Why does the bigger and heavier model get better MPG?

[Elkins45]

The Mitsubishi Outlander weighs 500 pounds more than the Outlander Sport. It's two inches wider and 14 inches longer, and has a 2.5L engine instead of the 2.0L in the Sport. Both have CVT transmissions although the Outlander is referred to as an 8-speed CVT. The EPA mileage estimate for the Outlander is 24 city, 31 highway, 27 combined. The numbers are 23 city, 29 highway, 26 combined for the smaller, lighter, less powerful Sport. It's not a huge difference but it's backwards of what one would expect.

The full-size 2.5L is specifically identified as direct injection while the 2.0L is not. Could that be the difference? I thought I had settled on buying a Sport but if I can find a full-size for not much more there's no MPG penalty for buying the bigger one, and there's likely a bonus in comfort and certainly one in interior room.

 

[Jetronic]

the 2.5 can likely run lower rpm

 

[Lubener]

Could be due to the efficiency of the 8spd. transmission and final gearing of the Outlander.

 

[CharBaby]

I understand what you're saying.
I have a few examples of what you are talking about.
Just using gasoline engines as the examples(non-hybrid vehicles).

*The Honda HR-V 2.0L NA(~158hp) only get about the same fuel economy as its larger/heavier and nicer vehicle, the non-hybrid CR-V 1.5T (~195hp).

*And the Chevy TRAX 1.3L 3 cylinder turbo(~155hp), only gets about the same fuel economy as its larger brother and nicer vehicle, the Equinox 1.5 - 4 cylinder turbo(~175hp).

*Other family of vehicles may be the similar such as, the non hybrid Corolla Cross 2.0L NA(~169hp) vs the non hybrid RAV/4 2.5L NA(~203hp).

My understanding is that, on the larger & more expensive bigger brother vehicle is that, the car company uses more fuel saving technologies &/or programming/mapping(whatever) on those larger vehicles. I'm not sure if I said that correctly but, you get my meaning?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
* I'm not sure of all the exact HP figures which is why I use the(~)symbol next to those figures. I've seen YouTube videos that explains this better.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Maybe the EPA testing is flawed? Or some cars are designed for the test to make the numbers look good, but don’t live up to it in real life? I never look at EPA numbers.

 

[SC Maintenance]

They both use the same Jatco wide ratio 3rd generation CVT - so you can rule that out. It came out in 2020 and I have yet to hear of one failing. If anyone knows of one failing please let me know - I am interested in possibly owning a vehicle with one in it.

The Outlander uses the Nissan 2.5 which has been around since 2018. It is direct injected. Its been very reliable best I can tell. The sport uses a Mits engine I don't know much about.

Also its the EPA test case, so your personal use conditions may vary.

 

[Opelman]

I ran across that with our 2014 C Max hybrid and a 2015 Fusion hybrid that work had. I was able to squeak out several 50 mpg tanks with the Fusion but low 40s is it for the C Max. From what I understand, these use the same gas engine and eCVT.

 

[Zee09]

Direct Injected and a good reason to avoid it

 

[KCJeep]

In case you weren’t aware, the Outlander is basically a Nissan Rogue while the Sport is the longtime Mitsubishi product. If that makes any difference to you.

 

[SC Maintenance]

In case you weren’t aware, the Outlander is basically a Nissan Rogue while the Sport is the longtime Mitsubishi product. If that makes any difference to you.

Same Power train. I really don't know how much else they share, but possibly a lot?

The Outlander is available with a 3rd row somehow, and also 100K powertrain warranty. There also all built in Japan, the Rogue is built in TN.

 

[Elkins45]

Direct Injected and a good reason to avoid it

I understand what you're saying but I already own two DI-only vehicles (Mazda, Nissan) and haven't had any issues with either. The 10/100,000 powertrain warranty makes me feel better about it, as does the Japanese manufacture.

I apparently drive exactly like the EPA dyno because I've always gotten the same or better MPG than the window sticker. For a one-time cost difference of around 5K it's tempting if the payback is increased room, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

 

[Elkins45]

In case you weren’t aware, the Outlander is basically a Nissan Rogue while the Sport is the longtime Mitsubishi product. If that makes any difference to you.

It does, but see my reply to @Zee09 above. Life is full of decisions...

Given how little I anticipate driving it and under which conditions I should probably be asking about corrosion resistance rather than engines because I expect road salt will kill it long before mechanical wear.

 

[Zee09]

I understand what you're saying but I already own two DI-only vehicles (Mazda, Nissan) and haven't had any issues with either. The 10/100,000 powertrain warranty makes me feel better about it, as does the Japanese manufacture.

I apparently drive exactly like the EPA dyno because I've always gotten the same or better MPG than the window sticker. For a one-time cost difference of around 5K it's tempting if the payback is increased room, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

Yeah I drove many....you can get 40 mpg on the interstate if you know how to drive frugal. Avoid the 20 inch tires...they ruin the ride.

 

[Zee09]

In case you weren’t aware, the Outlander is basically a Nissan Rogue while the Sport is the longtime Mitsubishi product. If that makes any difference to you.

Just don’t buy White

 

[SC Maintenance]

Direct Injected and a good reason to avoid it

Nissan has had lots and lots of problems. Direct Injection is not one of them. They seem to have mastered that one somehow.

 

[Elkins45]

Just don’t buy White

Why? I still have half a gallon of Rustoleum left over from my Scion LOL.

 

[Zee09]

Why? I still have half a gallon of Rustoleum left over from my Scion LOL.

Search WRK here
Good luck....

 

[Kira]

Same Power train.

No they don't. Outlander has a 2.5l, Outlander Sport has a 2.0l.

Does the Sport's engine has a hotter camshaft?

 

[Elkins45]

No they don't. Outlander has a 2.5l, Outlander Sport has a 2.0l.

Does the Sport's engine has a hotter camshaft?

I think he was comparing the Outlander to the Nissan Rogue.

 

[Jetronic]

They both use the same Jatco wide ratio 3rd generation CVT - so you can rule that out. It came out in 2020 and I have yet to hear of one failing. If anyone knows of one failing please let me know - I am interested in possibly owning a vehicle with one in it.

The Outlander uses the Nissan 2.5 which has been around since 2018. It is direct injected. Its been very reliable best I can tell. The sport uses a Mits engine I don't know much about.

Also its the EPA test case, so your personal use conditions may vary.

the mitsu engine is a 2.0 version of the chrysler 2.4 the world engine.