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2012 Kia Rio5: Real Time Fuel Economy (MPG).

157 messages,  Last post on Jan 08, 2013 at 10:55 AM

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What is this discussion about? Kia Rio, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 7 of 17

#55 of 157 Re: RIO SX Best In Class - Check Combined MPG [btatr] by phill1

Jul 11, 2012 (7:26 pm)

Replying to: btatr (Jul 11, 2012 6:55 pm)
In summation, I will end (my) participation on this (thread) by simply stating, I`m certainly not alone in my opinion that the Kia 2012 Kia Rio much like its Corporate Sibling, The 2012 Hyundai Accent are both (nice) Sub-Compact Cars that produce mediocre if not "dismal" Fuel Economy. Even the Accents larger Cousin, The Elantra, heavier, larger Engine, "No GDI", and it still gets the identical EPA Fuel Ratings of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway? A bit unusual would you say? Lastly, I`m not sure if it was a "Typo" or not, but your reference to a "2011" Ford Focus, was it the older previous generation Focus you were talking about or the newer 2012 Focus with its totally new 4 cyl engine with (GDI) and the Dual Clutch"6 speed Automatic Transmission"? If it was the older Focus that you were speaking about, its (not) a fair comparison. I had a 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback as a Rental Car in St Louis, MO this past year and (I) found it had excellent pick up and performance and got excellent Fuel Economy. I like my Ford Focus and I like my Kia Rio5. I usually keep my vehicle` s between 4 to 5 years so I tend not to get too attached to them. More of an "affair" then a marriage or a romance. I think Kia did a (good) job designing probably the most comfortable and attractive Car in its B-Segment Class. Perhaps within a few Model Years, they will tweak it to being a truly "Great" car. When Shaq O`Neil makes a pitch for the Buick LaCrosse that got an EPA rating of 40 mpg highway, I`m sure (that) was a huge stretch on the those figures as well. I also know that depending on driving habits and road conditions everyones mpg will be different. I do dispute the notion that anyone in a 2012 Kia Rio5 is getting 40 mpg or over unless they have a 50 mpg tailwind pushing them along on the Salt Lake Flats Proving Ground. Figures thrown around in most Car Magazines (testing) are suspect regardless of Make or Manufacturer because of influence of Advertising revenues with the exception of Consumer Reports that runs no ads. In closing, enjoy your new ride!

#56 of 157 KIA RIO Best in Class: Use EPA Combination MPG by btatr

Jul 12, 2012 (5:18 am)

Phil made some good points in this debate but completely ignored the primary argument I made from the beginning. Almost nobody drives 100% of the time, or even close to that percentage, on the highway. Therefore, instead of using the mythical 40 mpg rating as a goal, an honest and realistic individual would use the EPA RIO's Combined Driving 33 mpg rating.
 
I asked Phil if the EPA Combination Rating is 33 mpg and he refused to answered that question. He ignored the real world rating by the EPA and stated KIA was somehow deceiving buyers. Phil was intent on using the highway rating as the only goal, and in my opinion, that is a flawed approach.
 
If you're honest with yourself and utilize 33 mpg as the reference point, you will find that in addition to being a fabulous economy car on so many levels, the RIO SX comes pretty close to that more realistic goal.
 
But don't listen to me, test drive one and judge for yourself. And if you decide to buy a RIO SX, unlike Phil, be pragmatic, don't pretend you spend 100% of your time on the highway. If you expect a fantasy performance from your car, you will be setting yourself up for disappointment. Have fun with your new RIO and appreciate how much you get for such a low price.

#57 of 157 Re: KIA RIO Best in Class: Use EPA Combination MPG [btatr] by aurorabds

Jul 12, 2012 (5:00 am)

Replying to: btatr (Jul 12, 2012 5:18 am)
My original comment was that my computer mileage does not match my actual, which is about 9% less. I'd be satisfied if i was getting 35 mpg, but since my commute is 80% highway I'd expect more than the actual 32 MPG that I get on a regular basis.

#58 of 157 KIA RIO Best in Class: Use EPA Combination MPG [aurorabds] by btatr

Jul 12, 2012 (6:37 am)

Replying to: aurorabds (Jul 12, 2012 5:00 am)
Hi Aurorabds:
 
I would guess nobody's mileage matches the computer. I think it's fair to say the computer mpg is a little too high, it certainly is in my RIO.
 
I'm not trying to sound too negative but that 32 mpg sounds about right if your in town/city portion involves lots of stopping and accelerating. Keep in mind, when you're sitting in traffic and/or at a red light, your getting zero miles per gallon.
 
When I was commuting to my job, my approximate ratio was similar and my results were just slightly higher, between 33 and 34 mpg, usually closer to 33. Remember, stop and go driving, even at a 20 to 25% ratio kills fuel economy.
 
Even though I think your 32 mpg numbers sounds fairly close to where it should be, here are some questions.
 
1. When you're on the highway, is it relatively flat or very hilly?
 
2. When you're on the highway, is there rush hour traffic? In other words, even though you're on the Interstate, are you experiencing times when traffic slows and you go into a semi or actual stop & go mode ?
 
3. Are your windows open or is your A/C on regularly?
 
4. Have you checked the air pressure in your tires? I ask that because some dealers never checked the pressure during their initial prep. I believe KIAs ship with more than 40 lbs in each tire and that isn't good. In addition, if one of your tires is improperly inflated, that can hurt fuel economy.
 
Just some thoughts, but as I stated earlier, that 20 to 25% of Stop & Go driving can put a real hurt on fuel economy which translates into what the EPA describes as Combination Driving. With the RIO, expect 33 mpg.

#59 of 157 RIO SX Best In Class - Check Combined MPG [kirstie_h] by btatr

Jul 12, 2012 (5:47 am)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Jul 11, 2012 7:06 pm)
Hi Kirstie:
 
I truly appreciate your positive comments. I hate it when people attack others because not only is it rude, it detracts from the reason we're here. I think everyone should be free to express their opinions without being afraid of others coming after them.
 
I always try to keep the conversation focused on the issues. We disagree all the time so I don't understand why some people get offended and/or feel the need to attack others who have different opinions. What's the point of going to a discussion forum if you expect everyone to agree with you?
 
We accomplish a lot more if we can honestly express our opinions and discuss the issues in a courteous, civil manner.
 
Thanks again Kirstie.

#60 of 157 Re: RIO SX Best In Class - Check Combined MPG [btatr] by phill1

Jul 12, 2012 (6:11 am)

Replying to: btatr (Jul 12, 2012 5:47 am)
Correction: I need to correct (2) errors in my final Post on this thread. For the record, I mistakenly stated that I liked (both) my "Focus" and my "Rio". I meant to say my "Fiesta" instead, also I incorrectly mentioned Shaq O`Neils ad for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse pitching an EPA rating of 40 mpg Highway, it was 36 mpg highway, still grossly overstated. Once again, I sincerely apologize for being discourteous and not obviously Posting in a civil manner. If anything I mentioned was considered an attack either (both) of you are way too sensitive or easily offended by someone else`s opinion. Wishing both "btatr" and "Kirstie" much (joy) with your new Kia Rio5`s be they LX, EX, and of course the SX. Odd that I`ve been tagged a "Bully" when both my Dogs are Golden Retrievers, not Pitt Bulls, go figure.

#61 of 157 RIO SX Best In Class - Check Combined MPG [phill1] by btatr

Jul 12, 2012 (6:54 am)

Replying to: phill1 (Jul 12, 2012 6:11 am)
Phil:
 
Will you please read exactly what was written? Nobody accused you of attacking anyone. In fact Kirstie thanked your for being courteous. If there were any attacks, it happened only in your mind.
 
I still don't know why you kept apologizing for offending me or hurting my feelings when I told you that never happened. Once again, please avoid making up your own version of reality and carefully read what others write.
 
Just as I asked you to acknowledge the KIA EPA Combined mileage rating is 33 mpg, I'm also challenging you to point out where anyone accused you of being discourteous or attacking me. It never happened!
 
It was the same with the EPA KIA 33 mpg combined driving rating, you never acknowledged that factual information. I don't understand why.
 
Thank You

#62 of 157 KAI RIO Best In Class. [skeptic101] by btatr

Jul 12, 2012 (10:44 am)

Replying to: skeptic101 (Jul 11, 2012 4:41 pm)
Skeptic:
 
Thanks for adding that valuable information to the discussion. I also saw that MotorWeek report on the KIA you referred to where they got 38 mpg in their mixed driving route.
 
Motorweek is highly regarded and part of PBS [Public Broadcasting System]. I'm sure people can find their review online.

#63 of 157 Re: Acceptable but not up to EPA... [btatr] by skeptic101

Jul 12, 2012 (9:35 am)

Replying to: btatr (Jul 12, 2012 10:44 am)
Just to be clear, I only claimed that 40 MPG was certainly "doable" since I achieved 42 on one trip and 43 on another, computed with my Garmin GPS's trip computer. I disclosed earlier that those trips were 99% Interstate at 5 MPH under the speed limit locked into the car's cruise control.
 
The EPA is just a score keeper. I'm sure all the manufacturers now tweak their car's transmission shift points and final drive ratios to achieve the highest mileage possible on the EPA's highway cycle. You might notice that most of these high mileage car's automatic transmissions learn the driver's driving style over some number of miles and adjusts the shift points to suit the driver. I drive in a very gentle way that I'm sure leaves my Rio's shift points as delivered (optimal for EPA highway cycle). So, 40+ is doable in the new Rio but, as with any car, "your mileage may vary".

#64 of 157 Re: Acceptable but not up to EPA... [skeptic101] by dchev

Jul 18, 2012 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: skeptic101 (Jul 12, 2012 9:35 am)
I have the same opinion about 2012 Kia Rio SX as Phill.
Excellent built car; however, gas millage is bad. I do not shoot for 40MPG, but just in achieving 30MPG. I drive 50/50 city/highway and my gas millage is in 25-29 MPG range. If this is acceptable for some people, it is not for me!
I switched to synthetic oil and this seemed to helped a little bit....but it is still under 30MPG.
When we talk about average gas millage of 25-29 MPG, it comes to mind owning cars as Huyndai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord...which are much larger vehicles. I chose The Rio because of its size and sticker gas millage! My advise to potential Rio owners is to think about it when they buy this car-a very well built car which does not deliver good gas millage!

Messages Page 7 of 17

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