste bed space and safety. honda civics, vw gti's, and nissan z series, old not new.

 

 

exactly!