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Hyundai Elantra Real World MPG 2012

752 messages,  Last post on Jun 16, 2013 at 12:33 AM

You are in the Hyundai Elantra Forum.

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

Messages Page 34 of 76

#326 of 752 Re: Avg. MPH and MPG RE: [g2iowa] by secor

Mar 26, 2012 (6:57 am)

Replying to: g2iowa (Mar 25, 2012 9:33 am)
I live in WA state and I believe we cannot get fuel without at least 10% ethanol. I've also heard that mileage using gas with ethanol added will suffer versus 100% fossil fuel. Also have heard from my Hyundai service department that ethanol may contribute to fuel system contamination; this may explain Hyundai's recommendation to add a fuel system cleaner every oil change. I've read so many unhappy posts about disappointing gas mileage on the Elantra and have to wonder if this is a Hyundai issue/Elantra issue, or all manufacturers. Admittedly, I have not taken the time to visit other sites to check if everyone is unhappy with their car's mileage but really seems to be an issue with the Elantra. I just bought a 2012 limited and am concerned with the mileage posts as this was the main reason I purchased the vehicle. I think I should have kept my 2008 Sante Fe AWD GLS,

#327 of 752 Gas Mileage Computer by secor

Mar 26, 2012 (7:11 am)

Not sure why the Elantra mpg computer is always high from the posts I've read. I just traded in my 2008 Sante Fe AWD GLS and I stopped checking the computer readings about mpg because my initial manual calculations came out almost exactly what the computer showed. Not sure why so many posts mentioned the computer displays 2-4 miles higher than actual calculations by many of you.

#328 of 752 Re: Avg. MPH and MPG RE: [secor] by backy

Mar 26, 2012 (7:49 am)

Replying to: secor (Mar 26, 2012 6:57 am)
Also have heard from my Hyundai service department that ethanol may contribute to fuel system contamination...
 
Check your car's owner's manual. I bet it says something to the effect that the engine can run fine on 10% ethanol. I also bet it says nothing about that level of ethanol contributing to fuel system "contamination". I expect this is just another ploy of your dealer's service department to sell you some overpriced fuel system cleaner. I have had 3 Hyundais over the past 11-1/2 years, all serviced at Hyundai dealers, and not once has the service personnel mentioned "fuel system contamination" due to use of ethanol at a level approved by the manufacturer for the car. I did have a dealer try to sell me a "throttle body cleaning" once. But I did some research and found out that service was not only unnecessary, but could damage the throttle body. Needless to say I declined the service, which was pretty pricey I recall.
 
My advice is, stick to the service schedule as recommended by the manufacturer, and avoid add-on services from dealers.

#329 of 752 Re: Latest MT Result avg 26.6 mpg [g2iowa] by bpizzuti

Mar 26, 2012 (7:41 am)

Replying to: g2iowa (Mar 26, 2012 6:06 am)
Given that, the EPA needs to test a couple of them. Something's not right.

#330 of 752 Ethanol RE: [secor] by g2iowa

Mar 26, 2012 (8:47 am)

Replying to: secor (Mar 26, 2012 6:57 am)
Thankfully I have ready access to nonethanol regular unleaded, which is the only fuel I use. 10% ethanol will decrease your FE by about 3%-4%. This reduction is similar to that experienced due to tire air pressure decreases.

#331 of 752 Owners Maual Servie Recommendation by secor

Mar 26, 2012 (8:07 pm)

Replying to: backy (Mar 26, 2012 7:49 am)
My service maintenance manual does recommend a 20 oz bottle of Hyundai fuel system cleaner at oil changes. Will have to check but I would not want to put this product in my fuel system on an empty tank; I think they would let me know. I also take my car to the dealer; a bit more expensive but they are customer focused which is worth a few extra dollars to me. Th.anks

#332 of 752 Re: I love my Hyundai but.... [aptman] by secor

Mar 26, 2012 (8:19 pm)

Replying to: aptman (Mar 22, 2012 9:08 pm)
Hey aptman - have not done any investigative work on this issue but has Hyundai changed their engine/transmission from 2010 to 2012? This may have an impact on your mileage; and I hope I'm not stating the obvious.

#333 of 752 Re: I love my Hyundai but.... [secor] by aptman

Mar 29, 2012 (6:25 am)

Replying to: secor (Mar 26, 2012 8:19 pm)
as stupid as this sounds...I haven't checked to see if there was an engine change, I would have thought the the transmission change would have been for the better, going from 4 to 6 speeds...
 
I have seen reports that the best mileage is at speeds at 55 mph...unfortunately I dont do 55 mph often....perhaps my gas mileage wil improve after its drivien a bit more, I have a little over 2k now...
 
on the plus side...I do feel like I am driving a much more expensive car (I have a Hyundai Limited) yes there is more road noise than in my 2010, perhaps its the 17 inch wheels? I have seen negative post about road noise...but all in all, for the price for what you get, I am extremely happy, a little less gas mileage doesn't change that.....nice car, and my 3rd Hyundau Elantra in a row...

#334 of 752 Re: I love my Hyundai but.... [aptman] by m6user

Mar 29, 2012 (8:54 am)

Replying to: aptman (Mar 29, 2012 6:25 am)
Yes, the engine changed. In 2010 they used a 2.0L and changed to a 1.8L in the 2011 model going forward. HP went up but torque went down. May help to explain why the city MPG isn't resulting in happy campers. Have to press hard to get ooomph off the line.
 
Cars have been getting their best highway MPG results at around 55mph for decades....it's not something particular to "newer" cars. It's just aerodynamics as in fighting air/wind resistance. Even though the newer cars are more aerodynamically proficient, they still get the best MPG at around that same speed as it's all relative. Modern transmissions, once you've reached the point of cruising, should be in the top gear well below 55mph. My 5spd auto is in 5th gear by at least 40-45mph if I'm not pressing the gas hard and just cruising.

#335 of 752 Re: Avg. MPH and MPG RE: [crankeee] by ronnomad

Mar 29, 2012 (4:52 pm)

Replying to: crankeee (Mar 26, 2012 6:12 am)
Okay, I check both. Here are the results:
 
22 MPH (1 reading) - 27.78428 MPG
36 MPH (1 reading) - 30.58813 MPG
38 MPH (3 readings) - 29.71566394 MPG (avg)
39 MPH (3 readings) - 29.67246921 MPG (avg)
40 MPH (1 reading) - 29.29158845 MPG
41 MPH (3 readings - 30.78341837 MPG (avg)
42 MPH (2 readings) - 31.04911614 MPG (avg)
47 MPH (1 reading) - 32.71118059 MPG
51 MPH (1 reading) - 33.59858589 MPG
56 MPH (1 reading) - 32.69990606 MPG
65 MPH (1 reading) - 33.59610093 MPG
 
Unfortunately, I do not have readings for every tank (did not think about this reading until I realized the MPG was not where I thought it would be and, only then, did I start to track all data).
 
Further notes: Almost all the readings in the 30's & 40's are my wife's travel to work (total 8.9 miles each way; 4.8 Hwy, 4.1 street)
 
The 51 MPH number has about 100 of 281 miles driven at 75MPH. The rest not over 65 (and some in bumper to bumper).
 
The 56 MPH number was 330 miles (approx 280 of which was at 65MPH - not over).
 
The 65MPH number was 286 miles ( and I believe the average is correct - all HWY, no stops)
 
So, it would appear that if I drive at a average speed of between 51 & 65, I can get about 33MPG. What do I have to do to get the 40MPG touted?
 
To your point on the Sonata. I had mentioned on a previous post that one of the reasons we purchased the Elantra was a similar experience in a rental Sonata. Excellent fuel economy on a round trip from St. Louis to Memphis. Expected as good (and yes, better) from the Elantra.
 
Two major reasons for not buying the Sonata. First, this was to be 'our' car for trips although my wife would be using it for her commute (my car, also as previously noted, is a manual). Her previous car was a Corolla and the Sonata felt "too big" for her. Second, the passenger seat. My wife under 5' and the passenger seat in the Sonata is set so low that on the Memphis trip she could not see out of the front or side glass in that seat. Since I do the bulk of the driving when we are together, that was a problem.

Messages Page 34 of 76

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