Mitsubishi Endeavor: The Crossover That Balances Power and Efficiency!

Mitsubishi Endeavor: The Crossover That Balances Power and Efficiency!

Discover the Mitsubishi Endeavor: a mid-size crossover SUV with a spacious interior, impressive fuel tank capacity of 21.4 gallons, and moderate fuel efficiency. Learn how this vehicle stacks up against competitors and explore tips to maximize your driving range. Uncover the legacy of the Endeavor and Mitsubishi’s strides in electrification! Read now for all the essential details and fuel-saving secrets!

Fuel Tank Capacity

The Mitsubishi Endeavor comes equipped with a generous fuel tank capacity, allowing for extended driving ranges between fill-ups:

• Fuel tank capacity: 21.4 gallons

This substantial fuel tank size provides drivers with the convenience of fewer stops at the gas station, especially during long trips.

Fuel Efficiency

The Endeavor’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the model year and drivetrain configuration. Here’s a breakdown of the EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2011 model:

It’s worth noting that these figures are estimates, and actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions, maintenance, and individual driving habits.

Cruising Range

Based on the fuel tank capacity and EPA-estimated fuel economy, we can calculate the approximate cruising range for the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor:

• City driving range (FWD): 321 miles
• Highway driving range (FWD): 449.4 miles

These ranges demonstrate that the Endeavor can cover significant distances on a single tank of fuel, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips.

Efficiency Across Variants and Generations

The Mitsubishi Endeavor’s fuel efficiency remained relatively consistent throughout its production run, with minor variations between model years. Here’s a look at the average MPG for different model years:

These figures are based on real-world data from Endeavor owners, providing a more accurate representation of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency in everyday use.

Engine and Performance

The Mitsubishi Endeavor was powered by a single engine option throughout its production run:

• Engine: 3.8L 6G75 SOHC 24v V6
• Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5000 RPM
• Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM

This robust V6 engine provided ample power for the Endeavor, balancing performance with reasonable fuel efficiency for its class.

Transmission

The Endeavor was equipped with a:

• 4-speed automatic transmission

While this transmission was reliable, it’s worth noting that many competitors had moved to 5 or 6-speed transmissions by the end of the Endeavor’s production run, which could have potentially improved fuel efficiency.

Did You Know?

Here are some interesting facts about the Mitsubishi Endeavor and its fuel-related features:

1. The Endeavor was built on Mitsubishi’s PS platform, which it shared with the Galant sedan and Eclipse coupe.
2. Despite its SUV styling, the Endeavor was classified as a crossover due to its unibody construction, which helped improve fuel efficiency compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
3. The Endeavor’s all-wheel-drive system was designed to improve traction in various conditions while minimizing the impact on fuel economy.
4. Mitsubishi offered a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty on the Endeavor, which covered the engine and transmission, providing peace of mind for owners concerned about long-term reliability and efficiency.
5. The Endeavor’s fuel tank was positioned to maintain a low center of gravity, contributing to better handling and stability without compromising fuel capacity.

Electric Range and Efficiency

It’s important to note that the Mitsubishi Endeavor was not offered as an electric or hybrid vehicle. Therefore, it does not have an electric range or efficiency ratings typically associated with electrified vehicles. The Endeavor relied solely on its gasoline engine for power.

However, for context, let’s discuss Mitsubishi’s progress in electrification since the Endeavor’s discontinuation:

Mitsubishi’s Electrification Efforts

While the Endeavor was a traditional gasoline-powered SUV, Mitsubishi has made significant strides in vehicle electrification in recent years:

• Mitsubishi i-MiEV: Launched in 2009, this was one of the first mass-produced electric vehicles.
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Introduced in 2013, this plug-in hybrid SUV has become one of the best-selling PHEVs globally.

Outlander PHEV Efficiency (for comparison)

To give you an idea of how far Mitsubishi has come since the Endeavor, here are some efficiency figures for the Outlander PHEV (2023 model):

• Electric-only range: 38 miles
• Combined fuel economy (gas + electric): 64 MPGe
• Gas-only fuel economy: 26 MPG combined

These figures demonstrate the significant improvements in efficiency that electrification can bring to SUVs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles like the Endeavor.

Improving Fuel Efficiency in the Mitsubishi Endeavor

While the Endeavor’s fuel efficiency was average for its class and time, owners could take several steps to maximize their vehicle’s fuel economy:

1. Regular maintenance: Keeping up with scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
2. Proper tire inflation: Ensuring tires are inflated to the recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance.
3. Smooth driving: Avoiding rapid acceleration and hard braking can significantly improve real-world fuel economy.
4. Reduce idle time: Turning off the engine when parked or waiting for extended periods can save fuel.
5. Remove excess weight: Clearing out unnecessary items from the vehicle can improve fuel efficiency, especially in an SUV with ample cargo space like the Endeavor.

Comparing the Endeavor to Competitors

To put the Mitsubishi Endeavor’s fuel efficiency into perspective, let’s compare it to some of its contemporaries in the mid-size SUV segment (2011 models, FWD variants):

As we can see, the Endeavor’s fuel efficiency was somewhat lower than its main competitors. This could be attributed to factors such as:

• The Endeavor’s older 4-speed transmission compared to more advanced 5 or 6-speed transmissions in competitors
• Less advanced engine technology
• The Endeavor’s body design, which may have been less aerodynamic than some competitors

The Legacy of the Mitsubishi Endeavor

While the Mitsubishi Endeavor may not have been a leader in fuel efficiency, it offered several compelling features that made it attractive to buyers:

• Spacious interior: The Endeavor provided ample passenger and cargo space, making it practical for families and those needing versatility.
• Comfortable ride: Many owners praised the Endeavor for its smooth and comfortable ride quality.
• Distinctive styling: The Endeavor’s unique design helped it stand out in a crowded SUV market.
• Reliability: Backed by Mitsubishi’s warranty, the Endeavor developed a reputation for reliability among owners.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Endeavor, with its 21.4-gallon fuel tank and moderate fuel efficiency, offered a balance of performance and practicality for SUV buyers in the 2000s. While its fuel economy figures may not have been class-leading, the Endeavor provided a comfortable, spacious, and reliable option in the mid-size SUV segment.

As we’ve seen, Mitsubishi has since made significant strides in vehicle efficiency and electrification with models like the Outlander PHEV. This progress demonstrates the rapid evolution of automotive technology and the industry’s shift towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.

For those who own or are considering a used Mitsubishi Endeavor, understanding its fuel capacity and efficiency can help in planning trips and managing running costs. By following fuel-saving tips and maintaining the vehicle properly, owners can maximize the Endeavor’s efficiency and enjoy its many positive attributes.