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Acura MDX MPG Real World Numbers
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Around town (Stop-&-Go): ~ 15.2 mpg
Mixed suberb driving: ~ 17-19 mpg
Pure Highway (~75 mph): ~ 22 mpg
Ralph
I have owned an MDX since March of '01 and am currently driving my second one. We have put over 60,000 miles on our MDXs. I am a longtime contributer to Edmunds Town Hall, having joined in Jan '01 prior to buying our MDX. Additionally I am a top 10 poster over on acuramdx.org and participate on other Acura forums as well.
What's the point? You may not want to believe your dealer that the MDX should get better gas mileage, but you should believe me!! Your mileage figures do NOT match historical evidence from the many thousands who have reported on these various forums. The worst mileage we have ever experienced in predominately stop-n-go city driving is the upper 14s. I assure you that your reported milage is not normal! Check the other forum I mentioned.
Am considering my first MDX, is premium fuel required? Saw from above thread that they used 87 oct.
Any suggestions on threads / info trying to compare a new Honda Pilot or other base SUV to used "premium" SUV such as the MDX?
Thanks
M
BTW, in my post above (#12) I meant 87 octane
The other day I was shuttled from the dealership to work in an MDX and checked their milege - it has never been reset apparently cause they had 9500 trip and the average of 14.8. The driver said they they do 50/50 highway/city.
2004 MDX - bought 9/17/04
10,800 miles
25% city / 75% highway [75-80 mph]
17.8 mpg - it's been that since 9000 miles
My 2004 MDX gets and average like most. 14MPG in the city and 20+ on the highway, I Avg 19.5. I'm estatic! Gee, I have a 265HP vehicle that weighs over 4000 Lbs and is a hot rod too?
AAA has published a report on how EPA figures dont match up.
http://autoadvice.about.com/od/buying/a/MPGEstimate.htm
Looks like a little pie in the face for a few brands.
How about the Honda Element that boasts 160HP with 26MPG highway and in reality gets only 20MPG by AAA independent testing?
Or...The Lexus LX 470 (AKA Seqouia) bragging about 13 - 17MPG and only delivering 10.8MPG
Let's look at the 245HP Toyota 4 Runner that says it's getting 18-24MPG but actually gets 17.8MPG
Look a gift horse in the mouth? Go out to your garage right now and give your MDX a big HUG!
QRTLOW
The Acura reports I think 16/19? I get 15 around town and 21+ on the highway. So I am happy the highway epa estimates are low...it makes long road trips much more enjoyable not having to worry about filling up multiple times. There is nothing like having the caffeine kick in, the kids settle into a movie and really start cruising to realize you have to stop for gas...which means food, bathroom, 1/2 hour etc. The MDX can go so far on even under a 1/2 a tank it is nice.
Also, took 5 adults on various rides around Lake George area and all commented on the MDX's very smooth ride.
Can't wait to see what the 2007 MDX will have up its wheel wells. I'm sure they are figuring out ways to squeeze more MPG out of it...
Then on the final ride home from VT to Connecticut, filled up in VT and by the time I hit Hartford 110 miles later got MPG up to 25.2. By the time I got home to Rhode Island with some stop and go, I was sitting at 24.5. Very please so far.
My 05 Prius is an exception for in town driving. I did not expect anywhere near EPA numbers, so I am not disappointed at my 45 mpg average. Like the other cars, it sometimes gets the EPA highway number on trips (we usually average about 48 mpg) at 75 mph cruise speeds. In town, the mpg is only 67% of EPA, instead of the 80% of my other cars, though a lighter foot would make a significant difference in around town mpg.
I'd love to see a diesel hybrid MDX. My Prius hardly runs on only electric around town, but frequently does at highway speeds. Combining the low speed pull of a diesel with a diesel's better in town mpg, coupled with hybrid for freeway driving, could make the MDX like an econo champ while still having very good performance.
Back when it was new - City 15-16mpg, hwy 23-24 mpg...great !!!
Now around 16,000 miles - City 14-15 mpg, Hwy 22-22.7 mpg Tried to get 23 at 60 mph but can't get that fraction. Not bad though - AC on and some luggage and a passenger...1 mile drop...city and hwy...I'm Happy
I think the headrest screens are 7 inches. The vehicle we purchased has a 7 inch drop down which seems pretty small. We're considering replacement w/a 10 inch drop down.
I was quoted $1300 for a 10 inch drop down system and $1700 for the dual headrest setup for an Advent unit here in NC. That was for a complete system, not replacement of the screen only.
I bought my '06 Touring w/ Nav and RES about 3 weeks ago.
I was at the dealer for about 3 -4 hours (Long Story) during the pickup, and during this whole time, the truck was outside running in the lot.
I drove it home (35 miles) and then back to the dealer (forgot something in my trade-in) and then back home again....I was averaging 13 MPG.... I was very concerned.
Since I reset the MPG Average, I've been anywhere between 17.9 and 25.8 MPG. I have not been anywhere near 13 since. The truck now has 1,400 miles on it.
I do 50% Highway, 50% city.
I don't think you need to break it in to get 17 MPG, but I have been babying my MDX.
Hard starts WILL drop the MPG to 13-15.
Also, I've noticed great MPG improvment if I dont continuously fluctuate the peddle to stay with traffic.
Keep the peddle in one place, do one speed and it gets great milage.... so it may have to do with driving styles too.
Does it need some time to break in or will this mpg remain same. I was thinking it should give somewhere between 17 and 23 and not less than 17. It seems other are getting less mileage too.
I drive to work on highway but hit traffic a lot. With summer time AC is always on so not sure if that is affecting it. With premium gas in today's world of high prices this is taking a toll. Will it get any better??
Chuck
Their weird thing is when I drove my brother's '04 model recently, the real time MPG indicator showed much higher values. I averaged about 18 MPG with all city driving while I do 4 MPG less on the '05 model. Either I've got a lemon or Acura's MPG has gone down in fuel efficiency in 1 year.
With current gas prices, it seems like a costly mistake now in just 2 months of possession. It is a gas guzzler and is no where close to to their advertised range of 17/23. Not sure if I should contact Acura. I had chosen this SUV cos of its seemingly high mileage.
Chuck
I just drove from Massachusetts to Hastings, Michigan and then to Chicago, IL and then back to Mass again.
Trip totaled approx 2,500 miles.
MDX now has 4,700 miles on it.
Although most of the trip was on Rt 90 (Major Highway), there was a lot of back road driving in Michigan, and a lot of city driving in Chicago.
I had hot summer days every day of my trip and I kept my climate control on 68... a/c was always on.
Car ran awesome, and I have no complaints (Except the seats are less than cozy after 12 hours)
When I got home, I had averaged 23 MPG.
Coming from a 15.8 MPG V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, I am very happy with the MDX.
I do NOT get anywhere near what you folks are saying for fuel economy.
My fuel economy drops a little if I drive a little crazy, but I can't get below 17 MPG even when I try.
I am using 93 octane.
Fuel economy will drop below advertised stats if lower octane is used.
I thought that maybe my Trip Computer was reading high after seeing so many owners complain, but I am now calculating by gallons purchased and miles traveled.
The trip computer appears to be dead on accurate.
Don't know why some get better milage than others.
I guess it would have to do with fuel quality and driving habits.
(I also avoid trips which require driving uphill both ways)
It is really surprising. The numbers you tell are amazing. How can this be possible? This is a big difference. I use 93 octane as advised by manual.
It can not be driving habits as driving on highway I have not used brakes for longer periods, I have used cruise sometimes and I have not used AC sometimes but the average is no where close to what you said. How can it be driving style.
Could be it be particular vehicle? Do you know of any friends who have MDX and would have shared their experiences? I guess other people who get good are not on this thread except you shared this with us? Not sure if I can do anything about it? Can I go to dealer?? Did you get this mileage from the begining or is there some kind of break-in involved? I am already at around 3500 miles now.
Thanks.
Chuck
When I bought the vehicle, I had plans on buying a different MDX. When I went to pick it up, I was unhappy with it (was missing the RES), and this caused them to prepare a new model for delivery while I waited.
It took approx 2 hours for cleaning and stuff, and then about another hour for showing me through the vehicle's options.
Total of 3 hours, which I believe, the car may have been running the entire time.
I drove home, then back to the dealer (forgot something in my trade) and then back home.
Car now had about 60 miles on it.
The trip computer said I was getting 13.7 MPG, and I was GREATLY concerned.
I reset the computer's history and kept an eye on it.
Ever since, I have been getting great mileage.
I drive approx 50% backroads and 50% highway (Mass Pike) to get to work, about 45 miles each way. I live in Central MA, so there are plenty of hills and windy roads.
I average 18.5 MPG or better, depending on traffic.
My trip to MI and IL was almost 95% highway, and this is what helped me get the 23.
I treat the MDX fairly gently, but I'm not afraid to give it the gas for passing and such. I use only 93 octane, as the slight cost increase is better than risking poor economy, and I cant seem to find anyone selling 91 around here.
I went to Acura at 2,750 and asked if I could get an early oil change, as I was going on a 2,000+ mile road trip.
They said no. Acura uses oil additives to assist in the break-in period and I was told to get my oil change when I returned.
At 4,900, I just got my first oil change yesterday after work.
Filled the tank Wednesday morning, drove to work and home Wed and Thurs. Traffic has been light due to the holiday week.
My average this week, so far, just over 21 mpg.
It's a new 06 MDX Touring with Navi and DVD (RES)
Sage Brush on Black.
I keep a close eye on tire pressure as the sensors only warn you when they are TOO low.
Not sure if the Touring model's Michelin tires help the fuel economy or not.
Other than that, I just turn the key and go.
I wish I had more info for you :confuse:
At what level do you keep you tire pressure? Is the oil change recommended every 5K miles or 7.5K. I was under the impression at 7.5K. My sales guy had told me that it will automatically remind you so do not worry.
I live in PA but lived in Framingham, MA for very long time so know about the mass pike traffic :-).
Thanks. Appreciate your thoughts.
Chuck
Jerry
I think mileage depends on the driver.
ERG valve replaced but other than that nothing to do but change the oil and check the tires.
My lease is up soon.My options are to buy this one,lease a new '06 or take a hard look at the RDX.What do you think?
Ray
I keep my tires at 35-36 PSI
Acura says to keep it at 36 but most owners find 34 to be their happy place.
As for oil changes, I also thought that oil changes were supposed to be further between than 3,750.
The car is supposed to remind you when it is ready.
My light has yet to come on and when I asked the service guy, he said it should come on every other time.
That is 100% wrong and I have lost a lot of confidence in him after such a retarded answer was thrown my way.
As for MPG, my only other guess besides driving habits and tires/pressure is the gear selection.
My wife has a habit of keeping it in D4 no matter how many times I remind her to keep it in D5.
I'm one of the fortunates.
80% Highway - 20% City
Getting 23.8 MPG Average with 93 octane fuel and 36psi in the tires. (Tires checked weekly)
I would prefer a hybrid but the only 2 hybrid mid size suv are the highlander and lexus rx400h which my parents already have adn dont want the same as them.
so the best non hybrid mid size suv mpg would be good.
already i'm not crazy about the styling of the mdx if it looks like rdx though pics look a little better and will have to see in person. Mostly interested for the superior tech and the increased horsepower etc (250 for the Tribeca, 300 for the MDX?) but now i hear the nav is not touch screen but rather joystick so that is a concern, though it is voice activated so might make up for not being touchscreen now.
but if the mpg is worse then teh tribeca then its not worth the hp it has over the tribeca. the other benefit was the price i might get when my wife gets a TL if we get at same time from same dealer. but her lease up in jan and 07 mdx will prob still be too new and no good deals quite yet.
The savings in fuel barely, if at all, justifies the cost of the vehicle and scheduled maintenance down the road.
For your example, the Highlander is EXTREMELY over-priced.
The Lexus RX400h is a beautiful vehicle but the fuel economy is not really there.
It's rated at 27/31 but real world numbers are more like 22/26.
That is still great, but is it worth the extra $9,000???
I have an '06 MDX Touring (Nav/RES) and it's getting 23.8 MPG average.
The 253hp and 250lbs-ft torque are plenty to get it into traffic and up to speed, without excessive fuel usage.
The Hybrids are offering more acceleration without the cost of extra fuel costs but don't offer much more beyond that.
In fact, they're often heavier and lose a lot in the handling department.
The Lexus states that it offers the acceleration of a 4.0 V8. The Lexus GSh absolutely flies.. does ok on fuel, but not enough to write home about.
The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight are true fuel saving Hybrid vehicles which get great MPG... but they are expensive and multiple studies have found them to not be worth the cost.
If you buy a Hybrid, do it 'cause you wanna do your part to help the environment, not your wallet.... or your just wasting your money.