Hyundai Sonata Real World MPG

osaka75 · October 2007

I have a 2006 GLS-V6 and live in the mid-Atlantic region. I have all the data from my fill-ups besides info at receipt of the car on 4/28/06 and at the first complete fill-up. I've included the most pertinent info here. Unfortunately, the paste from Excel won't be easily readable.

To summarize, 12,969 miles(13,354-385), 699.759 gallons, 18.5 mpg, average speed =22.9. (Note that average speed was calculated using the average speed column weighted by the trip mileage column, not just by adding all the average speeds and dividing by the number of fill-ups.) I wanted to calculate overall average speed by using engine running time in order to be more accurate but I can't figure out how to add up the engine running time properly using Excel.

What do you think about this mileage at this average speed? Also, let me know if you have any questions.

4/28/06 6 miles on odo at receipt
5/3/2006 13.771 gal to fill completely

Date Odo Trip Gal. MPG Speed
5/12/2006 385 235.6 13.321 17.7 18
5/12/2006 777 392.7 13.632 28.8 63
5/15/2006 1,097 320.3 11.338 28.3 49
5/25/2006 1,404 306.2 14.710 20.8 22
5/30/2006 1,528 123.9 6.047 20.5 21
6/5/2006 1,819 291.2 15.410 18.9 21
6/12/2006 2,073 254.5 14.229 17.9 18
6/21/2006 2,298 224.7 13.458 16.7 16
6/26/2006 2,471 172.5 10.954 15.7 15
7/6/2006 2,670 199.1 12.892 15.4 13
7/13/2006 2,889 219.4 12.767 17.2 16
7/16/2006 3,099 210.0 8.298 25.3 40
7/21/2006 3,298 198.8 10.420 19.1 23
7/28/2006 3,473 174.4 11.157 15.6 15
8/2/2006 3,613 140.0 8.850 15.8 16
8/14/2006 3,852 239.6 14.279 16.8 16
9/8/2006 4,026 173.9 11.874 14.6 13
9/17/2006 4,160 133.8 8.538 15.7 14
9/28/2006 4,329 168.8 10.046 16.8 15
10/6/2006 4,438 108.7 7.280 14.9 15
10/14/2006 4,577 139.4 8.053 17.3 16
10/23/2006 4,831 254.1 14.069 18.1 18
11/3/2006 5,015 183.1 12.139 15.1 15
11/17/2006 5,255 240.1 15.165 15.8 15
11/28/2007 5,524 269.2 14.246 18.9 20
12/10/2006 5,755 230.9 15.521 14.9 14
12/19/2006 5,973 218.2 12.653 17.2 16
12/23/2006 6,268 294.9 13.385 22.0 27
12/26/2006 6,554 286.1 11.299 25.3 52
12/27/2006 6,967 412.8 14.280 28.9 65
1/3/2007 7,182 214.4 11.104 19.3 21
1/17/2007 7,413 231.5 14.653 15.8 15
1/30/2007 7,597 183.9 12.750 14.4 14
2/12/2007 7,774 176.8 12.277 14.4 13
2/21/2007 7,980 206.3 13.376 15.4 14
3/6/2007 8,188 207.8 11.679 17.8 17
3/10/2007 8,263 75.0 5.000 15.0 14
3/26/2007 8,506 242.2 14.075 17.2 17
4/7/2007 8,776 269.9 15.774 17.1 16
4/19/2007 8,981 205.7 13.169 15.6 14
5/3/2007 9,214 232.3 13.817 16.8 15
5/11/2007 9,516 302.7 15.077 20.1 18
5/23/2007 9,730 213.6 12.804 16.7 16
6/4/2007 9,969 239.1 13.194 18.1 17
6/13/2007 10,135 166.2 11.356 14.6 12
6/16/2007 10,400 264.8 10.330 25.6 29
6/19/2007 10,585 184.7 7.451 24.8 31
6/29/2007 10,847 262.2 14.788 17.7 18
7/12/2007 11,113 265.2 15.394 17.2 16
7/19/2007 11,452 339.1 13.823 24.5 31
7/27/2007 11,696 244.2 12.894 18.9 18
8/5/2007 11,922 226.1 12.989 17.4 15
8/16/2007 12,098 175.6 11.369 15.4 15
8/20/2007 12,472 374.0 15.487 24.1 30
8/29/2007 12,677 205.4 10.991 18.7 17
9/7/2007 12,913 236.2 12.759 18.5 17
9/14/2007 13,114 200.7 10.447 19.2 18
9/28/2007 13,354 239.8 13.943 17.2 15

Summary:12,969 miles (13,354-385), 699.759 gallons, 18.5 mpg

robert1955 · October 2007

Ok, my turn to post on this subject. I moved up to my 07 SE from a 02 GLS Elantra so I knew my mileage would drop :-). After 5,500 miles (@120 a day) I am getting 26.5mpg per tank at an avg. speed of 44mph for the tank. For the step up in size and power I am quite happy but I do hope to get closer to 28mpg as time goes on.

falsafi · October 2007

I don't live in the US, and own a Sonata 2007 V6. There has always been a mystery for me why different consumptions are mentioned in US Catalogs vs European.

Below is a comparison:

US Catalog
.................MPG---------Conv to Lit/100km
City Cycle------20--------------11.8
Highway---------30---------------7.8

European Catalog
................Lit/100km----------Converted to MPG
City Cycle-------14.8-----------------25.9
Highway-----------7.4-----------------31.8
Combined---------10.1-----------------23.3

Confusing enough? Surely these figures are achieved on different driving conditions or regimes. But my real life consumptions are closer to European figures i.e.

Real Life figures
...............Lit/100km----------Converted to MPG
City Cycle------13.5------------------15.9
Highway----------8.0------------------29.4

So my car is according to its claimed specification, and I am sure US Sonata are not more fuel efficient than other parts of the world. Mine is originally made in Korea.

rickb56 · January 2008

22,000 miles on the Sonata V6, presently getting 28 mpg HWY at 70 mph... though it drops 10% into a stiff headwind

craigbrooks · January 2008

No need to brag.

I get 29 at 85-90. :P I4

what's your city mileage?

caaz · February 2008

Need to brag as well.

85mph = 31mpg

80mph = 33.1mpg

75mph = 35.1 mpg

70mph = 37.3mpg

65mph = 40.1 mpg

60mph = 40.2 mpg

in my 03 camry I4, which is why i kept it and gave my parents my New Elantra. I would so buy the 09 Sonata if i thought in could get anywhere near 40@ 65...or 33@ 80. , When i hear of them getting near that mileage, i'll be 1st in line.

Later
Caaz

p.s. I travel every week from Phx to So cal. 405mi trip which is where these numbers come from and back again each week, so i report twice each week in Toyota. All with cruise, both wind & non wind trips all reported. i'd love a Sonata once they can reach this mpg that Toyota has been able to achieve 6 yrs earlier...wheres Hyundais current technology to achieve high mpg?....at least 6 yrs behind.

targettuning · February 2008

Most reported fuel economy numbers on these open sites are suspect to me. Many times I see either unbelieveably high or stupid low numbers for cars I feel relatively sure cannot (should not) achieve them. You may get what you report but I take all claims with a tablespoon of salt. In any case, exactly what secret technology does Toyota (or Honda) employ in their engine design that allows them to reach unbelievably high numbers whereas Hyundai simply cannot do it? The current (2009) I-4 Hyundai builds is a 2.4 liter 175 horse, 16 valve, with all the variable intake and valve timing gizmo's . It has all the same technology the current Toyota I-4 has but has 17 HP more, idles about as quietly, is quicker and faster, and gets vitrtually the same fuel economy as the current Camry. This information is derived from Car @ Driver March 2008 issue. I don't know about Toyota's 4 cyl in 2003 ( I suspect it wasn't as spectacular as you state) but even then Hyundai had about the same technology as the Toyota. Since I cannot achieve (or can barely come close...at best) to your posted fuel economy numbers with my 2006 Honda Civic I seriously doubt that you will hear of a 2009 Hyundai Sonata I-4 matching them. I take that back because there is always someone stretching the truth you may hear it but achieving it is a different story. I guess you had better keep that Toyota.

lmaxick · February 2008

OK, lets get real here. My '06 Sonata will never ever!!!!! see that kind of milage unless being towed downhill by another vehicle, there is NO WAY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH that, that vehicle will get that kind of mileage, you'll excuse me me if I tell that is pure bull----

targettuning · February 2008

My thoughts exactly but sometimes I try to be diplomatic (for what it's worth)...thanks for stating what I truly think but spoken a bit more candidly.OK I'll say it...that car probably couldn't get that mileage in free-fall from 30,000 feet.

craigbrooks · February 2008

Tough crowd here LMAO :P

vabear · February 2008

Just completed a 2200 mile round trip from SE VA to SW FL. I did one leg from Myrtle Beach to Bonita Springs, FL. I went down US 17 to I-95 and then I-10 to 301 and at Ocala linked up with I-75 to Bonita , my average MPG was 27.7. On the Interstate cruising at 75 MPH I was averaging 28.1 MPG. This was in a 2007 Sonata Limited with 3.3 V6, two adults and one dog and trunk and back seat packed.

caaz · February 2008

I'll be glad to pay 1/2 ur plane ticket if you'd care to come do the drive with me.... My previous car was a honda civic hybrid...I know how to extract the most mpg as possible...Let me also ask this?...In the greenhybrid.com i see alot of honda accord owners with 2005 (pzev) models all getting round 45 to 47 mpg with thier 4 cyl honda accords...Why didnt i just claim i could match thier numbers?...these number are very truthful and you are welcome to come ride with me anytime. If youll also notice, 40 mpg seems to be my barrier, i cant seem to get any better at 60 mph than at 65...those 2 numbers always come in about the same. Anyway, go to the camrympg and youll see a few others... some that actually have almost 8,000 mi logged in and thier numbers are as good as mine. Now, when im in so cal working each week. Im about 1/2 freeway and 1/2 city, guess what my average numbers are? between 27 & 29mpg. but when i do this straight trip each week to go home, im with the jetstream 100% freeway and those numbers above are my actuall numbers.

Later
Caaz

p.s. Even though im going uphill from So cal to phx....(sealevel to 1500ft.) i always get better mileage than going from phx to So cal..which is downhill interesting the jet stream plays that much importance. Dont forget, i'm doing these runs, no a/c jetstream at my back.

pps. i think for fun I'll rent a Sonata and try my drive to see the difference myself, maybe i can achieve similar numbers since in post #354 somebody else got 37 mpg at exactly the same speed i barely got my 40 mpg. Then i'll report back

samiam_68 · February 2008

caaz - you will not be able to achieve the same MPG in a Sonata as in a Camry. Hyundai engines are simply far less efficient than Toyota or Honda engines. In maybe the next 5-10 years, Hyundai will catch up in technology, but not at present time.

A lot has to do with the internal design of the engine, the materials used to make pistons, cylinder liners and the rings, the ring gap at the top of the piston, injection pattern, port design, valve shape and form, mixture distribution (swirl) inside the cylinder, relative heat inside the combustion chamber, spark reach, computer controlled timing and mixture algorithms, location of sensors, and a plethora of other factors.

Toyota has A LOT more experience with engine design than Hyundai, that's why their engines are 10-20% more efficient.

targettuning · February 2008

And maybe Hyundai has already caught up...see March 08 Car @ Driver where mainstream 4 cylinder family cars are tested. All economy numbers listed over 600 miles of road driving and C @ D typically gets less than the average person due to their hard driving style.
1. new Malibu....24 mpg
2.Dodge Avenger...26 mpg
3. Ford Fusion...24mpg
4. Honda Accord EX...25 mpg
5. Hyundai Sonata Limited...25 mpg
6.Nissan Altima 2.5S...23 mpg
7.Toyota Camry LE...26 mpg
As you can see 3 mpg was the spread with the Hyundai tied with the Accord and 1 mpg less than the leader/s.
It isn't going to take 10 years to achieve parity it has already happened.
For the record Toyota uses no unobtanium or alien derived designs in their engines...same old aluminum block and head, 16 valves, alloys of iron, etc with the same computer assisted designs for combustion chambers etc and every manufacturer uses them. Most modern engines, no make that ALL modern engines, use pretty much the same materials and technology. Don't make it sound as if Hyundai is using 1930's technology.

tenpin288 · February 2008

You posted:

A lot has to do with the internal design of the engine, the materials used to make pistons, cylinder liners and the rings, the ring gap at the top of the piston, injection pattern, port design, valve shape and form, mixture distribution (swirl) inside the cylinder, relative heat inside the combustion chamber, spark reach, computer controlled timing and mixture algorithms, location of sensors, and a plethora of other factors.

Toyota has A LOT more experience with engine design than Hyundai, that's why their engines are 10-20% more efficient.

From the press release announcing the 2009 Sonata (note the bolded phrases):

The 2009 Sonata debuts Hyundai's second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration, while also improving fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is now more fuel-efficient than both Camry and Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder engine

Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been improved for more performance and efficiency. It now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm). The first member of Hyundai's "Lambda" V6 engine family, this newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009, which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which represents unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment.

All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment. The automatic transmission has a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts.

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/03/chicago-08-preview-2009-hyundai-sonata/

Nuff said!

samiam_68 · February 2008

Apparently, Hyundai decided to wake up and smell the coffee and improve their engines, because they realized they couldn't compete on price alone. Bravo for them!

samiam_68 · February 2008

See! My point exactly! The 2009 engine is quite a bit more efficient than the 2008. Obviously they weren't using the latest technology until just now.

Glad they came around sooner rather than in 5 years. They now have a shot at being competitive with the leaders and the consumer will certainly benefit.

caaz · February 2008

I agree Sam, im glad they're stepping up. btw Targettuning....my trip last night from phx to so cal was against the wind, knocked me side to side several times, so i knew i would be attempting any records. Therefore i chose 80mph...
Rresults....405.6mi 14.6 ga = 27.78 mpg...my worst ever. my usuall @ 80 is 31 to 33. When i go back oin thursday, i'm going to try @ 65..providing there's no wind.

Later
Caaz

targettuning · February 2008

27.7 mpg ? well that I can believe.

jrichey1 · February 2008

my 2006 4 cylinder is getting around 28 mpg in town and 30.5 on trips. I had 2004 camery 6 cylinder before that got the same milage and i felt the sonota would do better than this.

craigbrooks · February 2008

Describe your city driving.

falsafi · February 2008

I don't live in the US, and own a Sonata 2007 V6. There has always been a mystery for me why different consumptions are mentioned in US Catalogs vs European.

Below is a comparison:

US Catalog
.................MPG---------Conv to Lit/100km
City Cycle------20--------------11.8
Highway---------30---------------7.8

European Catalog
................Lit/100km----------Converted to MPG
City Cycle-------14.8-----------------15.9
Highway-----------7.4-----------------32.4
Combined---------10.1-----------------23.3

Confusing enough? Surely these figures are achieved on different driving conditions or regimes. But my real life consumptions are closer to European figures i.e.

Real Life figures
...............Lit/100km----------Converted to MPG
City Cycle------13.5------------------17.4
Highway----------8.0------------------29.4

So my car is according to its claimed specification, and I am sure US Sonata are not more fuel efficient than other parts of the world. Mine is originally made in Korea.

Perhaps Specifications are according to different drive regimes, but then what about real world results!?

targettuning · February 2008

Why do you feel 28 mpg (this is superb but suspect as being high) in town and 30+ on the road is somehow abnormal? No V-6, Camry included, will do better...especially the "in town" part where V-6 mid sized cars e.g. Camry...Sonata...Accord et. al. usually get around 20-22 or even less if you are talking about true city stop-go and gridlock driving. Despite the drivel I sometimes read here on these open forums all these like sized vehicles (4 cylinder compared to 4 cylinder...V-6 to V-6) get approximately the same economy (within 1-2 mpg at best). I just rented a 2007 4 cyl Sonata and it got about 31 mpg when cruising and when I turned it in the fuel economy computer said 28.8 mpg for the whole week-end. This included stop and go and several full throttle 0-80 mph runs. I was trying to see if a 4 cylinder delivered adequate acceleration since I intend to buy a 2009 Sonata....V-6 or 4???? Can't decide but upwardly mobile gas prices again might help.

craigbrooks · February 2008

Target,
What was your take on the 4 cyl?

targettuning · February 2008

As I said in my post above we rented 2007 Sonata 4 cylinder with 4 speed automatic this past week-end. That this largish 5 passenger car with a big trunk gets over 31 mpg at 70+ mph with three large adults inside is a miracle and one should not complain that it should get more. I also own a 2006 Honda Civic EX sedan automatic( 5 speed) that under similar circumstances gets about 36 mpg. That sounds great except the Civic is considerably less roomy, less quiet, and less comfortable and more annoying in as much as its transmission absolutely HATES to stay in 5th gear. Any slight rise will cause it to downshift into 4th. 5th gear in this car is temporary unless the terrain is bowling alley flat. Anyhow, seeing what one can gain with the Hyundai at a fairly small fuel economy penalty it is no wonder I intend to trade the Honda...for a 2009 Sonata.

targettuning · February 2008

After trying several "from a dead stop" full throttle runs with the 07 rented Sonata I was impressed. It actually spun the tires on dry pavement and got to my target speed of 80 mph quickly. I also tried a couple 50-70 speed runs simulating a passing run and it seemed quick there also. Keeping in mind that I am an ex 60-70's muscle car owner and my feelings always have been "too much power is just right" I am surprised that I am considering a 4. I always knew I would end up trading our 06 Civic and returning to Hyundai products and always wanted a Sonata since the 06's debut. Further, I absoluted lusted after the 3.3 V-6 but now, especially now since the 09 4 cylinder has more torque and more hp and since the "old" 4 with a 4 speed auto has impressed me I think I will forgo the V-6. Otherwise the car cruises quietly and is pretty much inaudible at idle and gets great fuel economy for a large-ish sedan. Unless you absolutely have to be first away from stoplights I think the new improved 2.4 liter 4 cylinder will be more than adequate.

robert1955 · February 2008

I bought my car in Aug. of 07 and now have 17,000+ on her. I have been pleased over all with the fuel economy I have received so far. I travel 58miles one way to work in a mix of driving. I normally average 44mph over a 3 day period and I have been getting 26.5mpg on 87octane fuel. If I get stuck in a bumper to bumper situation or spend alot of time running errands localy it dropps into the 22 - 23mpg range but with this kind of power in a car this size I am still very happy and I fully expect 28 - 30mpg on a true 60+mph extend trip. I also use an Amsoil 0W-20 full synthetic oil so perhaps that helps alittle as well.

xautogears · February 2008

Hi, I bought a 2006 Hyundai Sonata V6 and in the MPG gauge, it says that I only get 17.4 MPG. I thought the car fuel MPG is 20MPG street -30MPG highway.

Can anybody explain this to me? Thank you very much, I will really appreciate your answer.

Thanks,

lmaxick · February 2008

Don't feel bad pal, my '06 gets only 16 around town , now you should feel good. However on the highway itgets around 29 -30 I drive with a very heavy foot though.

targettuning · February 2008

Quite simple really...if you are referring to the EPA sticker originally on the car those numbers were inaccurate because of flawed EPA testing that had been done for decades producing higher than "real world" numbers and naturally when real people drove them in the real world the numbers didn't match (they are usually lower). Second, every single person has different driving environments and different personal driving habits. Idling for long amounts of time if you live where winter means snow ice and frost on the glass every morning produces 0 MPG or if you floor the gas at every stoplight only to slam on the brakes at the next. The list goes on and on but you get the picture. Finally, for 2008 the EPA tests have been revised and the numbers posted are more realistic: 19 city/28 highway. Oh, you DO know that you should reset the fuel economy numbers at every fill up or the number shown will be "obsolete" in the sense that (I think) the sampling rate of your economy diminshes over long periods of time. This used to be true, at least in the 90's Fords I owned, but I am by no means sure it still is.

targettuning · February 2008

I rent a lot and we rented two 2007 Sonata's back to back over two week-ends recently. The first was a GLS I-4 4speed automatic and the most recent was a GLS 3.3 V-6 5 speed automatic. I will post our fuel economy numbers with both. Both were used mostly on non-city, non-stop and go type driving.
1. The 4 cylinder was driven from Chambersburg Pa to Gettysburg Pa on US Rt. 30 which is moderately hilly terrain at about 60 mph. I drove through Gettysburg which has a fair amount of tourists even in the winter and all the traffic lights there. From Gettysburg I drove to Harrisburg Pa on Rt 15 which is a 4 lane 65 mph highway and I drove 65. Once there traffic increased and there was quite a bit of stop-go. We accomplished what we went there for. We then stopped for supper, after getting lost and doubling back for quite a few miles through a small town trying to find a new restaurant we wanted to try. The return trip was via I-81 at higher speeds of 72-75 mph. After returning home the trip computer fuel economy said 31.4 mpg. The next day we puttered around town and I ran a few impromptu full throttle 0-80 and 50-70 mph acceleration runs because I am considering buying a Sonata (V-6 or 4? 4 or V-6? can't decide) and I wanted to know if the 4 would be satisfactory for me. (it was). Anyhow, when I turned it in on Monday it showed 28.8 MPG over-all for the week-end.
2. Last week-end I rented a V-6 ( continuing my quest in trying to decide V-6 or 4 ) but the drive was somewhat different. We drove this one from Chambersburg Pa to pick up the Pa Turnpike via US Rt-30 then a rural 2 lane during which I drove at between 55-60 MPH. Upon entering the Turnpike we drove west with the cruise locked on at 70 MPH to Somerset. There are mountains between Chambersburg and Somerset (even though they are minimized and gentled as much as possible on the Turnpike). The car was parked when we got where we were headed until the return trip. Again after negotiating mountains on Rt-30 in Somerset county I picked up the turnpike in Bedford Pa. The return was driven somewhat faster, between 75-80 mph, because the V-6 is truly quick and fast not to mention cruising at 80 is the same as cruising at 60 as far as the car is concerned....effortless. Anyhow after driving at these speeds I again retraced our route back home. Once again that night I performed some impromptu 0 to ? acceleration runs. I originally wanted to see 0-60 mph but before it could register I had hit 60 mph it was well on the way to 80 mph and beyond so these were 0-80 mph runs. I also wanted to see 50-70 mph to simulate a 2 lane pass and again it went well beyond 70 to nearly 100 mph. Needless to say I was giddy with its power. Back to fuel economy....the computer said between 26.7 to 27 mpg on the turnpike part, dropped a bit on the mountain parts on US Rt-30 to the high 25's then oddly enough returned to the high 26's on the return trip at higher speeds. Overall when returned it showed 25.7 mpg including the speed runs.
This is long and detailed but I learned, as I thought, the I-4 is more economical but the V-6 isn't bad on the highway and waaaay quicker. I still don't know what I want to buy but increasing gas costs (with higher yet predictions) will probably dictate the I-4....too bad in a way because that 6 is great.
The total miles driven for the 4cyl was between 250-300 and the total for the V-6 was over 300.

m6user · February 2008

Good post. So if you drive 12000 a yr it would cost you around $15 extra per month plus slightly higher up-front and long term maintenence costs. That is a hard decision. I realize it's not a ton more but it's a decision that just a few years ago was a no brainer....we went for the six, baby. I feel your pain.

slamtaz · February 2008

I know what your going thru... :confuse:

and we ended up with the SE V6...

my wife's averaging between 24-25 daily commute of about 20 miles (one way) to and from work with mixed city/hiway 50/50. very pleased so far at almost 11,000 miles now :shades:

dxw · March 2008

My SE V6 2007 gives 12~13 mpg in west LA daily commute, 22~23 on PCH (a state highway with speed limit 55mph.) Never really tried express way >65 mph yet. The first 1000 miles average is 20.7mpg.

This compares to my previous vehicle (Corolla DX 95). In the same routes, my Corolla 95 has 20~22 mpg local and 33~35 on PCH. The 50000 miles average is 28mpg.

craigbrooks · March 2008

Just filled up today and calculated 22 mpg in "my" city driving with the I4. I know with a 6 I would do much worse. Well I don't "know" but in all my 6's I've owned in the past I've gotten less. I'm glad I bought the 4 with 88 octane at $3.21/gallon here.

Target, if you haven't pulled the trigger yet, go for the 4. You'll be satisfied with it. Now if you want MORE power I'd go with the 6. Thinking of your past my friend. :shades:

targettuning · March 2008

I am currently waiting for the 2009 SE versions to show up in our area. I have driven an 09 GLS I-4 and found it to be very quick for a 4 cylinder and as quick as some V-6's I have driven though not as quick as either the 06 to 08 V-6 Sonata or certainly not the 09 V-6 which has both improved torque and h.p. The mid range 50-70 mph test I like to run (simulates a 2 lane road pass) was particularly satisfying. So, I have to agree (counter to all my "muscle car" era feelings that "too much is just enough" when it comes to power) the 4 is the smart buy these days. By the way the new 4 is very quiet at idle and barely is off idle at 65 mph ( just over 1650 RPM) with the 5 speed automatic.

craigbrooks · March 2008

1650 rpm at 65? NOW that is an improvement! I run about 2750 with my 06 4 speed at 75.

You're right the 4 is the smart buy these days. How did the 4 sound as it was getting up to speed? Could you live with it? I may trade up to an 08 or 09. Heard my local Hyundai dealer is putting up some poor sales numbers. May have to go knock on their door.

m6user · March 2008

1650 at 65 for a 4 cyl? Is this a typo? My Mazda6 runs at about 2500-2600 at that speed.

mm7 · March 2008

" I have driven an 09 GLS I-4 and found it to be very quick for a 4 cylinder and as quick as some V-6's "

How much quicker is the 09 4cyl vs the 08 4cyl? I am not sure if it was worth passing up a $3k rebate for the improved engine & interior......thanks

targettuning · March 2008

OK, I might have unintentionally misquoted the RPM @ 65. I will back off the 1650 number but as best that I can remember it was less than 2000 but more than 1650 probably around 1900. Maybe someone who is about to take a test drive can note those numbers and report back I also believe,but can not confirm first hand, that the RPM @ 75 will be much lower than your 2750 simply because of that 5th gear. UPDATE....UPDATE: ok using the Car @ Driver (Mar 2008 issue) test of mainstream sedans as a reference, there is a chart listing "mph/per 1000 rpm" on the specifications page (in 5th gear it runs 31 mph per 1000 rpm) the new Sonata computes to run at 2500 RPM @77.5 mph and 2000 RPM @62 mph so 65 mph would be about that.
I have had minimal experience with a 2007 I-4 we rented three weeks ago and even though about two weeks passed between that rental and the 2009 test drive I remember thinking the 2009 seemed quieter even though the 2007 rental was acceptable in that regard. This in answer to your "getting up to speed" noise question.

targettuning · March 2008

No typo but a faulty rememberance on my part, however, I have computed the speed @ RPM using published materials (see a recent post of mine) and the 2009 I-4 Sonata still runs considerably slower @ 65rpm than your Mazda at 2000 RPM. At your 25-2600 RPM I have computed the Sonata to be going around 77.5 mph.

targettuning · March 2008

Although my feelings are subjective, and the 2007 we rented was perfectably acceptable I was suitably impressed by the 2009. Using published material with timed tests I found the 2009 was measurably faster and quicker than older versions (2006-08). Particularly impressive (to me) was the 50-70 mph test I performed during which it accelerated quite quickly. IMO the 2009 has been improved for the better, especially the addition of a 5 speed auto. and much nicer dash and interior. The increase in hp and torque + fuel economy is icing to me.

targettuning · March 2008

PERFECTLY acceptable is what it was!!!!

craigbrooks · March 2008

So what this means is that we'll being seeing pictures of your new rig?

mm7 · March 2008

I think I am going to pass on the 08. I will not buy an 09 until they have some incentives though. Right now the pricing I am getting, there is about a $4,400 spread between same model 08 vs 09.

I am disappointed they will not have Steel Gray anymore, as that was the color I liked the most. I wonder how close the Willow Gray will be in the 09 model.

targettuning · March 2008

Pictures?? maybe not, but soon I will be driving a Hyundai again breathing a great sigh of relief and hope to be thanking Honda for at least one great attribute...great resale value!!!

targettuning · March 2008

Well, we have had the occasion to re-rent the same 2007 GLS V-6 Sonata I used and wrote about in a previous post. This time our Civic has been sent to the body/paint shop for repairs and since we have a rental clause on our insurance policy this is the car we have had for a few days. Since the Honda was just delivered to the body shop today we will probably have it for the duration. I have had the opportunity to take it on a trip to Cherry Hill NJ over Easter week-end from our home in south central Pa via the Pa Turnpike to the "Shurekill" expressway through Philadelphia across the Walt Whitman bridge and on to Cherry Hill. A few comments on the car, the trip, and the EPA sticker.
As before when we had it I found myself driving faster than my normal 70-72 mph instead driving 75 with several stretches of nearly 80 mph. At those speeds the onboard fuel economy ave.readout was 27.6 mpg. The few times I drove slower at about 72 mph it crept up about .1-.2 mpg. I firmly believe after driving this same car twice now for a total of nearly 1000 miles that 28+ mpg is possible at 65 mph but as speed increases economy drops....duh!! I always knew that but there are some on this and another forum who absolutely insist they get fabulous fuel economy at extra-legal speeds of 80 on up mph. I believe that if you expect to achieve 30 mpg you will be disappointed with the V-6 unless you drive much slower than 65 mph. So, from my experience about 27-28 mpg would be the norm on the highway at speeds ranging from 70-80 mph.
I find it incredible that so many drive so fast with the price of fuel hovering around $3.30 per. Even driving at 75-80 mph I was passed with regularity AND like I was parked. Once I accelerated to catch up with one of those passing drivers and found them to be traveling 90+ mph!!! Unreal...
Finally, I am coming to believe the current EPA window stickers are about dead on as far as the posted numbers. I won't go so far as to say that ALL vehicle stickers are so close but between our 2006 Civic EX sedan automatic (the original EPA sticker had it at 30/40 city/highway) that in actuality gets about 24/35 city/highway as compared to the new EPA sticker (25/36 city/highway) and now the Sonata that seems to get a consistant 27.6 or so mpg highway as compared to 28 mpg on the new EPA sticker...city mileage to be determined. I would now advise a prospective customer for a new car to be confident the posted numbers will be about what you will get as opposed to the "fantasy land" the old stickers promoted.. Of course there will ALWAYS be those who drive slower or significantly faster than "normal" or prudent and their numbers will vary.

gabebalazs · March 2008

I wonder what kind of traffic conditions did those people drive who posted 30+ mpg for the V6. It does make a big difference if the car is traveling at a relatively even speed but in heavy traffic, especially among semis.

Mythbusters had an episode where they tested how much better milage you can achieve if you follow a semi truck. They concluded via model testing that wind resistance drops by up to 90% depending on how close a car follows a semi. Obviously, it has to be dangerously close for the drag to drop by 90%, but even from a distance of about 100 feet drag drops significantly. They used an old Mustang for real life test and they achieved somewhere between 35-40 mpg at highway speed by closely following a semi. DO not try this at home kids

I was in some heavy traffic the other day, traffic was moving around 60-65 mph. I was behind a semi, distance varied between 50-100 feet. I reset my trip computer and alas, I got 35 mpg for those few miles while I was following the truck.

So I guess if you take a highway trip and travel a considerable portion of your trip behind semis, 30+ mpg is plausible.

targettuning · March 2008

Unfortunately I despise semi trucks, I will take every opportunity to pass them AND stay as far as possible in front of them. I have found a large portion of their drivers to be arrogant and ignorant to smaller traffic, and deliberately dangerous as well. There have been several incidents where we (my wife and I) have been 1. cut off while partway around in passing 2. been completely forced into the grass median @ 70 mph by a driver who was looking right at us (we were 3/4 of the way around him and right at his window.) He absolutely knew we were there. 3. been boxed in by one in the left lane...one in front..and one coming up on the rear, why? because I was tired of the one in the passing lane not passing the one in front for miles and miles and tried to pass on the right. A game for bored over the road drivers?, terrorize the passenger car driver. Turn signals seem to be a "magic wand" for them and give immunity as long as they use them in a lane change, no matter you or I have already started a pass. No thanks I'd NEVER draft to save fuel even if doubled my mileage and gas was $5.00 per...it would be a game to see how many times the semi driver could cause me to slam on the brakes per mile or even if that particular driver was polite and sane it is still dangerous to be mere feet behind something one cannot see over-under-or around to judge traffic hazards ahead that might cause a full tilt stop on the semi's part. no thanks!!!

gabebalazs · March 2008

I'm with you totally, I try to stay away from semis too. It's just something I had a "chance" to test since my exit was coming up and I didn't wan't to change lanes before my exit.

Hyundai Sonata Real World MPG

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