Why Low Jeep Gas Mileage Ratings?
Jeep gas mileage figures have always been below the norms when compared with other types of vehicles. For example most people do not understand why something as small as the Jeep Wrangler can get such lousy gas mileage (roughly 13 to 18 mpg depending upon how and where it is driven).
It is a known fact that, all things being equal (i.e. driving style) the two most significant factors affecting your Jeep gas mileage are aerodynamics (amount of wind resistance while moving forward) and overall weight of the vehicle. Most Jeeps, aside from the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot are NOT very aerodynamically designed for cutting through the air at highway speeds...thus reducing gas mileage due to the boxy or squared shape, which works more like a wall than a wedge while moving through air. An example would be the difference in shape between a FedEx Van and a Corvette...one a box shape (like a wall) and the other sleek like a wedge (aerodynamic). 
The other factor affecting fuel economy is weight. Now aside from the Compass and Patriot, most Jeeps are quite heavy when compared with other vehicles regarding their outward size. This extra weight is due to heavier construction to make Jeeps capable of dealing with rough off road conditions. Also, the Jeep Wranglers still have a full steel frame and separate body. Although the Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Compass all have uni-body construction (no separate frame) the 4-wheel drive versions have increased weight to accommodate the 4x4 components. Okay, so to simplify why this translates into lower Jeep gas mileage...more weight requires the engine and drive-train components to work harder to move the vehicle along...thus requiring more fuel to achieve this. Now, let's say you add heavy duty bumpers, a winch, rock sliders, skid plates (armor), off road lights, bigger than stock tires and a roof rack. Voila! You have just added 500 to 1000 lbs. or more to your Jeep. There is nothing wrong with any of that! Just be prepared for a drop in fuel economy relative to the amount of extra weight added to the Jeep. But remember why you bought your Jeep in the first place. If it was to get good fuel economy...may I suggest selling your Jeep and getting a Toyota Prius. However, if you wanted a rugged, tough and solid vehicle to get you anywhere you need to go...then your Jeep is it!
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