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Hyundai Sonata Real World MPG

581 messages,  Last post on Nov 22, 2009 at 1:56 PM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)


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#572 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [8babies1dog] by lightfootfl
Nov 09, 2009 (7:00 am)
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Replying to: 8babies1dog (Nov 07, 2009 5:33 pm)

Thanks for your input. I too, am light on accelerations, and coasting, etc also keep my tire pressure at 33-34, and AC on always. Unfortunately I still haven't reached anywhere near a 30mpg figure even on highway w/cruise (70mph). My overall avg from beginning is 18.7mpg for 19,000miles. I would love to have that increased, but everything I try still hasn't done the trick. My city is Pensacola, and traffic here isn't as bad as some, still there are times that "try men's souls". At times on hwy I have over 125mi trip each way averaged in the mid 20's. Anyway, was just curious about others. Again, thanks for your input.
van
#573 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [lightfootfl] by lightfootfl
Nov 09, 2009 (9:24 am)
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Replying to: lightfootfl (Nov 09, 2009 7:00 am)

Ooops my mistake.. just checked again, and it is 19.7 instead of 18.7. Think I must have hit the wrong key. I should have checked earlier when I could have edited the figure.
 
van
#574 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [lightfootfl] by james1982
Nov 09, 2009 (3:19 pm)
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Replying to: lightfootfl (Nov 09, 2009 9:24 am)

lightfootfl:
 
I always average 33-34 MPG, without fail. I have the ’09 GLS I4 manual transmission with about 10k miles on it.
 
Here are some things that I do to help me squeeze out every MPG I can…
 
1.) Eliminate all excess weight in your car. My trunk is completely empty (except for the tire and jack). Inside the car I have my son’s car seat, and my umbrella. That’s it. There’s nothing in the glove box or center console.
 
2.) I check my tire pressure at every fill up and add air accordingly.
 
3.) I coast whenever I can. With a manual transmission, this is very easy for me. On the highway, I can coast at 55 MPH and as far as the engine’s concerned, I’m idling at a stop light. Coasting is a HUGE gas saver.
 
4.) I never gun the engine, or “jackrabbit” start. I also try to never come to a complete stop – if I see a red light ahead, I try to coast all the way to it in the hope that it will turn green before I have to completely stop.
 
5.) I always use cruise control on the highway.
 
6.) I never drive over 60 MPH on the highway. Anything over 60 and you’re just losing fuel efficiency. You said you drive 70 on the highway. Stop. Even if the speed limit is 70, that doesn’t mean you have to drive 70. No matter what the speed limit is on the highway, you will always find me in the right lane going 55-60. In addition to saving gas, I notice that the road completely opens up – I never have to hit my breaks, change lanes, or readjust my cruise control. It’s great. In fact, I have never driven my car faster that 60, and I don’t ever plan to.
 
There you go. Those are my 6 “secrets” to 33-34 MPG on every tank.
 
Everyone will have an opinion on #6. Some people will say it’s dangerous and causes traffic. Others will say that they would rather save 4 minutes on a trip and drive 70. I don’t care. It’s how I choose to drive, if you don’t like it, you can pass me. I am always careful to stay in the right lane.
 
One last thing, don’t go by your MPG calculator on your instrument panel – it’s not always accurate. I calculate my MPG manually at every fill up. This is the best way to do it.
 
I hope that helps.
#575 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [james1982] by backy
Nov 09, 2009 (4:24 pm)
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Replying to: james1982 (Nov 09, 2009 3:19 pm)

Driving under the speed limit (but above the minimum posted speed) is legal. Not sure I'd personally go 10-15 mph under the limit on a highway under normal conditions if there's any traffic at all, but it's legal.
 
But you (and others) should check your state laws re coasting downhill in neutral... in at least some states it is illegal. Also not a good idea for safety, IMO.
 
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
#576 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [backy] by james1982
Nov 09, 2009 (5:13 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Nov 09, 2009 4:24 pm)

But you (and others) should check your state laws re coasting downhill in neutral... in at least some states it is illegal.
 
Yeah, it is illegal here in Virginia. I'm not sure how anyone could "catch me" in the act, but, you are right - it's illegal here and in many, many jurisdictions.
 
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
 
I do. Though I may drive slow, I do try to be respectful of others and am always mindful of turnlanes and the like. For example, if someone is merging on the highway and I should either speedup/slow down to give them room, I always do.
 
Good MPG is useless if you're not a safe driver.
#577 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [james1982] by lightfootfl
Nov 11, 2009 (7:08 am)
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Replying to: james1982 (Nov 09, 2009 3:19 pm)

Thanks for your info. There is a lot of difference between 4cyl and 6cyl though. I do go along with a lot of what you say, however my coasting is only coming up to lights and I do try to keep the vehicle "empty" of misc weight tho, keep tires aired, etc. Overall we aren't much different, but I will still stick with a little higher speed than 60, when I am on the highway as I usually am going a pretty long distance. Obviously around town loops, bypasses, etc I don't count them, depending. Anyway, thanks again for your input.
 
van
#578 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [lightfootfl] by 8babies1dog
Nov 11, 2009 (8:53 am)
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Replying to: lightfootfl (Nov 11, 2009 7:08 am)

I think you did mention you have the new version 2009 Sonata I4? Even if it is not the new version you should " IN THEORY" get a minimum of at least as good or
a little better than the V6. The I4 is made by Hyundai just like the V6 so it will
get that kind of MPG on an average, some owners post that on their reviews as they do w/ the V6. BUT in some cases they also report the same findings as you do. Example 2 brothers bought a new Sonata GLS about the same time 1 got the
I4 the other a V6 and the fellow with the I4 stated his brother beat his MPH calculation by a significant amount every fill up, he also said they both drive in the
same area and conservatively. He received a number of replys that did complain of
the same problem, others gave suggestions on how they drove to achieve a much
better rating. What I had suggested is to go back to the dealer and have them
check to see what the problem is " there is a problem probably mechanically" I
would also be upset if I chose the I4 over the V6 for MPG reasons and that is what
happened. Go to the dealer or several Hyundai dealers or a mechanic or even as
for as the Sonata plant in Alabama, they advertise this vehicle to do certain things
they should stand behind it, it's mechanical and that should be considered a drive
trane problem. If they can't fix it I would consider the possibility of checking into the
Lemon Law description. Good luck with your problem. Please post your findings it
may help others with the same problem. Have a good day!!
#579 of 581
Re: V-6 Average MPG in town? [8babies1dog] by lightfootfl
Nov 12, 2009 (5:20 am)
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Replying to: 8babies1dog (Nov 11, 2009 8:53 am)

Thanks for coming in with your comments. No I don't have a 4cyl mine is the V6 LX model (2006). I have about 21000miles on it now. Still love it, it has been a very good vehicle for me.
 
van
#580 of 581
Re: I owned 4 different sonatas so far [hyundai6] by eagle2a
Nov 21, 2009 (10:40 am)
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Replying to: hyundai6 (Dec 10, 2008 4:33 pm)

I am wondering if you are using ethanol laced gasoline.
 
In my part of the country it is not uncommon to run into most filling stations pumping only 10% ethanol gasoline. This blend as opposed to pure gasoline, will reduce my mileage between 10 and 20%.
 
This is not the kind of savings I'm interested in. I much prefer to run 100% gasoline. When I do run 100% gasoline I can get between 20 and 22 miles per gallon in town. And between 32 and 37 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on how windy it is and if I'm running air-conditioning and of course, how fast I'm driving. I normally drive on the highway between 60 and 65 miles an hour. I have a 2006 Sonata four cylinder four speed automatic.
 
I have been quite happy with my car since I purchased it new in June 2006.
#581 of 581
Re: I owned 4 different sonatas so far [eagle2a] by bhmr59
Nov 22, 2009 (1:56 pm)
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Replying to: eagle2a (Nov 21, 2009 10:40 am)

I'm in CT and the entire state has been required to use that 10% ethonal crap for about 20 years. At that time gas prices were not volitile and that crap added over $.05 per gallon while reducing typical MPG 10 to 20%, as you stated.
 
Our all knowing government looking out for us again! Big Brother knows better.
 
So, if I use 20% more fuel and if the emissions from my car are not at least 21% less, who or what gains? I think the answer is the *#^!* government which collects tax per gallon. Meanwhile the people have to pay more per gallon and use more gallons.

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