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Kia Forte Real World MPG

64 messages,  Last post on Jun 01, 2013 at 8:53 PM

You are in the Kia Forte / Forte Koup Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Forte, Kia Forte Koup, Sedan

Messages Page 6 of 7

#49 of 64 Re: kiampginfo.com REFUSES to help [anowellindc] by conwelpic

Dec 08, 2012 (8:39 am)

Replying to: anowellindc (Dec 08, 2012 7:49 am)
have had the specs checked by the dealer? that's not the site to use for your problem anyway, they are just there to answer questions with regards the rebate program, you should be posing your complaint to the Kia Motors US website
 
The 2.0L Forte engine and the Soul 2.0L engine are not the same. The Forte has used the same Theta II series engine since its introduction in 2010.
The 2.0L Nu series engine in the Soul was new for 2012.
 
this is the EPA tests, note the times/distance and the average speed for the highway and city ratings. Also test vehicles have many thousands of miles too. They are not tested new and also use 100% gasoline at sea-level.
 

 
this is worth a read too:
http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/heres-why-real-world-mpg-doesnt-match-epa-ra- - tings.html

#50 of 64 Re: kiampginfo.com REFUSES to help [conwelpic] by anowellindc

Dec 08, 2012 (9:45 am)

Replying to: conwelpic (Dec 08, 2012 8:39 am)
conwelpic
 
Thanks for the info and links, especially about the engine. That is definitely good to know. It helps no one to present a false argument. I tried finding that info myself (should have just called the dealer) but wasn't able to confirm (hence the "seemingly the same"). I will be dropping that argument from here on out.
 
Here's the funny thing though. After speaking with KIA reps for one month and using the same information, that is the first time that anyone has corrected me on the engine data. Originally, I tried going through the Consumer Assistance department at KIA, but they always sent my case back to the MPG Reimbursement department.
 
And trust me, I didn't buy this car expecting a combined fuel cycle of 29 mpg (advertised). I assumed that it would be a little less. But we're talking about 8mpg below what is advertised which could be a difference of hundreds of dollars come year end based on continued driving cycle (which is by necessity very steady).
 
Also, while my scrutiny hasn't been as focused at other times, I have always taken note of the mpg figures for other cars I have driven (not a small sum) in the recent past. This includes being able to post a real-world mpg of 26 (combined) for a 2013 ford mustang V6 (what I was doing renting a mustang and then driving it like a 1st gen toyota prius is a completely different story) over the course of two fillups.
 
The numbers are always different than what is advertised and I understand why. It is a complicated issue that does require a lot of technical knowledge. But at least a part of the problem comes with KIA's refusal to even consider the issue, despite the fact that the EPA has forced them to correct the numbers for a large portion of their lineup. And parent company Hyundai has had to do the same.
 
It's not like I'm a bandwagon complainer/opportunist just trying to get some free money. I wrote my first post about this issue before the announcement was made by the EPA and KIA. To tell the truth, I really like the Forte overall. Unfortunately, budget is a very serious concern of mine and every dollar has to be watched and accounted for. Spending $40-70 more than was budgeted (when I bought the car the budgeted for a combined mpg of only 26, the posted city cycle for mpg) every month makes a difference for me.
 
If anyone else has data or info that they think is helpful for understanding this situation, I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks!

#51 of 64 Re: kiampginfo.com REFUSES to help [anowellindc] by conwelpic

Dec 08, 2012 (11:12 am)

Replying to: anowellindc (Dec 08, 2012 9:45 am)
just a bit more trivia - the 2010 and 2011 Soul used the Beta II series 2.0L engine.
The new upcoming 2014 Forte will be using different series engines too.
 
I would try and narrow down your specific area of excessive fuel consumption by resetting the AVERAGE on your computer gauge for short test sections, which could give you a better guide as to where it might be occurring, even though you claim its not reading right, it would still help you. I find on my Soul (2012 2.0L model) that is sometimes optimistic by .2L/100 km (I'm in Canada) and sometimes pessimistic by approximately the same, so overall its pretty close to actual manual calculations so for all intents and purposes its reasonable accurate to go off it.
E.G. set it for the highway driving only, you said 65 mph, then try it again at 55 mph and see what you get. Also reset it for city traffic say for 5-10 miles or whatever that section of driving that you do on a daily basis. It will give you a rough idea when the fuel is being used the most and under what conditions its happening.
 
On my 2.0L Soul over 21 fill-ups my average is 8.3L/100 km or 28.3 to the US gallon, worse was 9.1 (25.8) and best was 7.3 (32.2). But my driving conditions could be totally different to yours. On short checks I've seen it get as low as 5.3 (44.4) but that soon changes as your driving speed increases.

#52 of 64 Re: press request [kirstie_h] by coffey4

Feb 24, 2013 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Nov 02, 2012 8:59 am)
mave 2010 kia forte 4 door i was told i would get 35-42mpg and i have never gotten that much 30 mpg would have to be the most ever what can be done about this i was lied to and basically raped on this deal i thin kia should be held reliable

#53 of 64 Follow-up by bluepig

Feb 24, 2013 (6:03 pm)

The suggestion to reset my mileage would have been a good one, if in fact that digital indicator reflected anything close to actual. The only way to determine actual is to fill you tank at the same station, using the same pump (if possible), and lock the fill handle so that it auto shuts off when full: Don't add more fuel, because that will distort your actual mileage. When your car is full reset your trip indicator (I always do both, time traveled, and average mpg). Drive until near full, note the miles, and fill up again. When you have the total gallons, divide that into your miles traveled, and then you will have the actual. If I relied on my trip indicator, I would drive this piece of crap off a cliff, as the trip says I'm getting between 22 and 24.8 on any given tank.
 
In Utah another serious consideration is tire inflation. Any location where temperatures vary wildly, your tire pressure can vary as much as 8-10 psi.
 
Since my last post my averages are between 25.8 and 26.7, no better, no worse, and it does not matter if I'm on the highway all the time, or mixed driving.
 
I am now at 13k miles and am starting to notice other potential problems. Both of my headlights are collecting moisture internal to the sealed housing. There is a weep tube at the bottom of the headlamp enclosure, but it is not supposed to allow moisture in, rather it's a one way leak tube for condensation. The engine is now starting to make valve noise, as in it either needs the valves adjusted, or its wearing poorly. My first two oil services were at the dealer at recommended intervals (3 & 6k miles), my last two were me doing the oil with a full synthetic per the manual, and Bosch filters. I do not read anything anywhere on the KIA site that suggests anything other than synthetic, aside from the break-in oil.
 
I have two friends that are attorneys, both of which were willing to take this on as a class action filling and on contingency. If we are able to get a filling I will post that disposition on this site.
 
Unfortunately I have decided to look into selling my KIA Forte 5 and getting a Honda or Toyota where the actual mileages posted are closer to real world, as per both users groups. The new Dodge Dart also looks like it might be a candidate, but I want to hear actual mileage results prior to moving that direction.
 
If I were a leftist socialist democrat, I would sit out in front of the dealer with a sign indicating actual mileage as compared to advertised. Fortunately I have a brain and a full time job, so doing so would be nearly impossible. Someone has to pay the tab for the worthless illegals that are infecting this nation.

#54 of 64 Kia Forte Mileage by blacktiger

Mar 24, 2013 (4:12 pm)

Mileage ratings attract customers, bottom line. For EPA ratings cars are tested at optimal settings including, but not limited to, over-inflated tires and software adjustments then driven very conservatively. They can do these things because power, handling and durability are not factors in these tests. They give two numbers on the sticker, the higher attracts business, the lower covers their "liabilities."
 
That being said, my 2013 FORTE came with 26/36 on the sticker. I drive about 90% on interstate highways. At first it was getting mileage in the mid-30s, but the handling was a bit squirrely. The tires were inflated to 40psi though the door sticker specifies 32psi. I reduced pressure to 32. The car now handles like it's on rails but, the mileage now averages 32MPG with me usually running about 80 MPH. Routinely driven at 65-70 it averaged as high as 39.
 
So, this car is doing exactly what I expect it to do, and more. The 6-speed automatic requires no attention, manual mode is fun while protecting the engine from overreving. Cruise Control maintains EXACT speed set. This FORTE reasonably quick, steady, stable and predictable at all speeds yet goes over washboard clay roads with little notice.
 
Fit and finish, not to mention styling, are impeccable. I may have the best one they've ever built.

#55 of 64 INCREDIBLE MILEAGE IS POSSIBLE by blacktiger

Mar 28, 2013 (11:05 pm)

The key to high fuel mileage is limiting speed. My car is a 2013 Kia Forte EX 2.0, 6-speed auto. Took delivery 12/14/12 and already driven 8400 miles. My commute to work is a 70 mile loop, 99% Interstate and I've been using that to experiment with this car, resetting the MPG computer and using this wonderfully accurate cruise control. Running 80 MPH the car averaged 27-28 MPG, I wasn't any happier than some others who have posted here. Dropped down to 75-70 for an entire week and averages and MPG went up to 32. This week I dropped the maximum to 65 MPH and achieved between 35 and 36 MPG. Then, tonight I made the entire 35 mile trip at 55 and reached 44 MPG!

#56 of 64 Re: INCREDIBLE MILEAGE IS POSSIBLE [blacktiger] by blacktiger

Mar 29, 2013 (11:31 pm)

Replying to: blacktiger (Mar 28, 2013 11:05 pm)
UPDATE:
 
Today I filled up, reset and drove the commute to work at the posted limits of 70MPH for 20 miles and 65MPH for 15 miles. Resulted in an average of 37MPG. Returned home at 55MPH and average remains 37MPG.
 
Am not resetting until the next fill-up and at that time will do the math and compare the computer's average with the math, miles divided by gallons purchased. Appears that driving some distance at a low speed may re-calibrate the fuel delivery ratios. Will keep you posted.

#57 of 64 Re: INCREDIBLE MILEAGE IS POSSIBLE [blacktiger] by blacktiger

Apr 02, 2013 (11:12 pm)

Replying to: blacktiger (Mar 28, 2013 11:05 pm)
Follow-up II:
 
Filled up tonight. No top-off. Tank capacity 13.7 gallons.
 
Computer readings:
Miles driven 419
MPG 35.7
Range 67
Avg MPH 45
 
Receipt:
Gallons 11.257
 
The math:
419/11.257=37.22MPG!
 
Actual range. Remaining fuel in the tank 2.443 gallons X 37.22MPG=90 miles. This makes total range 509 miles!

#58 of 64 Re: INCREDIBLE MILEAGE IS POSSIBLE [blacktiger] by blacktiger

Apr 02, 2013 (11:21 pm)

Replying to: blacktiger (Apr 02, 2013 11:12 pm)
How did I do this?
 
On Friday, filled up and drove to work the 35 miles at 65-75 MPH, as posted. Work 2nd shift so, when I get off at midnight there is little traffic. Drove home at 55 MPH. Just before I made my off-ramp, though, a VOLVO semi truck nearly ran over me. Since then, Monday and Tues, I have drove home at 65. Also, on Saturday I drove to a carwash in Florence, round trip 40 miles then, Lexington and back, mostly 70 MPH on Interstate but some stop and go in town as well. Round trip 100 miles. On Sunday, went to see my sister, 60 miles over a curvy two-lane at 45 MPH or less.
 
So, unlock the high mileage your FORTE is capable of.
1. Drive it at least 20 miles at 55 MPH.
2. Drive no faster than 70 MPH.
3. USE THE CRUISE!
 
Let us know if this works for you.

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