Average MPG over 4500 miles

[Z71]

As indicated by the trip computer it is 34.2 MPG. This is average MPG over 4500 miles of driving, about 50% highway, 50% city. I always have the A/C on as I am in Florida and humidity is high year round. 2013 Sonic LT sedan, 1.8 liter engine, 5 speed manual transmission. Using 87 octane regular gas. I drive fairly conservatively for best fuel economy, but not slow. 75-80 MPH on interstates.

I wonder how accurate that trip computer is. I will have to do manual MPG calculations to compare.

Compared to this car, my 2009 Impala LTZ average gas mileage is about 23 MPG (3.9 liter V6, 4 speed automatic), 2006 Silverado pickup about 16 MPG (5.3 liter V8, 4 speed auto, 4X4)

 

[Swordsmith]

Sounds like you are getting pretty good mileage, the NA engine should be costing you a little over the 1.4T which is what gets touted when they are quoting mpgs, and the AC tends to cost 2-4mpg as well, and you are driving over the optimal 60mph speed... plus some city.

The DIC is probably being optimistic though. Do some hand calcs and lets see where you really stand

 

[Z71]

I hand calculated the mileage today, mostly open road driving around 70 MPH with A/C on, about 20% city driving. 162 miles, 4.5 gallons of gasoline to top off the tank. This gives 36.0 MPG.

 

[mitdr774]

I avoid relying on the DIC. Mine has been sitting around 36.2 on the DIC for a while. Actual average over the last almost 45,000 miles is closer to 35.5 MPG.

 

[Z71]

I did an MPG calculation on the last tank and it came out to be exactly 35 MPG. So the computer is spot on. Not bad for half city half highway driving with A/C on all the time.

 

[sonic J]

with 91 octane all highway going 72-75 miles a hour (5 over) i was getting 38.6 on a average in my 1.4 auto I'm a happy camper

 

[getthebiscuit]

HAHA I WISH I SAW NUMBERS THAT HIGH!!! As a delivery driver for jimmy johns where i make 30+ deliveries in a 4 hour shift, always turning on and off the car, pulling out in traffic, and sitting at lights. I have averaged 21.4 mpg over 1000 miles. But! I reset it and I can get upwards like 50 mpg with cruise control.

 

[red hot sonic]

I dont understand. My 1.4 sonic says 32.2 but I calculated. The best I've seen is 31.. all high way.. why mine not as good

 

[SeanK]

I am wondering about the computer mileage

I do a fair amount of highway driving....I am not exaggerating I get 39-41 MPG per the computer. The worst tank was 37. I have the 1.4 6spd manual....I do drive very conservatively as a whole. I did own a diesel for a while. I usually keep it btw 1000-2000 rpm...there is so much torque down low.....I am wondering how optimistic the computer is

 

[red hot sonic]

Seank is your sonic stock
Mine is automatic. But still most people on here beating me buy 4 to 5 mpg. Ill tell the dealer when I take it for my first service. Its has about 2500 miles on it now.

 

[ChrisJ]

I avoid relying on the DIC. Mine has been sitting around 36.2 on the DIC for a while. Actual average over the last almost 45,000 miles is closer to 35.5 MPG.

OMG it was 1 mpg off!?
What a piece of crap.

 

[ChrisJ]

HAHA I WISH I SAW NUMBERS THAT HIGH!!! As a delivery driver for jimmy johns where i make 30+ deliveries in a 4 hour shift, always turning on and off the car, pulling out in traffic, and sitting at lights. I have averaged 21.4 mpg over 1000 miles. But! I reset it and I can get upwards like 50 mpg with cruise control.

In reality that's actually extremely good.

My first and second car gave me 23mpg highway. Third vehicle was able to do 17mpg sometimes, but more often 13-14mpg.

21MPG when constantly shutting the car off and driving in the city is impressive.

 

[SeanK]

response

I have a 6 speed manual transmission. It is stock. I drive very conservatively. I up shift usually by 2000 rpm. I usually keep it around 1100 rpm. I have drive manual transmissions for years. I know how to run at low rpm without bogging the engine. I will downshift when I know I need to accelerate and then up shift into the highest gear possible.

 

[ChrisJ]

I have a 6 speed manual transmission. It is stock. I drive very conservatively. I up shift usually by 2000 rpm. I usually keep it around 1100 rpm. I have drive manual transmissions for years. I know how to run at low rpm without bogging the engine. I will downshift when I know I need to accelerate and then up shift into the highest gear possible.

Don't think you can bog a drive by wire engine if you tried....

 

[SeanK]

second gear is easy to bog....buck ect....I am used to it.....but ya not easy to bog....but below about 900 rpm ...it will but overall pulls well at low speeds

 

[poncho167]

I don't drive the car much this time of the year but I have noticed the last few fill-ups have averaged over 41 mpg. I drive 75% hwy, and 25% local. I think it started improving around 7,000 miles. I now have 9,300 miles on the car. I calculate on paper, not using the computer. The computer reads 38.8 mpg.

2013, 1.4L, 6-speed, hatch.