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Comments
I have read a lot of post about Acadias on this site and i have come to the conclusion that most people do not know how to figure their fuel milage.Take my wife for instance - she always goes by what the onboard display tells her,which is sometimes not fully accurite.The onboard display was showing around 17mpg,but when i did the real math my self (miles divided by gallons of gas) it came out to 19mpg.This test being in a 3-day period of driving back and fourth to work-city/hyw 50/50.There are a lot of red lights and my foot is very heavy - so i was very happy with my results.So my point being - if you do not like the mpg that the onboard display shows - just do the math yourself,it may make you feel better.
going on 20,000 miles-and my 2nd power steering pump.a happy customer so-far.
First, I took them up on replacing the air in my tires with nitrogen. I thought this was a gimmick, but it was only 39.95 plus tax and I am willing to try anything at this point to improve the MPG. They also told me to run the tiers at 38 psi from the 32-34 I was running. Initially it looks like I gained a 1-2 MPG
Second, they told me to make sure I filled up at Tier 1 gas stations and be sure to only fill up with pure gas, no ethanol. This seems to have given me another 1-2 MPG improvement.
Third, they tell me that GMC will come out with a new spec for their transmission soon and that I could expect a little improvement from this as well, but it might be a while. Apparently, this will only be a programing change in the transmission shift points that should result in fewer shifts between 20-30 mph. I think the transmission shifts fine, but they tell me there are a lot of complaints regarding how much shifting the vehicle does in this range.
The end result for now is that I have seen a change from ~12.5 mpg in town 14.5-15mpg. This is 100% in town driving under pretty much the worse conditions for mpg, with continuous stop and go averaging about 25-40 miles a day calculated manually over several tanks of gas and the on board computer is dead on.
We'll take a nice long road trip soon and see it we can achieve anywhere near the 20mpg+ that so many people have reported getting.
I must also say that since our Acadia is only 6 months old and we have put about 6k on her that the dealer told us they would be willing to swap for a different Acadia if it came down to that. I would hate to put this to the test, but at least it was a offer that goes above and beyond what I thought they would do. I told them I might consider giving up the AWD for better MPG if I could get everything else the same. Of course the AWD shouldn't be a factor since all the driving has been done under dry conditions where the AWD shouldn't be kicking in.
White Diamond Tri-Coat
08 Acadia SLT 2 AWD
All GMC could offer was keeping the Nitogen pressure (which is a joke as far as I can tell) in the tires at 38-40 and using 100% gas with no ethanol. I think this results in about 1 mile per gallon difference.
There where rumurs that GMC would come out with a better automatic shifting algorithm for the transmission, but I have never seen it.
I consider these numbers to be well within reasonable tolerances. The Acadia is a bit of a pig in stop and go traffic, but really shines on the highway for a vehicle this size.
When cruse control is engaged, the speed is considered to be constant, and in theory it does not require much power/torque to fight wind/tires drag. Therefore in cruse control the transmission algorithm uses higher gear and lower engine RPM 1400-1600 (2000RPM at 65mph). On the flat road ODBII scanner shows instant MPG 35+ at 40mph, 30MPG at 65mph and slightly less at higher speed.
It takes lots of gas to accelerate 3 tons on metal, plastic and rubber, or drive it uphill. Therefore during acceleration/uphill MPG is never above 10, and can be even lower. The only way to increase fuel efficiency for acceleration/uphill is to change driving habits. Buy PLX Kiwi OBDII Scanner and Fuel Saving Device. As for me Acadia proved that I need PLX Kiwi and I will be getting one.
Now to the root of low fuel efficiency problem. When not using cruse control at low speed 25-40 mph, transmission algorithm uses lower gear to run engine at 2000 RPM or slightly higher, and car gets about 15 MPG. Engine noise gets louder too. On cruise control on the same road it runs engine at 1400-1500RPM, and about 25 MPG. Efficient lower RPM program handles constant speed even with some uphill/downhill without any problems (ODBII scanner shows good MPG drop when going uphill on cruise control).
My 2005 Camry drives at reasonable 1200-1500RPM at lower speeds on flat road, and I believe that Acadia engine can still provide enough power at 1500RPM. I am going to dealer to have transmission reprogrammed to shift to higher gear sooner to match driving with cruise control ON.
Any update on your PLX Kiwi or asking dealer to reprogram transmission to shift to higher gear sooner?
Which model PLX Kiwi are you getting?
Thx
My Acadia went through first tank of gas which lasted less than 300 miles, and this includes some highway driving. I am still learning at which speeds (in range 25-50 mph which are typical city driving speeds) transmission shift into higher gear, it appears that at certain speeds it up-shifts and at some others like 25mph stays in 2000RPM range with loud engine noise and 15 instant MPG (25 MPG when up-shifts).
Sales department at dealer said I need to talk to service department manager about transmission programming, but I am still building my case which would include speeds at which it stays at silly 2000RPM and how much extra gas in $$$ it burns.
However I verified that my statement about cruse control is true – it always shifts into higher gear to stay in 1500RPM range regardless of speed (in city driving), and MPG is 50% higher with lower RPM.
I guess there is a silver lining after all.
All I can say is if you ever have the opportunity to drive in severe weather you will learn to apprecite the handling characteristics of the AWD anyway.
I don't care what other people say on the board regarding great fuel economy results with this vehicle, that is not typical and GM (Gov't motors) has no reputation to up hold so lying about fuel economy is just SOP.
Jim Butler, Midland, TX.
Will let everyone know next few days how the mileage increases or decreases.
Jim Butler
We just had a similar discussion over in Answers involving a new Tahoe. I think it's going to take a few tanks before you get a good indication of how your future mpg is going to be.
And while those mileage indicators are pretty accurate these days, I'd still track a few tanks manually just to be sure.
In April dealer reprogrammed transmission and now car delivers about 15MPG in city driving and engine RPM stays at 1500 or lower when driving at constant speed below 56 MPH. At speeds above 56MPH it behaves same as before reprogramming.
The new transmission program was not a standard 2010 Acadia programming, and it came from GMC headquarters after I was contacted by GMC regarding my MPG/RPM concerns that I filled in New Vehicle Survey from JD Power and Associates.
noticed that 2011 height is lower than old models?? Well, i can say is GOOD LUCK AND HAVE SAFE DRIVING FOR BOTH US!!
My assumption was it would get better milage than my 07 Tahoe 15-17 MPG. Is the 2011 better MPG than older Acadia's? Its rated at 24 on the highway, from what I'm reading in the forum, I shouldn't expect to get in the high teens low 20's. HELP
If you drop down to less than 70 MPH you will see that you also drop below 2k RPM's the MPG will go to about +22.1 MPG given enough miles. That is probably the best you will ever see unless you can stand to drive 60MPG where you might see 24MPG.
I think the only people reporting that they get 24MPG or anything near it are people that live in areas where the typical highway speed is 65 or less. I think for everyone in the midwest that can go 70+ MPH on the highways and 75+ on the turnpikes for extended periods will never see less better than 20MPG.
In addition the mixed highway and in town low speed and highspeed driving will be less than 17MPG. I think the best we ever see in town is 12-13 MPG.
This is the results we have always gotten with the AWD SLT 2. We have tried a few techiques for improving mileage with no results. Running only pure GAS with no ethenol keeping the tires aired up to 34 or more with nitrogen, etc, ect, ect...
I think the whole programing the transmission for different shift points is bogus as well. The fact is the V6 is just under powered for this heavy a vehicle. Obviously the shifting in and out of overdrive on the highway with just the slightest incline on the road to maintain 70+MPH on cruise control is a contributing factor, but if you change the shift points the vehicle won't be able to maintain the cruise setting within 5MPH, but it might not be so irratating.
This is extremely disappointing, there are other factors that make this a nice vehicle, but when you have given up a loaded Tahoe that was a fantastic vehicle for 10years and got better MPG and more horse power with better performance on the road it is hard to feel like you made a good decision.
All I can say is the AWD was FANTASTIC in the blizzard of Christmas Eve 09 in OKC and that alone has paid for the decision to go AWD in an area where I didn't really think it was necessary, but I don't believe the AWD is a factor on the MPG anyway.
I recently drove a 2011 Chrsyler Jeep Grand Cherokee on a long road trip and got better than 25 MPG on the trip. I couldn't believe how much Chrysler has improved this vehicle. Never been a Chrysler fan but that vehicle almost changed my mind.
It had great performance and I think it was a V8. Lot of horse power and get up and go. Very comfortable ride plently of room for a big guy and nicer fit and finish that I have ever seen before in a Chrysler product. For the price of a loaded Acadia I am sure you can get a comparably loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee. I haven't looked maybe I am way off base.
One of factor that makes a difference for me is that Bob Howard Chevy has a service manager that has always been great to us, and that is worth a lot. Not that I have needed him for much, but it always helps to have someone you can count on, on the service side.
The rear hatch shocks have failed twice and the heated water reservoir for the wind shield had a recall, but other than the leaky sun roof that took a couple of time to correct if has been trouble free over 3 years.
If GM could just get the MPG right this would be a 8+, but in my mind it will never be better than a 7 unless they come out with a V8. Maybe the new Denali?
I own a 2010 Ford Edge AWD and at this time of year in a city environment I am lucky to get 13 MPG US and it is a few hundred lbs less than an Acadia.
I don't know if this will make you feel any better, but you could have purchased many different vehicles that would not have achieved their quoted MPG.
The best fuel economy possible is the direct result of proper maintenance and good driving habits. Listed below are GM's recommendations to achieve the best mileage possible. The first group are things to consider for your vehicle, while the second are tips relating to your driving habits.
One of the major contributors to poor fuel economy are under inflated tires. Tires low with pressure create drag that the vehicle’s powertrain must overcome, wasting dollars in fuel. Always keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure as shown on the vehicle placard. This not only serves to increase gas mileage but cuts down on tire wear, further decreasing your costs per mile.
A vehicle that has a dirty air filter can’t efficiently draw air into the engine. This restriction forces the engine to expend energy to "breathe" wasting fuel in the process. Change recommendations are found in your vehicle Owner’s Manual.
Always use the proper viscosity oil in your engine. Oil that has a higher than required viscosity will create more drag on the internal components of the engine causing more work for it, especially when cold. Each Owner’s Manual contains information on the proper type of oil for your vehicle. Look for the "starburst" symbol on the front of the bottle, and the SM rating on the API circle on the back label. If you are in doubt, stop by your dealer for an oil change, and any other services required. Most current GM vehicles are equipped with oil life monitors to further assist on the "when" to change your oil. (Aveo/Wave/Optra/Epica currently do not have oil life monitors).
Note: GM Vehicles DO NOT require additional engine oil additives. Some additives may cause harmful effects to the internal seals and additionally void the terms of your vehicles New Car Warranty.
Purchasing higher than required octane fuel is a waste of money. Using higher octane fuels in a vehicle that only required regular unleaded fuel will neither increase performance nor improve gas mileage. In all cases refer to your owner’s manual and ONLY use the octane rated fuel recommended for your vehicle.
Even though current GM vehicles have 100,000 mi (160,000 km) service intervals for spark plugs if your vehicle is at that point in its life, have the spark plugs changed to assure proper running and continued efficient, trouble free operation.
Avoid quick/full throttle acceleration from a standstill in town and high cruising speeds on the interstates. While the optimum MPG for highway cruising speed varies from vehicle to vehicle, faster is almost always worse. If your vehicle is equipped with a Driver Information Center that displays Instant Fuel Economy, select that readout and vary your cruising speed while on the highway. The display will change continuously with uphill and downhill sections but you should quickly be able to identify on level ground the speed range that your vehicle does the best in. Avoid leaving unnecessary items in your trunk. It takes power to move increased weight and that means more gasoline consumption and reduced performance. While the change may be slight, multiplied by thousands of miles, it all adds up. Your vehicle uses much more fuel when the engine is cold. This is especially true in the winter months when the engine will take the longest to warm up. Combine errands or trips so that the vehicle only needs to warm up once to encompass many different stops.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
Caron, GM Customer Service
GMC has a lot of nerve advertising this vehicle in this manner. NEVER NEVER AGAIN!!! To hell with GM and their crappy customer service.
My 2010 Ford Edge will only get 13 mpg in the city under winter conditions with a lot of stop and go. The Edge is about 500lbs lighter than your Acadia, so you can see your mileage is in the ballpark. On the highway with a light foot I can get 25 to 27 mpg.
The warmer weather and with a few thousand miles driven will help the mileage.
Not only is the fuel economy an issue, but the 2010 and 2011 Acadias emit black and blue smoke/exhaust on cold start ups. I had this looked at by a GMC district service manager who claims this is by design from GMC > Fuel is sprayed into the catalytic converter on cold starts to heat the converter up quickly producing smoke. Take a look at your tail pipes on the first start of the day to see what comes out of the tailpipes. Hard to believe that $35k+ vehicles emit smoke on start ups.
I share your regets with buying the Acadia.....I wish I stayed with Toyota. I am really thinking of trding mine in at the end of the year.
One of the major contributors to poor fuel economy are under inflated tires. Tires low with pressure create drag that the vehicle’s powertrain must overcome, wasting dollars in fuel. Always keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure as shown on the vehicle placard. This not only serves to increase gas mileage but cuts down on tire wear, further decreasing your costs per mile.
A vehicle that has a dirty air filter can’t efficiently draw air into the engine. This restriction forces the engine to expend energy to "breathe" wasting fuel in the process. Change recommendations are found in your vehicle Owner’s Manual.
Always use the proper viscosity oil in your engine. Oil that has a higher than required viscosity will create more drag on the internal components of the engine causing more work for it, especially when cold. Each Owner’s Manual contains information on the proper type of oil for your vehicle. Look for the "starburst" symbol on the front of the bottle, and the SM rating on the API circle on the back label. If you are in doubt, stop by your dealer for an oil change, and any other services required. Most current GM vehicles are equipped with oil life monitors to further assist on the "when" to change your oil. (Aveo/Wave/Optra/Epica currently do not have oil life monitors).
Note: GM Vehicles DO NOT require additional engine oil additives. Some additives may cause harmful effects to the internal seals and additionally void the terms of your vehicles New Car Warranty.
Purchasing higher than required octane fuel is a waste of money. Using higher octane fuels in a vehicle that only required regular unleaded fuel will neither increase performance nor improve gas mileage. In all cases refer to your owner’s manual and ONLY use the octane rated fuel recommended for your vehicle.
Even though current GM vehicles have 100,000 mi (160,000 km) service intervals for spark plugs if your vehicle is at that point in its life, have the spark plugs changed to assure proper running and continued efficient, trouble free operation.
Avoid quick/full throttle acceleration from a standstill in town and high cruising speeds on the interstates. While the optimum MPG for highway cruising speed varies from vehicle to vehicle, faster is almost always worse. If your vehicle is equipped with a Driver Information Center that displays Instant Fuel Economy, select that readout and vary your cruising speed while on the highway. The display will change continuously with uphill and downhill sections but you should quickly be able to identify on level ground the speed range that your vehicle does the best in. Avoid leaving unnecessary items in your trunk. It takes power to move increased weight and that means more gasoline consumption and reduced performance. While the change may be slight, multiplied by thousands of miles, it all adds up. Your vehicle uses much more fuel when the engine is cold. This is especially true in the winter months when the engine will take the longest to warm up. Combine errands or trips so that the vehicle only needs to warm up once to encompass many different stops.
If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly.
Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service
So we are in the same boat as it seems everyone else is. We noticed about 10.5 miles per gallon doing city driving getting up to 15 on the freeway. My wife called and was told to "break" in the engine. It took me driving down to the sales team on Fathers day complaining that the Expedition I traded in got better mileage. The service team than took the car out and reported it got 25.5 miles per gallon in there test run of driving 43 miles... but according to the odometer I went in with and the odometer in the GMC lot picking it up the car had only moved 40 miles total!!! I am really not sure if they are just trying to get me to go away and telling me a BS number. Has anyone had any success getting this fixed? All I want is what was advertised as the mileage 17/24... hell I would accept 15/22, but 10.5/15 is going to make owning this car impossible.
What have others done that has been a successful outcome? Does just going back to service over and over get them to reprogram the car? Does anyone have any good contacts at GMC that were helpful in getting their issue resolved? Did anyone who decided to go through lemon law litigation have any success either getting a new car, or getting rid of this seemingly falsely advertised product?
-Thanks,
After buying your new Acadia you will receive survey from JD Power, fill it in and indicate your fuel concern. Pay attention to how your car drives and compare to other cars. We got our Acadia in 2010 and I noticed that engine was always running at 2000RPM or above even when driving 25mph, and I indicated this in survey and GM contacted me later and reprogrammed transmission. Now RPM is lower and we get 14 MPG in city and 20 MPG on the trips to Tahoe which includes drive up and down 7000' mountain. A long trip on the flat road would give even better MPG than 20.
I think Acadia gets bad MPG b/c it drives with overdrive off. Our other car Camry has overdrive on/off button on transmission, and with overdrive off Camry is more “energetic”, accelerates faster and uses more gas. Acadia does not have overdrive, and it feels like it is always off. Car accelerates at the slight push on gas pedal, and acceleration wastes gas.
Also engines are not broken in at the factory. They are produced with finer tolerances than in the old days and do not need as long a break in period. It still helps to take it easy for the first 1000 miles. and yes the gas mileage will improve after five or six thousand miles. You are off base on a lot of your facts.
For these first 500 miles or so of the car we have been as nice to this car as possible in terms of acceleration and speed. I totally get that seals and others internals of the engine need to wear in, but getting 11MPG compared to 17 advertised I don't think is going to be made up engine being broken in? Do you?
Just putting this in dollars and cents, if the car continues to get 11MPG instead of 17MPG and I do nothing, and I own the car for 70,000 miles, I will pay an extra $10,000 in gas (assuming it only stays near 4 bucks).
Thanks for the advice. I will certainly keep a look out for the survey, and hopefully someone will help get this car near its intended gas mileage.