I own a 2009 Sonata Limited V6 and have 9998 miles on it. Made a trip to Lake Jackson TX about 2 months ago from Nevada MO. I drove 1645 miles round trip and used 49.7gallons of fuel-an average of 33.09 MPG. I am very happy with my Sonata.
I calculate the MPG on my 09 GLS MT with every fill-up. I routinely average in the low 30's. Given, most of my miles are on the highway, but, nevertheless, I'm quite happy!
I get crummy mileage, according to my "trip computer"... The computer on my 07 GLS (4cyl automatic) says I'm getting roughly 21 mpg on average. That's actually about the best I do - winters it goes down below 20 easily. Mileage is by far the #1 complaint I have about this car (I have very few other complaints - it's a great car).
Just drove from Virginia to Oklahoma; 1400 miles. Using the trip computer at one point the car we were averaging nearly 40MPG in my 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited 4 Cylinder. We eventually averaged 35 MPG for the entire trip.
My car has a custom aftermarket exhaust, so that might have helped some. I believe that the increase in altitude and mountainous terrain caused the MPG to decrease.
New 2009 Sonata se v6, only 3000 miles, have not calculated mpg by actual gas used v/ miles driven yet. Still learning how to use Shiftronics to maximize RPM to MPH ratio. Hi rpm = less mpg as everyone knows. Using fully automatic side only on 120 mile trip mostly hiway, best average 32.2 / 32.4 AC off, AC on 31.8 / 32. Turned AC back on " to HOT". This was with cruise set @ 2000 rpm 72/73 mph. Did not notice any fluctuation in rpm or speed w/ AC on or OFF. On 20 mile stretch using manual side to shift @ max. 2000 rpm then up shift to 50 mph and then putting into auto mode. Cruise set @ 50 mph rpm stayed @ 1250 in overdrive. That brought average to 36.3 ( and still climbing). Will be taking a 2000 mile trip next week. Will post update on mpg average both ways trip computer and hand figures. So far luv this car. Hard to keep from stomping accelerator in this thing, very strong off line in 1st and 2nd gear using manual side. Not going to try redline yet!
2009 I4 GLS with 15,000 miles. Typically get around 32-34 commuting 50 mile round trip averaging 45 mph. On the interstate at 70 mph only get around 30 - sometimes a bit less.
2000 mile trip N.O. to K.C. Kan. mostly hiway, big city traffic encountered two wrecks stuck in stop and go traffic over 1 hour wasted. Going we had trunk and back seat loaded down w/ grandchildrens stuff. Up and down hills from St. Louis to K.C. Coming back same route but ran thru 9 hrs solid rain, hard to keep steady set on cruise. Tried to keep cruise set at 2000RPM @ 72 MPH when possible the whole trip. Saw up to 32.5 on trip computer. Average calculated for trip 30.5, I consider very good due to some of the above mentioned adverse driving conditions. Normal driving around home, combined actual calculated 24.75 also good for 249 HP
Over all extremely good car, comfortable, good looking in and out, smooth quite ride, after 11,000 miles absulutely no problems.
I am very interested in knowing the real world in town mileages. I know they should be 19mpg but realistically over say 3 tanks or 1000 miles what are you getting with yours? I am still not quite getting 19 with 20000mi on my 2006 LX. I am in the panhandle of FL (NW area) and use the A/C all the time, so I know that affects mine, what about yours. Thanks, van
I have the new version of the 3.3L V6 249HP in a 2009 SE bought in late July 2009, about 3 months old. My wife and I both drive very conservative, no jack-rabbit take off's, start slowing ahead of time if possible buy letting off accelerator. Use cruise when it is feasible, on open hiway w/ speed limit 70 cruise is set about 72MPH. Luckily we don't have to do much inner city driving. We keep track of all fell up's and mileage after several tanks we hand calculate, and keep in the car service log. Have never calculated less than between 26 & 27MPG combined, when we do more open road traveling it goes up over 30 calculated. On long Interstate trips of 500 + miles it is even better, stop fuel up get back on Interstate and set cruise. As for as the average on the trip computer, it is just that an average, but have seen under good driving conditions over 36 in 55mph zone over 25 mile distance, under same conditions at 70-72 mph have seen 34+ all w/ AC on this is south Loiusiana.
Thanks for your input. I too, am light on accelerations, and coasting, etc also keep my tire pressure at 33-34, and AC on always. Unfortunately I still haven't reached anywhere near a 30mpg figure even on highway w/cruise (70mph). My overall avg from beginning is 18.7mpg for 19,000miles. I would love to have that increased, but everything I try still hasn't done the trick. My city is Pensacola, and traffic here isn't as bad as some, still there are times that "try men's souls". At times on hwy I have over 125mi trip each way averaged in the mid 20's. Anyway, was just curious about others. Again, thanks for your input. van
Ooops my mistake.. just checked again, and it is 19.7 instead of 18.7. Think I must have hit the wrong key. I should have checked earlier when I could have edited the figure.
I always average 33-34 MPG, without fail. I have the ’09 GLS I4 manual transmission with about 10k miles on it.
Here are some things that I do to help me squeeze out every MPG I can
1.) Eliminate all excess weight in your car. My trunk is completely empty (except for the tire and jack). Inside the car I have my son’s car seat, and my umbrella. That’s it. There’s nothing in the glove box or center console.
2.) I check my tire pressure at every fill up and add air accordingly.
3.) I coast whenever I can. With a manual transmission, this is very easy for me. On the highway, I can coast at 55 MPH and as far as the engine’s concerned, I’m idling at a stop light. Coasting is a HUGE gas saver.
4.) I never gun the engine, or “jackrabbit” start. I also try to never come to a complete stop – if I see a red light ahead, I try to coast all the way to it in the hope that it will turn green before I have to completely stop.
5.) I always use cruise control on the highway.
6.) I never drive over 60 MPH on the highway. Anything over 60 and you’re just losing fuel efficiency. You said you drive 70 on the highway. Stop. Even if the speed limit is 70, that doesn’t mean you have to drive 70. No matter what the speed limit is on the highway, you will always find me in the right lane going 55-60. In addition to saving gas, I notice that the road completely opens up – I never have to hit my breaks, change lanes, or readjust my cruise control. It’s great. In fact, I have never driven my car faster that 60, and I don’t ever plan to.
There you go. Those are my 6 “secrets” to 33-34 MPG on every tank.
Everyone will have an opinion on #6. Some people will say it’s dangerous and causes traffic. Others will say that they would rather save 4 minutes on a trip and drive 70. I don’t care. It’s how I choose to drive, if you don’t like it, you can pass me. I am always careful to stay in the right lane.
One last thing, don’t go by your MPG calculator on your instrument panel – it’s not always accurate. I calculate my MPG manually at every fill up. This is the best way to do it.
Driving under the speed limit (but above the minimum posted speed) is legal. Not sure I'd personally go 10-15 mph under the limit on a highway under normal conditions if there's any traffic at all, but it's legal.
But you (and others) should check your state laws re coasting downhill in neutral... in at least some states it is illegal. Also not a good idea for safety, IMO.
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
But you (and others) should check your state laws re coasting downhill in neutral... in at least some states it is illegal.
Yeah, it is illegal here in Virginia. I'm not sure how anyone could "catch me" in the act, but, you are right - it's illegal here and in many, many jurisdictions.
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
I do. Though I may drive slow, I do try to be respectful of others and am always mindful of turnlanes and the like. For example, if someone is merging on the highway and I should either speedup/slow down to give them room, I always do.
Thanks for your info. There is a lot of difference between 4cyl and 6cyl though. I do go along with a lot of what you say, however my coasting is only coming up to lights and I do try to keep the vehicle "empty" of misc weight tho, keep tires aired, etc. Overall we aren't much different, but I will still stick with a little higher speed than 60, when I am on the highway as I usually am going a pretty long distance. Obviously around town loops, bypasses, etc I don't count them, depending. Anyway, thanks again for your input.
I think you did mention you have the new version 2009 Sonata I4? Even if it is not the new version you should " IN THEORY" get a minimum of at least as good or a little better than the V6. The I4 is made by Hyundai just like the V6 so it will get that kind of MPG on an average, some owners post that on their reviews as they do w/ the V6. BUT in some cases they also report the same findings as you do. Example 2 brothers bought a new Sonata GLS about the same time 1 got the I4 the other a V6 and the fellow with the I4 stated his brother beat his MPH calculation by a significant amount every fill up, he also said they both drive in the same area and conservatively. He received a number of replys that did complain of the same problem, others gave suggestions on how they drove to achieve a much better rating. What I had suggested is to go back to the dealer and have them check to see what the problem is " there is a problem probably mechanically" I would also be upset if I chose the I4 over the V6 for MPG reasons and that is what happened. Go to the dealer or several Hyundai dealers or a mechanic or even as for as the Sonata plant in Alabama, they advertise this vehicle to do certain things they should stand behind it, it's mechanical and that should be considered a drive trane problem. If they can't fix it I would consider the possibility of checking into the Lemon Law description. Good luck with your problem. Please post your findings it may help others with the same problem. Have a good day!!
Thanks for coming in with your comments. No I don't have a 4cyl mine is the V6 LX model (2006). I have about 21000miles on it now. Still love it, it has been a very good vehicle for me.
I am wondering if you are using ethanol laced gasoline.
In my part of the country it is not uncommon to run into most filling stations pumping only 10% ethanol gasoline. This blend as opposed to pure gasoline, will reduce my mileage between 10 and 20%.
This is not the kind of savings I'm interested in. I much prefer to run 100% gasoline. When I do run 100% gasoline I can get between 20 and 22 miles per gallon in town. And between 32 and 37 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on how windy it is and if I'm running air-conditioning and of course, how fast I'm driving. I normally drive on the highway between 60 and 65 miles an hour. I have a 2006 Sonata four cylinder four speed automatic.
I have been quite happy with my car since I purchased it new in June 2006.
I'm in CT and the entire state has been required to use that 10% ethonal crap for about 20 years. At that time gas prices were not volitile and that crap added over $.05 per gallon while reducing typical MPG 10 to 20%, as you stated.
Our all knowing government looking out for us again! Big Brother knows better.
So, if I use 20% more fuel and if the emissions from my car are not at least 21% less, who or what gains? I think the answer is the *#^!@* government which collects tax per gallon. Meanwhile the people have to pay more per gallon and use more gallons.
Just thought this column got lost in the shuffle, so thought I would bring it up to date. My 2006 Sonata LX V6 with just over 20,000mi has shown me overall mileage of just under 19mpg from the beginning, I keep records up to date, just left them in the car, or I would be able to give the specifics. Unfortunately for me, most of this is "city" miles, with "hwy" miles for trips over 200miles giving me readings in the mid to upper 20's...that is driving the limit plus a few more. (75mph, sorry but can't afford to support my highway patrol) I am relatively happy with it only because I use the A/C almost all the time (Florida-is either hot or humid) I have tried twice to go 200 mi at 60-65mph and have only shown mpg at 26/27. My longer trips, ie 1000+ on a few occasions has shown me about 1 or 2 mpg less but there were some times where the speed was closer to 75-80 and a few still higher although not ever for long periods of time. I read with envy of all these reports of guys/gals getting much better mpg, sure wish I could too. Oh yes, this is with that lousy corn-gas substitute throughout Florida so that may account for some of it too.
My wife's 2009 GLS I4 Auto is now up to 23K miles; she drove about 40 miles, each way, to work per day for the last year.
Her mileage is a mix of 70/30 highway/city driving; she averages between 29.4 and 32.2 per fill up. On the highway, we routinely get 32+, even with our notorious lead feet (up 85-95 (average was still over 75) on a 400 mile each way round trip from Hampton Roads, Virginia to western Pennsylvania average 35.6 mpg, for example).
And yes, we have the Ethanol blend, too. I'd LOVE to have seen what we could get with real gas!
Okay, very first fill-up of my new 2010 GLS I-4 Sonata rendered me about 33 MPG. No trip computer to measure it with, did it the old-fashioned way. This was about 75/25 highway/city driving. I’m pleased with that.
2009 I4 auto with over 54k miles. Lifetime average of 35.7 mpg. I would say 90+% hwy. I tend to drive very conservatively, going 60 on the interstate. The needle says 60, but my gps says 57. Also had that discrepancy with my 2006 Accent. I checked the gps with our 2009 Fit, and I think it was only 1 mph different. Is this Hyundai's stealthy way of getting its owners to driver a wee bit slower for more mpg?
As for the ethanol mix. There are stations around here that sell 100% gas and most that sell the 10% stuff. Honestly, I couldn't tell you the difference. The major driver of what I get is how fast I go and how much AC I use. Also, the mpg dips in the very cold weather. It's really neat seeing the mpg plotted versus time. Trends upward in the summer and downward in the winter.
I think this 35.7 lifetime mpg rocks! In my 2006 Accent, I had a lifetime of 36.1, and that was around 80k miles driven the same way. So kudos to the Sonata!
To answer the first part of your comment. No, the speedometers are generally "off" one way or the other on almost all cars due to simple production variance. This is why police cars used to, and maybe still do, have their speedometers calibrated. So, no stealth intended by Hyundai..or anybody else but it may be an unintended by-product. It has been determined that E-10 reduces fuel economy by between 3-5%. I can verify this myself by charting the fuel economy on my 1995 Dodge Stratus over about 6 years and fuel mileage has dropped within that range with no change in my driving habits. Maybe older cars are more effected ??
I have a 2009 sonata 4 cyl. auto trans. The best MPG I get on the highway is 24 MPG. Driving in ideal conditions with or without cruise control. I get 20 MPG driving around town. I have no confidence in my dealer who says it sounds "about right" since the EPA estimate is 23-27 MPG combined driving. Everything I hear on this discussion site and from friends suggests that I should be getting at least 30MPG on the highway. The car now has 7,000 miles on it. Other than the MPG I love the car.
I have a 4-cyl 2007 GLS and have always had the same issue as kukoofishy (above). I occasionally get just above 30 mpg if I let the trip computer calculate highway ONLY, and that's if I'm set at roughly 60-65 mph (a speed no New Yorker travels while on an open highway, BTW). Around town gets me 20-22, tops. My car has roughly 37000mi on it by this point. I will be watching this thread very closely to see what others think.
Over 30 mpg is not too bad for the 2007 with the 4AT. kukoofishy's car is the 2009 with 5AT and should get better FE than the 2007. I have the 2007 GLS 4AT also and can easily get mid-30s at 60-65 mph on level ground. I get mid-20s in city driving, but my wife struggles to get 20 because she has the proverbial "lead foot" and tends to keep the car running when stopped a lot, e.g. picking up my daughter from school etc. But since you live in New York, I can see why your city FE is only 20-22.
You might look above for some tips on improving your FE--e.g. new air cleaner, check tire pressures, use a light foot on the gas etc. I have seen that synthetic oil can help also, but I don't use it in any of my cars right now.
Just took our 2007 Sonata GLS I4 AT on its first long trip, about 260 miles roundtrip for my son's college registration. Four people and luggage on board, 80-90 F and humid, AC on all the time. Gently rolling terrain with some steeper hills, speed was usually 65-70 mph with some drops to 60 or less for construction or traffic. Had some in-town driving also. Averaged 31.0 mpg overall, but 32 mpg on the two long highway jaunts. Not a great performance, but better than the EPA rating (21/30).
Last two fill-ups of my 2010 GLS Sonata (just turned 2000 miles) netted 34 and 32.6 MPG. The last figure after quite a bit of A/C driving and a few more stops and starts. I look forward to finding out what a nice long highway trip will get me.
It would be interesting to drive a 2006-8 Sonata I4 and 2009-10 I4 on the same route and see what the actual difference in FE is. I'd expect the newer cars to do significantly better on the highway, given the 5-speed AT.
Yeah, that would be cool to do. I notice mine downshifts on small rises sometimes with the cruise on. It's annoying but probably the price to pay with a 5 in it. My Accord 4AT never did that but didn't get quite the mileage this does.
I have the 2011 SE. Im still on my first tank and it is hovering around 29mpg. I estimate I drive about 60 percent hwy/ 40 percent local. I also use the A/C a lot. (This is July in TX!)
One more post on my mileage numbers for the 2010 GLS 4-banger w/3,200 miles on it now. Had my first long road trip, 95% hwy and was thrilled to go 360 miles on 9.4 gallons of gas. That worked out to a whopping 38.25 MPG for the trip. Still runs smooth as silk!
We have a 2010 Sonata GL Sport with the 2.4l engine with 5 speed AT. Just returned from a 2200 mile + vacation trip and averaged 8.0 liters per 100 km wich is about 29 mpg. Average speed around 60 mph using cruise control most of the time and fully loaded trunk, two adults and two teenagers. So I am very happy with the fuel economy and both my wife and I found the car very comfortable on our long trip.
The last 2 long trips 600+ mileage I averaged 24 MPG with my 2009 4 CYL. Sonata. Next week I'm taking a trip to South Jersey from New York. I'll check it again I hope with better results. The service manager at my dealership said that the 24 MPG "sounds about right". I'm losing faith in the dealership.
P.S. I have the car one year and there is less than 8,000 miles on it.
One more post on my mileage numbers for the 2010 GLS 4-banger w/3,200 miles on it now. Had my first long road trip, 95% hwy and was thrilled to go 360 miles on 9.4 gallons of gas. That worked out to a whopping 38.25 MPG for the trip. Still runs smooth as silk!
I might add that this was an AT on relatively flat surfaces, only a few hills and I cruise right at 65 mph most of the way. Only used A/C about 10% of the way. Pretty ideal conditions actually.
My 06 I4 AT can get me 28-29 mpg running 80-85 mph here in Montana with mtns and all. The reason I bought the car was for my city driving....avg 23.5 - 24.5. Had mine for 4 years now and enjoy the car.
I just returned from a 300 mile trip. I finally got decent MPG with my 2009 4 cyl. Sonata. I got 29.3 MPG. 250 miles of the trip was 65-70 MPH. I now have 8,400 miles on the car. Two 600 mile trips that I took last winter resulted in only 24 MPG. I don't know if it was the "winter" gasoline or if the car needed to be "broken in".
Thank you to all who commented. :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
Drove from Wilmington, NC to Vernon, NJ (about 1,600 miles) and back in our 2011 6MT sonata. Averaged 36.5 MPG. Our car, bought new 7/26, now has almost 4,000 miles.
My trip I avg'd around 28 calculated mpg running 80-85 mph. My trip computer can be off by .5 one tank and 1.2 the next. I reset everything when I fill up.
Comments
My car has a custom aftermarket exhaust, so that might have helped some. I believe that the increase in altitude and mountainous terrain caused the MPG to decrease.
used v/ miles driven yet. Still learning how to use Shiftronics to maximize RPM to
MPH ratio. Hi rpm = less mpg as everyone knows. Using fully automatic side only
on 120 mile trip mostly hiway, best average 32.2 / 32.4 AC off, AC on 31.8 / 32.
Turned AC back on " to HOT". This was with cruise set @ 2000 rpm 72/73 mph.
Did not notice any fluctuation in rpm or speed w/ AC on or OFF. On 20 mile stretch
using manual side to shift @ max. 2000 rpm then up shift to 50 mph and then
putting into auto mode. Cruise set @ 50 mph rpm stayed @ 1250 in overdrive. That
brought average to 36.3 ( and still climbing). Will be taking a 2000 mile trip next
week. Will post update on mpg average both ways trip computer and hand figures.
So far luv this car. Hard to keep from stomping accelerator in this thing, very
strong off line in 1st and 2nd gear using manual side. Not going to try redline yet!
back seat loaded down w/ grandchildrens stuff. Up and down hills from St. Louis
to K.C. Coming back same route but ran thru 9 hrs solid rain, hard to keep steady set on cruise. Tried to keep cruise set at 2000RPM @ 72 MPH when possible the
whole trip. Saw up to 32.5 on trip computer. Average calculated for trip 30.5, I
consider very good due to some of the above mentioned adverse driving conditions.
Normal driving around home, combined actual calculated 24.75 also good for
249 HP
Over all extremely good car, comfortable, good looking in and out, smooth quite
ride, after 11,000 miles absulutely no problems.
I know they should be 19mpg but realistically over say 3 tanks or 1000 miles what are you getting with yours?
I am still not quite getting 19 with 20000mi on my 2006 LX. I am in the panhandle of FL (NW area) and use the A/C all the time, so I know that affects mine, what about yours.
Thanks, van
about 3 months old. My wife and I both drive very conservative, no jack-rabbit take
off's, start slowing ahead of time if possible buy letting off accelerator. Use cruise
when it is feasible, on open hiway w/ speed limit 70 cruise is set about 72MPH.
Luckily we don't have to do much inner city driving. We keep track of all fell up's and mileage after several tanks we hand calculate, and keep in the car service log.
Have never calculated less than between 26 & 27MPG combined, when we do more
open road traveling it goes up over 30 calculated. On long Interstate trips of 500 +
miles it is even better, stop fuel up get back on Interstate and set cruise. As for as
the average on the trip computer, it is just that an average, but have seen under
good driving conditions over 36 in 55mph zone over 25 mile distance, under same
conditions at 70-72 mph have seen 34+ all w/ AC on this is south Loiusiana.
Hope this helps!
van
van
I always average 33-34 MPG, without fail. I have the ’09 GLS I4 manual transmission with about 10k miles on it.
Here are some things that I do to help me squeeze out every MPG I can
1.) Eliminate all excess weight in your car. My trunk is completely empty (except for the tire and jack). Inside the car I have my son’s car seat, and my umbrella. That’s it. There’s nothing in the glove box or center console.
2.) I check my tire pressure at every fill up and add air accordingly.
3.) I coast whenever I can. With a manual transmission, this is very easy for me. On the highway, I can coast at 55 MPH and as far as the engine’s concerned, I’m idling at a stop light. Coasting is a HUGE gas saver.
4.) I never gun the engine, or “jackrabbit” start. I also try to never come to a complete stop – if I see a red light ahead, I try to coast all the way to it in the hope that it will turn green before I have to completely stop.
5.) I always use cruise control on the highway.
6.) I never drive over 60 MPH on the highway. Anything over 60 and you’re just losing fuel efficiency. You said you drive 70 on the highway. Stop. Even if the speed limit is 70, that doesn’t mean you have to drive 70. No matter what the speed limit is on the highway, you will always find me in the right lane going 55-60. In addition to saving gas, I notice that the road completely opens up – I never have to hit my breaks, change lanes, or readjust my cruise control. It’s great. In fact, I have never driven my car faster that 60, and I don’t ever plan to.
There you go. Those are my 6 “secrets” to 33-34 MPG on every tank.
Everyone will have an opinion on #6. Some people will say it’s dangerous and causes traffic. Others will say that they would rather save 4 minutes on a trip and drive 70. I don’t care. It’s how I choose to drive, if you don’t like it, you can pass me. I am always careful to stay in the right lane.
One last thing, don’t go by your MPG calculator on your instrument panel – it’s not always accurate. I calculate my MPG manually at every fill up. This is the best way to do it.
I hope that helps.
But you (and others) should check your state laws re coasting downhill in neutral... in at least some states it is illegal. Also not a good idea for safety, IMO.
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
Yeah, it is illegal here in Virginia. I'm not sure how anyone could "catch me" in the act, but, you are right - it's illegal here and in many, many jurisdictions.
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
I do. Though I may drive slow, I do try to be respectful of others and am always mindful of turnlanes and the like. For example, if someone is merging on the highway and I should either speedup/slow down to give them room, I always do.
Good MPG is useless if you're not a safe driver.
van
a little better than the V6. The I4 is made by Hyundai just like the V6 so it will
get that kind of MPG on an average, some owners post that on their reviews as they do w/ the V6. BUT in some cases they also report the same findings as you do. Example 2 brothers bought a new Sonata GLS about the same time 1 got the
I4 the other a V6 and the fellow with the I4 stated his brother beat his MPH calculation by a significant amount every fill up, he also said they both drive in the
same area and conservatively. He received a number of replys that did complain of
the same problem, others gave suggestions on how they drove to achieve a much
better rating. What I had suggested is to go back to the dealer and have them
check to see what the problem is " there is a problem probably mechanically" I
would also be upset if I chose the I4 over the V6 for MPG reasons and that is what
happened. Go to the dealer or several Hyundai dealers or a mechanic or even as
for as the Sonata plant in Alabama, they advertise this vehicle to do certain things
they should stand behind it, it's mechanical and that should be considered a drive
trane problem. If they can't fix it I would consider the possibility of checking into the
Lemon Law description. Good luck with your problem. Please post your findings it
may help others with the same problem. Have a good day!!
van
In my part of the country it is not uncommon to run into most filling stations pumping only 10% ethanol gasoline. This blend as opposed to pure gasoline, will reduce my mileage between 10 and 20%.
This is not the kind of savings I'm interested in. I much prefer to run 100% gasoline. When I do run 100% gasoline I can get between 20 and 22 miles per gallon in town. And between 32 and 37 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on how windy it is and if I'm running air-conditioning and of course, how fast I'm driving. I normally drive on the highway between 60 and 65 miles an hour. I have a 2006 Sonata four cylinder four speed automatic.
I have been quite happy with my car since I purchased it new in June 2006.
Our all knowing government looking out for us again! Big Brother knows better.
So, if I use 20% more fuel and if the emissions from my car are not at least 21% less, who or what gains? I think the answer is the *#^!@* government which collects tax per gallon. Meanwhile the people have to pay more per gallon and use more gallons.
My 2006 Sonata LX V6 with just over 20,000mi has shown me overall mileage of just under 19mpg from the beginning, I keep records up to date, just left them in the car, or I would be able to give the specifics.
Unfortunately for me, most of this is "city" miles, with "hwy" miles for trips over 200miles giving me readings in the mid to upper 20's...that is driving the limit plus a few more. (75mph, sorry but can't afford to support my highway patrol) I am relatively happy with it only because I use the A/C almost all the time (Florida-is either hot or humid)
I have tried twice to go 200 mi at 60-65mph and have only shown mpg at 26/27. My longer trips, ie 1000+ on a few occasions has shown me about 1 or 2 mpg less but there were some times where the speed was closer to 75-80 and a few still higher although not ever for long periods of time.
I read with envy of all these reports of guys/gals getting much better mpg, sure wish I could too.
Oh yes, this is with that lousy corn-gas substitute throughout Florida so that may account for some of it too.
Her mileage is a mix of 70/30 highway/city driving; she averages between 29.4 and 32.2 per fill up. On the highway, we routinely get 32+, even with our notorious lead feet (up 85-95 (average was still over 75) on a 400 mile each way round trip from Hampton Roads, Virginia to western Pennsylvania average 35.6 mpg, for example).
And yes, we have the Ethanol blend, too. I'd LOVE to have seen what we could get with real gas!
As for the ethanol mix. There are stations around here that sell 100% gas and most that sell the 10% stuff. Honestly, I couldn't tell you the difference. The major driver of what I get is how fast I go and how much AC I use. Also, the mpg dips in the very cold weather. It's really neat seeing the mpg plotted versus time. Trends upward in the summer and downward in the winter.
I think this 35.7 lifetime mpg rocks! In my 2006 Accent, I had a lifetime of 36.1, and that was around 80k miles driven the same way. So kudos to the Sonata!
It has been determined that E-10 reduces fuel economy by between 3-5%. I can verify this myself by charting the fuel economy on my 1995 Dodge Stratus over about 6 years and fuel mileage has dropped within that range with no change in my driving habits. Maybe older cars are more effected ??
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thank you.
You might look above for some tips on improving your FE--e.g. new air cleaner, check tire pressures, use a light foot on the gas etc. I have seen that synthetic oil can help also, but I don't use it in any of my cars right now.
Sonata. Next week I'm taking a trip to South Jersey from New York. I'll check it again I hope with better results. The service manager at my dealership said that the 24 MPG "sounds about right". I'm losing faith in the dealership.
P.S. I have the car one year and there is less than 8,000 miles on it.
I might add that this was an AT on relatively flat surfaces, only a few hills and I cruise right at 65 mph most of the way. Only used A/C about 10% of the way. Pretty ideal conditions actually.
I don't know if it was the "winter" gasoline or if the car needed to be "broken in".
Thank you to all who commented. :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
I hear that most trip computers are about 10-12% off in calculating actual mileage.