Hyundai Sonata Real World MPG

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Comments

  • eagle2aeagle2a Member Posts: 97
    bhmr59 said: "No need to trash anyone because they prefer a different car than you (or I) do."

    I say Amen to that! That is one of the things that is great about America. Drive what you like! :shades:
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    Average of my last 3 fillups, was 19.5 mpg in a little over 830 miles. This with about 12% highway (one round trip of 85 miles) and the rest all short haul, less than 5 miles. If I add in the previous fillup, the mpg drops to 19.1 with maybe a few 2 or 3 short highway miles hops of under 10 miles. Plus, in the "oldest" milage check, it was like 90/90 (temp/humidity) and the auto AC was blasting all the time. A little over 10K miles on car.

    EPA rating says 19/27. All things considered I'm not complaining. Maybe I should have filled up again after the 85 mile round trip to check highway milage, but I'd have felt prety dumb only getting 3 or 4 gallons.

    BTW, gas here in CT, has dropped from $3.179 to $2.759 in the last 7 weeks. (CT taxes are high)
  • eagle2aeagle2a Member Posts: 97
    Just topped 4000 miles. Checked my last 87.3 gal used. Drove 2,302 miles. This is 26.3 average MPG. Mostly city, some highway. I would guess between 20 and 25% was highway, the rest was city. Almost all with A/C running hard. I drive between 55 and 65 MPH on highway.

    Consumer Reports tested the Hyundai Sonata I4 Auto and claims an "overall of 23 MPG" and 28 MPG on there "150 mile test trip."
    So I must be doing something about right.
  • astuteastute Member Posts: 2
    Just got 1700 miles on my car.
    Before I filled the gas, trip computer showed that my car can still run 44miles. The I filled exactly 10 gallons, and reset everything. This morning, when the trip computer displayed 44 again, I checked the readings. It runs 256.3 miles, 10% highway, 27mph, it means 25.6mpg. The trip computer shows 25.7mpg, quite accurate. Does this way make sense?
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    I'm baffled by your post.

    Did you not actually reset the trip compter or am I not understanding what you wrote? I don't understand, "This morning, when the trip computer displayed 44 again, I checked the readings. It runs 256.3 miles, 10% highway, 27mph, it means 25.6mpg."
  • astuteastute Member Posts: 2
    There is one function of trip computer called RANGE, showing that how many miles you can go with current gas level. You can not reset this number.
  • dump_truckdump_truck Member Posts: 42
    First tank from dealer was a pedestrian 21.9 or somewhere in that neighborhood. Next tank after resetting at fill up was 25.3. 3rd tank after resetting at fill up was 26.2. Current tank is at a meager 24 even, but my city driving on this tank has increased a bit. Generally speaking my driving is somewhere around 70%hwy/30%city. Average speed on all tanks has been around 35-40 MPH. I drive anywhere from 65-75MPH on downhills and flatland, and anywhere from 55-65MPH on hills. This has only been since the break-in period, possibly 1100 mi. or so. Before that, I kept it under 65 at all times, except for a brief 1 second or so visit to 70 MPH when I wasn't paying attention. I would say I really don't notice much of a difference in fuel econmy whether or not I have the A/C on. Barely noticeable. Seems odd to me but oh well. Also have the iPod running at all times as well. I've been pretty pleased considering the hilly terrain of western PA.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    MPG seems pretty good.

    Infortunately, in another month or so, due to cold weather you will probably see a 10 to 20% decrease in MPG depending upon how cold it gets. The cold weather, say below 50 or 55 seems to affect most cars. When it gets below freezing, expect another drop in MPG (for most cars).
  • dump_truckdump_truck Member Posts: 42
    yeah i'm hoping that switching to synthetic at 3k will offset that a bit. gonna go w/ pennzoil platinum 5w-20 to start off.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "Infortunately, in another month or so, due to cold weather you will probably see a 10 to 20% decrease in MPG depending upon how cold it gets." ((

    Engines have to run a rich fuel mixture while warming up - longer in cold weather, higher volatility winter-blend gasoline to aid cold starting, and the tendency of motor oil to become more viscous at colder temperatures (which puts a heavier load on the engine - so, more gas consumed) conspire to reduce fuel economy. Synthetic oils help, but don't entirely compensate. The best thing short-tripper (less than five miles daily) car owners can do during mid-fall to early spring in cold areas is get their cars out on the weekend (if the weather's not too abysmal) for a good 20-30 mile warmup run to burn off accumulated moisture and fuel contamination in the motor oil.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    Good that we don't run our cars on orange juice. Just saw that the average price is $4.89 per gallon and expected to go higher due to lower refinery production as a result of the 2004 hurricanes.
  • dadof6dadof6 Member Posts: 61
    We show 2300 miles on the odo,run 900-1000 miles per week and show 28 mpg average so far. We do 33 mpg on our flat hiways at 65 mph on our commute each day. I put the tires at max sidewall psi & checked over 300 miles hiway & still show 33mpg. Thing rode like a lumber wagon tho :)
    We have found the hiway speeds affect mpg the most dropping about 10% for every 5mph over 65 mph.
    This all on an '07 GLS 4cyl Auto.
  • guestguest Member Posts: 770
    I live in the Land of Orange Juice (Florida), and just noticed the price of OJ is getting out of hand. Why I remember as recently as 5 years ago, a gallon of Bottled Water cost more than a gallon of Gas.
    I wish I would have stocked up, without blowing up my Apartment :sick:

    Imagine how much extra Juice FLC paid for his Sonata?? :P

    :lemon: The Unknown Poster :lemon:
  • silverfox1silverfox1 Member Posts: 91
    I have over 12000 miles on my 06 Sonata LX with the V6 and just made a trip to NJ from WI. Mileage has improved when I passed 10,000 miles. With good gas got 30 mpg at 70-80 mph. With reformulated gas dropped to 27.5-28.5 mpg at 70-80 mph. City mileage was 20 mpg with the good gas and slightly lower with that reformulated stuff.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "We do 33 mpg on our flat hiways at 65 mph on our commute each day. I put the tires at max sidewall psi ... Thing rode like a lumber wagon tho" ((

    Try adjusting down to a cold pressure of 35 psi. Your car'll ride much better at a loss of only about 1 - 1 1/2 mpg. Your car is still running-in, too. Expect another mpg or two once you pass 5,000 miles.
  • dadof6dadof6 Member Posts: 61
    Thanks for the feedback h1 I'll give it a try & let you know back. I'm looking forward to the mpg climbing slightly over the next 10-15k miles. We have found that with the miles we drive our cars don't really come into it until about the 15,000 mile mark. I assume the Sonata will be the same. Our last car(Corolla)mpg topped out at 18,000 miles and stayed level till we got rid of it.
  • johnap2johnap2 Member Posts: 105
    Maximum sidewall psi? I hope you realize the number displayed on the tire is not relevant. The car maker indicates the correct tire pressure settings inside the driver side door on the label sticker. Hyundai recommends 30 psi on all four tires. If you add too much air to the tires the suspension system gets beat up and your ride quality is poor.

    Tire pressure issues were partially to blame for the Ford Explorer tire problems back in 2000. People were inflating the tires according to the number on the tire instead of the recommended pressure for the vehicle.
  • dadof6dadof6 Member Posts: 61
    I did the max psi in the tires only long enough to confirm that the mpg didn't change & that the ride was terrible.
    This is the 3rd different car I have tried the sidewall max psi experiment with and have seen virtually no change in fuel mpg in any of them.
    I thought the Explorer problem was from underinflation and thats the reason for the tire psi monitoring systems we have today. Do any Hyundai cars have tire monitoring sytems ? I think its law on all SUV's as of '05.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    You're not going to see any real MPG improvement from 30psi up to 45psi. Where you really see an improvement is from 20psi up to 30psi. Yes, people really do neglect their tires that bad.
  • tkumpftkumpf Member Posts: 27
    I've just turned 1200 miles and my 60/40 hwy/city driving went from 19 when I started to 22.4 MPG. (using the onboard computer)
  • ilovestarilovestar Member Posts: 3
    i just got a 2004 hyundai sonata v6 2.7L and my gas mileage is like absurd. Around 12 miles/galon local and I haven't tested on the highway yet. So is there possibly some problem?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Depends on what you mean by "local". Can you tell us more, e.g. is this short-distance, stop-and-go city driving? If so, 12 mpg is not unexpected on a V6. Also what are the tire pressures?
  • ilovestarilovestar Member Posts: 3
    yes i meant stop-and-go city driving. i just measured my tire pressure today and three of them have 30psi and one had 25. Could that be the problem?
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    No. (Although you really should bring the low one up to the level of the other three - 25 lbs is costing you some money and tire life from the extra heat build-up and rolling resistance of additional sidewall flexing. Heat is any tire's worst enemy.) City driving is too inconsistent to get any meaningful gauge of fuel economy. What is your highway mileage when you can let your engine stretch its legs at constant speed? Also, how many accumulated miles does your car have? Has the transission fluid level ever been checked? I have an '03 Sonata V6 with 22,400 miles clocked. I run my tires at 35 lbs. I'm good for 30 mpg at 75 mph with A/C on full blast using California's mandated, energy defficient 10% ethanol blend gasoline. In town, my mileage drops back to 22+ - 23 mpg - though it can easily go much lower if I'm crawling through backed-up "rush" hour frustration. One thing you gotta watch out for. These older, delta Hyundai V6 engines eat their spark plugs.* It's entirely possible you have one or two inconsistant spark plugs chewing up your engine's fuel economy potential if you have more than 35,000 or 40,000 miles on them - even if they're the recommended platinum tipped variety. The bad news is that changing the rear bank of spark plugs (nearest the firewall) involves some serious labor charges since the intake manifold has to be partially disassembled to gain access to them.

    *For these engines, Hyundai chose a "waste" type ignition system more commonly seen on air-cooled motorcycle, ATV, and gardening equipment engines that ends up firing the spark plug at the top of the exhaust stroke as well as at the expected firing near the top of the compression stroke. Obviously spent exhaust gas can't be re-burned, so half the spark plugs' useful life is wasted by unnecessary spark erosion of the electrodes. The result of misfirings when a full, strong spark is required, but unavailable due to premature electrode erosion wear-down, is precious fuel going out the exhaust. Even worse, the effect can be masked from driver awareness to some degree by a V6 engine's superior inherent smoothness.
  • ilovestarilovestar Member Posts: 3
    thx for your suggestions. I will take my car to a mechanic and have it inspected.
  • cableguy06cableguy06 Member Posts: 299
    Have had my 2007 V6 Limited for over 2 months now with about 6500 miles. Average on the highway is around 27-28 and all rolled up is averaging around 25. Not bad for an agressive driver with a LEAD foot!
  • w9cww9cw Member Posts: 888
    I thought you owned a Kia Optima LX? At least, this is what you implied on the Kia Optima forum.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Most Stations that sell 90/10 Ethanol blended Gas do retail it at a lower price. :shades:

    Then there is this from the National Corn Growers Association. A trusted source for Corn!

    "Additional octane: The ethanol in E-10 Unleaded adds two to three points of octane to ordinary gasoline, helping improve engine performance."

    http://www.ncga.com/ethanol/main/your_car.htm#benefits
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    Hi miamixt. We've has this 10% ethanol forced upon us in CT since the 90's.

    I forget what the gas prices were at the time (certainly well under $2 per gallon) but it added about a nickel per gallon to the price and cars got less mpg.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    it added about a nickel per gallon to the price and cars got less mpg

    That's exactly what happened last spring here in SE Va.
  • jbolltjbollt Member Posts: 736
    In Los Angeles (20 years ago) when they were only selling 87, 89, & 91 Octane, this independant Station claimed their Ethanol tainted Gasoline was 93 Octane. They even gave me a piece of paper with the info that Ethanol boosted Octane, just like the Corn people claim today.

    Here in Miami I sometimes see pumps rated at 93 Octane, and other stations selling 91. I know it can change from dealer to dealer, and during different times of the year, but where are the Octane Police when you need them the most?. :confuse:

    bhmr59, I never saw an answer if my Insurance Agent can still service me when I move out of State. I'll be back next week to check, if I remember where I posted this?. So many Boards now...
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    There is a "My Recent Posts" link on the left side of the page. ;)

    You can also get an email alert when a new post is made if you want. You do that through the My Tracked Items page.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    I believe you said you were insured with State Farm. They are licensed in most states so you can probably continue with them. As far as your agent goes, he would need to be licensed in your new state in order to continue servicing your insurance policy.
  • guestguest Member Posts: 770
    Its bad enough when I show up as 'unknown'. I have no idea who jbollt is?. I am miamixt, have been since 2004. That was my post!. :confuse:

    Yes I am aware you can track the last 10 posts, and I have never signed up for the email alert. Considering what is happening to me, I only want the occasional email from you Pat, when I'm bad! :P

    bmhr59, thanks for the info. My State Farm agent said they could continue to be my agent even if I moved out of State. I doubt they are licensed in other States. Sometimes I wonder if they're even licensed in my State. :confuse:

    Scott...aka MiamiXT
  • guestguest Member Posts: 770
    You see, I'm unknown again. This great forum is stealing my identity. Incredible! :mad:
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    I've elevated this.

    Very sorry for what's happening - why don't you just be sure to sign your posts in the body of the message while we're trying to get a grip on this. (Just as a workaround, NOT as a solution.)
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    It seems like it is getting worse. I tried to contact you, but I then got logged out??. Thanks Pat!

    MIAMIXT
  • seniorsenior Member Posts: 13
    Does everybody follow the owners manual pertaining to the engine breakin of not going over 55 mph for the first 1200 miles?Its very difficult on freeways.Anyone else find this a problem?
  • dump_truckdump_truck Member Posts: 42
    i doubt everyone does. i found the manuals recommendations somewhat confusing. 'there is no formal break-in procedure', but do this anyway?!?! it didn't want you to go over 55, but it wanted you to keep the rpms between 2k-4k?!?! i don't know about eveyone else, but at 55mph, my rpm's are under 2k. i generally kept it closer to 60-65MPH myself, 55 is just not doable on freeways without getting killed. i also find it convenient the number they through out is the speed limit on a lot of roads. 55 is ok, but 60 will be bad?!?!? they are going to sell you are car you can't use on the interstae or freeway for the first 1200 miles? what do they do when cars need delivered? just seemed to be a lot of holes in the statement. just use common sense seems to be the best route.

    i think if you keep it 70 or less, don't floor it or lug the engine, and vary your speed as much as possible, it won't make any difference personally.
  • tkumpftkumpf Member Posts: 27
    I also had difficulty keeping to the "rules" of the break-in period. Like "dump_truck" I kept it between 55 and 60 for the first 1,200 miles and did not do any harsh accelleration during that time.

    One of the Hyundai salesmen told me it's just a recommendation and nothing serious would happen as long as you just didn't abuse the car.
  • cableguy06cableguy06 Member Posts: 299
    w9cw, just bought about a month ago a new 2006.5 Optima LX for my Mother. She was in a car accident and her car was totaled. I went down to visit her and bought her the car. She owned a 1997 Mazda 626 which was listed on KIA's website with a competitive rebate which allowed us to drive the car OTD for $15,050...a great deal I think :D
  • billwardbillward Member Posts: 154
    I didn't realize you live down here in SE Va with me, Pat. I'm in Virginia Beach.

    At any rate, to be on topic:

    Just took my 2003 GLS V6 for it's first long trip (I just purchased the car, used). 28.7 MPG from Virginia Beach to Booneville, NC. Return trip was about 28.2 as well. That's with intermittent AC, three passengers, a lot of junk in the trunk, and at speeds ranging up to 75 for long stretches.

    And yes, at least the FIRST tank (28.7) was on the 90/10 blend. Paid $2.049 per gallon, up from $1.999 a week earlier. Booneville was $2.189, BTW, but probably was pure gas. Interesting that I got better mileage with Ethanol Blend than with pure Gas.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Cool! I'm in Norfolk. :)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Got a 2007 Sonata SE today as a rental (after I complained about the SUV they were going to give me). On a 110-mile trip, 90% highway (pretty flat, a few rolling hills) at 60-70 mph, the mpg meter hit 30.1 as I pulled into my destination. It's been dropping since then as I've been doing a few short-distance in-town trips. Car has 8700 miles on it. So it's hitting the EPA average on the highway at least.
  • jacknzonejacknzone Member Posts: 82
    I have a 2004 Sonata ,around town its 24 mpg or about 12lts per 100 km ,$1.39 :) per lt at the pump here in New Zealand. Only had the car for 3 months . Great car!!
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    Took a little run on I-10 from San Bernardino, CA to Quartzite, AZ yesterday after adjusting tire pressures (35 lbs cold) and topping off the tank (California's mandated unleaded 87 octane 10% "gasahol"). Got back to California around 3:30 p.m. but got stuck in six miles of urban crawl due to worker bees on their way hither and yon once I exited the freeway before I could get to the station I normally use. I doubt that heavy street traffic episode helped my mileage figures, but I still managed 30.47 mpg (hand calculated) at mostly 70 mph in California and 75 mph in Arizona. There are some vicious grades climbing away from the Colorado River basin after entering Arizona, too. A/C on the whole time. No passengers, but lotsa junk in the trunk.
  • ultcarultcar Member Posts: 24
    I've been driving my 06 Sonata LX for about 15 months in IL with a little over 15,200 miles on it. Used fully synthetic oil (Castrol 10W-30) for three of my oil changes and the last one was also a fully synthetic Mobil 5W-20 (local Sam's started carrying them). Although it's totally unnecessary, I've only used 93 octane gas and avoided the 10% ethanol whenever I could. (Well, I sometimes had to put up with 91s on highway trips.) My city mileage is around 18 mpg (with soft-pedaling, of course) and 25mpg on the highway (65-70 mpg w/heater). Not a pretty picture, but not too ugly, IMHO. The 3.3 engine does seem sensitive to the numerous red lights and stop signs. Wonder if a dose of "Corn-aid" will boost my mileage... :confuse:
  • cxccxc Member Posts: 122
    You need to use regular gasoline, not 93 octane. Next the engine oil should have a label "Energy Conservation". Doing both of these will improve mpg by 4 -5 mpg.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    Where are you getting that stuff, cxc? ultcar's current and previous motor oil choices are both fully formulated "Energy Conserving" blends. NO change of motor oil formulation and/or viscosity range will result in a 4-5 mpg improvement. Switching from 10W-30 to 5W-20 might result in a 0.5, maybe a 0.75, mpg improvement at most. The only benefits 93 octane gasoline brings to the table are, 1) its resistance to pinging; and, 2) the increased probability that departing big oil company excutives will join the elite fraternity receiving lavish multi-million dollar retirement benefit packages.
  • hotrod54hotrod54 Member Posts: 82
    hotrod54here...regarding gasoline octane...because of the engine management controls via computer, cars will only burn the octane requireed; thus the high octane fuel you are using is worthless, and may actually do more harm then good...there is no advantage and is no "cleaner" :cry:
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