I used the cruise control as much as possible, generally going between 70 and 75 mph. From Austin to Dallas, I averaged 26 mpg! From there, my fuel average dropped to about 24. Btw, I have a 2wd SE.
I was really curious how the gas mileage would be thru the Smoky Mountains in east Tenn/ west NC. Surprisingly, my mileage wasnt effected much thru the mountains. I guess going up, then coasting down, kinda averages out. I still averaged about 22 mpg. I did reset the trip computer about 1/2 way between Nasheville and Knoxville... the terrain starting getting "hilly" after Nasheville.
For anyone that hasnt seen one, the next 2 pics are of an emergency truck stop on a steep grade thru the mountains. Basically, it is a dirt exit ramp with soft piles of dirt at the end to stop a big truck if the brakes go out.
I can only imagine what the rush would be to have to use one of these when brakes go out on an 18 wheeler.
And, here is a scenic pic that I took while driving...
I am coming out of a tunnel that goes thru a mountain. This is near Asheville, NC.
Ever see Kudzu vine? This stuff grows like mad in Tennessee. As you can see, it will completely cover anything in its path.
