Hyundai Veracruz Real World MPG

Replies to this message:
• 1trulove (May 07, 2008 11:49 am)
  • lmf4159 (May 07, 2008 12:06 pm)
    • jbetten (May 07, 2008 5:07 pm)

Replying to: carbuyer11 (May 06, 2008 7:07 pm)

When you say "highway trips" how close to 65 mph to you cruise? Anything over that will reduce mileage, so the low 20's at high speeds with AWD isn't that bad.
Check you tire pressure also, increasing the:psi (but not over-inflation) will also help mileage, particularly on the highway.

Replies to this message:
• lmf4159 (May 07, 2008 12:06 pm)
  • jbetten (May 07, 2008 5:07 pm)

Replying to: 1trulove (May 07, 2008 11:49 am)

Replies to this message:
• jbetten (May 07, 2008 5:07 pm)

Replying to: lmf4159 (May 07, 2008 12:06 pm)

I feel your pain. My wife drives mostly in town with lots of stop and go (picking up - dropping off kids). We're are getting between 13 - 15 MPG after about 600 miles. I know its really new, so there may be a bit of loosening needed in the engine. She if not "light footed" at all (I keep nagging - though), so this doesn't surprise me, but I'm sure we we were getting 16 - 18 MPG in our Honda Oddyssy. It seems that the first gear in the VC is rather low, not suprising with 6 gears to go through, but this doesn't help MPG any. This will rev up the engine quickly for speed, but also suck gas, if abused. Our tire are also at 35 PSI, which I think is good for better MPG. I wouldn't go higher though. I don't feel that the oil type will affect MPG much, but I personally wouldn't switch to syn before 10K miles. If you do, then extend your oil change interval accordingly (5K - 6K miles). Syn oil is good for this interval unless you do REALLY hard driving / temp conditions. As far as geting better MPG, you could use the "manual" shift mode and start out in gear 2 from a stop, and shift more quickly than auto mode would (lower RPM). This would take practice, especially getting used to shifting the AUTO-manual! But the point is that shifting at lower RPM will use less gas. Accerate slowly from stops and coast (long before you ge to a red light) like you are on a mission to save gas! This is about all you can do with a 4 - 5K lb car with a big engine to save gas. The best thing to do is drive in the 45 - 55 MPH range with minimal changes in speed. Doing this consistantly will get 20+ MPG. Good luck and enjoy!

All of lmf4159's comments were spot on. Keep the tire pressure up over 35 psi and go easy on the gas is the best action for city economy. I too don't know if synthetic will help with city gas mileage, but it will help the longevity of your engine. Since Hyundai allows 7,500 mile oil changes, it makes sense if your not driving in dusty or salty air. It will help on highway trips too. This is a good time to add that Hyundai should make a Hybrid - they are very efficient for city driving and make sense if that is what to predominantly do.
Final question - has anyone tried an air filter upgrade, or a more advanced air intake system? Some by Voilant, K&N, etc. say that they can inmorve both power and economy.

Replies to this message:
• posystm (May 21, 2008 10:36 am)
  • steve_ (May 21, 2008 10:41 am)
    • posystm (May 21, 2008 10:51 am) and 1 more...

Replying to: 1trulove (May 16, 2008 10:45 am)

Replies to this message:
• steve_ (May 21, 2008 10:41 am)
  • posystm (May 21, 2008 10:51 am)
    • 1trulove (May 22, 2008 12:11 pm)

Replying to: posystm (May 21, 2008 10:36 am)

Replies to this message:
• posystm (May 21, 2008 10:51 am)
  • 1trulove (May 22, 2008 12:11 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (May 21, 2008 10:41 am)

Replies to this message:
• 1trulove (May 22, 2008 12:11 pm)

Replying to: posystm (May 21, 2008 10:51 am)

I agree, 15K is a good time to change, but you said you have not reset your odometer since new. It would be best to reset now and get a tankfull or two of readings under your current normal driving conditions with the old air filter. Then with the new paper one. And, finally with the K&N. Taking readings at each fillup is the best comparison, but you can also do the calculations.
I'm on my 3hd tank since changing to synthethic and have consistently experienced a 1 - 1.5 mpg increase (or about 4-5%). Again, most of my driving is on rural and suburban roads at 50 to 60 mph. Only about 10% in light city traffic.
We're going a a major road trip this Summer and I intend to keep good records. Will give a full report on Car top luggage, Highway and mountain driving in the Fall.

Replies to this message:
• posystm (May 29, 2008 11:31 am)
  • fpostadan (Jul 03, 2008 4:36 am)
    • posystm (Jul 16, 2008 11:52 am)
  • showbizk (Nov 06, 2008 6:54 am)
    • posystm (Nov 19, 2008 12:51 pm)