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Hyundai Elantra Real World MPG 2012

745 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2013 at 10:29 AM

You are in the Hyundai Elantra Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Elantra, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 13 of 75

#120 of 745 Re: Hyundai Elantra Real World MPG 2012 [tenpin288] by dodgeman07

Jan 11, 2012 (7:12 am)

Replying to: tenpin288 (Jan 10, 2012 8:25 pm)
Actually it is true. The highway test top speed is 60 mph.
 
You need to re-read the EPA test critieria. The new EPA (in 2008) hwy numbers don't only include the hwy portion of the test. That's why they are (usually) much lower than the pre-2008 numbers that ONLY included the Hwy test you cite. The testing takes into account various factors to allow for high speed driving over long distances. That's what EPA Hwy numbers are supposed to reflect, not short commutes under 10 miles.
 
Most people can easily hit the EPA Hwy numbers driving 65 to 70mph on the highway. I'm basing this on actual drivers and actual cars; me, friends, family, acquaintances, etc. The EPA Hwy numbers were revised (usually 10% or more downward) after the Hwy only portion you cite was modified to reflect the other test critieria.
 
Again, most drivers easily hit the EPA Hwy numbers these days if driving 70 mph or less on over-the-road type driving. I'll quit beating the dead horse now. If you still think the Elantra's EPA 40 mpg Hwy estimate was obtained at under 60 mph, so be it. You're wrong.

#121 of 745 Highwar results in real world by g2iowa

Jan 11, 2012 (8:23 am)

Elantra owners should get to know their cars well at highway speeds. By this I mean study the speed, tachometer reading, and achieved fuel economy. Compare tach readings at 60 mph, 65, 70, and 75. Obviously, the higher the speed the higher the RPMs and the lower the FE. Max highway fuel economy is usually in the 60-65 mph steady state range. My recent longer trip was mostly (about 90%) at 70 mph using active Eco and cruise and I achieved nearly 37 mpg. A shorter one, that had some city driving but was nearly 80% 62 mph interstate with Eco and cruise achieved 38 mpg. Both on 87 octane non-ethanol.

#122 of 745 Very dissapointed by knocker81

Jan 13, 2012 (7:20 am)

I have my 2011 Elantra for a month now and all I can say is I'm very dissapointed. I've been driving a 2009 Corolla for the last 3 years averaging 28-30 miles a gal, but with this Elantra only 24-25 mpg. It has only 900 miles on it but I just can't see more than a few miles improvement. The reason I went with the Elantra is for the gas mileage, I don't see how they can claim 29/40, it's not even close. I thought I would average at least 31mpg, it's still new so I'm gonna be patient.

#123 of 745 A Hyundai explanation regarding city FE by g2iowa

Jan 14, 2012 (8:04 am)

Check out the link to the interesting Ward's article that is on the new "Hyundai Car of the Year" forum. This excerpt caught my eye:
 
"Typically, what we find is these are urban drivers who have a lot of time, much more time than they realize, just sitting and idling at a stop sign,” Krafcik says. “When we show them that’s much more severe than the EPA city-cycle, and that here are some tips on how you can drive the car, the light bulb goes off.”
 
Interesting. I suspect people do seriously underestimate the time spent at stop lights and stop signs which is why the Europeans are making a big deal about the auto stop/start feature, which I believe they include in their FE calculations but which our EPA may not? Hyundai may explore that feature in near future, esp. if other car makers add to their small fuel efficient vehicles? Guess only time will tell.

#124 of 745 Re: A Hyundai explanation regarding city FE [g2iowa] by backy

Jan 14, 2012 (10:25 am)

Replying to: g2iowa (Jan 14, 2012 8:04 am)
Hyundai already has access to the start/stop technology for non-hybrid cars--the 2012 Rio has it available. Also I see the next Fusion will offer that feature. So maybe we'll start seeing it on more cars, including the Elantra, in the near future.
 
It would be interesting I think for Hyundai to offer a "high FE" version of the Elantra with the 1.6L GDI engine with auto stop/start--which is what the Rio has now. IMO 138 hp is plenty for a car of the Elantra's size and weight--it's the same or a little more than the Elantra has offered prior to the 2011 MY, and I think the 2011-12 Elantra is a little lighter than the previous two generations (mostly because the cast iron block Beta engine is gone).
 
Then they could also offer a sport version of the Elantra (maybe in the new coupe) with the new ~200 hp 1.6L turbo that's going into the Veloster, for those who want to go fast in their Elantras.

#125 of 745 highway mpg = 30 by mikewallace1

Jan 14, 2012 (6:27 pm)

I just drove about 60 miles (2x30) and I averaged 30.4.
 
I used cruise at 65.
 
There is no way this car can even sniff 40. It was a struggle to get 30.
 
It looks like for every 1 person able to get 40 there are 4 other that don't come close. I'd say there is a manufacturing issue or just false claims.
 
I will be probably be filing a complaint soon.

#126 of 745 Re: highway mpg = 30 [mikewallace1] by backy

Jan 15, 2012 (11:14 am)

Replying to: mikewallace1 (Jan 14, 2012 6:27 pm)
If this was under controlled conditions, there is probably something wrong with your car, and you should document your test in writing and talk with the dealer.
 
Can you tell us more about how you did the test, e.g.:
 
* How did you measure fuel economy?
* If you used the trip computer, when did you reset the Average readout?
* What was the terrain?
* What was weather like, esp. temperature and wind?
* Did you stay at a constant 65 for both legs of the trip, or were there stops or passing?
* What were tire pressures?
* Any other passengers and/or cargo?

#127 of 745 Re: highway mpg = 30 [backy] by mikewallace1

Jan 15, 2012 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jan 15, 2012 11:14 am)
I used the computer since I was in the middle of a tank so it was probably even less than stated.
 
I started the trip computer after I had the cruise control set at 65. The stated mpg was strictly highway. I reset it in the same manner on the return trip.
 
The terrain was not flat. Slight grades throughout.
 
No wind, temps 35.
 
Constant 65. I had to get off the cruise just once on the return trip.
 
Not sure what the tire pressures are, but the car has less than 1000 miles and the tires all look fine.
 
2 adults and 1 child round trip. Half tank of fuel.
 
I made the same trip today with the same conditions and got 31.2 strictly on the highway. after this trip I had to fill up and averaged 24.5 mpg on the tank - taking miles driven / gallons pumped.
 
Disappointing to say the least. 22% under the highway rating.

#128 of 745 Re: highway mpg = 30 [mikewallace1] by backy

Jan 15, 2012 (5:20 pm)

Replying to: mikewallace1 (Jan 15, 2012 4:57 pm)
There does seem to be something wrong with your car... unless you were going uphill most of the time (but if you went both directions in the test, that should even out). My recommendation is to carefully document all the details of your test and "take it up the chain". The Elantra is capable of much higher FE under conditions like that, based on my own experience and other reports we've seen. Heck, even my wife's 2007 Sonata does better than 31 mpg at a steady 65 mph.

#129 of 745 Re: highway mpg = 30 [backy] by mikewallace1

Jan 16, 2012 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jan 15, 2012 5:20 pm)
The dealer service dept said 2 things.
 
Try using a brand name gas (I was filling up at a Giant grocery store).
 
My best gas mileage should start at 2500 miles or so.
 
I doubt I will see much improvement but I will have to wait since I just filled up yesterday.
 
Are the EPA ratings done with non ethanol gas - which is just about impossible to buy any more?
 
I love everything else about the car but I will pursue this if things don't get better. I could live with 27/36 but 50/50 driving and 24.5 - I don't think so.

Messages Page 13 of 75

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