Official: What are your real world MPG Numbers

[Sonic]

2LT 1.8 automatic. Only 300 miles on it. The best average I've had is 22.2 with mixed city and hwy. Very disappointing. I'm 61 years old... I don't drive like a teenager. I'd dump it back on Chevy's lot if I could.

Welcome to the forum.

While I understand your frustration, the engine is still in it's break in period, so don't give up yet. Tell us about your drive...hilly? Flat? Bumper to bumper traffic? Tell us about your conditions so we can try to help you get better MPG.

 

[BoG233]

Welcome to the forum.

While I understand your frustration, the engine is still in it's break in period, so don't give up yet. Tell us about your drive...hilly? Flat? Bumper to bumper traffic? Tell us about your conditions so we can try to help you get better MPG.

Sonic is right these guys help me go from 29.8 mpg to about 35-38 mpg .With just a few adjustments to my lead foot .(not saying you have a lead foot or any thing like that . But they really challenged me to try stuff I didn't think of or noticed .

 

[radarlarry]

I don't think so

Thanks to all for your suggestions, but I don't feel I should have to learn some special driving techniques just to get somewhere near the stated MPG.

I am a very conservative driver and should have no problem attaining at least 28 MPG during mixed city/highway driving. Either something is wrong with my car, EPA estimates are WAY off, or some posters to this forum are overstating their stats.

I still have a high of 21.7. I would not have purchased this car had I known this. I was inclined to go for the new Fiat 500 but was talked out of it by friends who didn't want to associate with someone who drove a roller skate.

Chevy has agreed to "have a look". All I have to do is blow through four tanks of gas a bring them the receipts. Then, of course, I'll be told that everyone drives differently and "your mileage may vary". I was hoping this would be my retirement car to help me live on a reduced income. Looks like it's beans and franks for me.

BTW. For those of you who live in or near Las Vegas, NV. Ed Bozarth Chevrolet has turned this simple sale of an inexpensive vehicle into a mess. They even screwed up the VIN and I was paying to insure a car sitting on another dealer's lot in LA. Promised me 120 days no payments with GMAC (now called Ally). Then financed me thru Capital One that does not offer the 120 day deal. They want their payment now. So much for the "great deal" on a Sonic.

 

[oldertech]

This article suggests that you picked the right car. I hope GM can help you with yours.

Why the Chevy Sonic was my favourite car of the year | Wheels.ca

 

[RichieRocket]

radarlarry, you didn't say which engine/trans you have. From your mpg, I'm assuming you have a 1.8L/Auto.

Many of the mpg estimates you see are for the 1.4T with 6-spd manual. Be careful not to confuse the two...

I have a 1.4T and just did a 4200 mile roadtrip. I too was dissappointed at first with the mileage, but looking more into the subject, I am realizing that mpg will drop signifcantly during the winter months. Ethanol, denser air, more headlights use, etc...all small factors, but combined can be significant

On my return trip, I averaged 70 mph and got ~38 mpg (EPA rating 40 mpg). For me the DIC display was 1-2 mpg optimistic. (all my quoted mpg's are actual calculated mpg's, not from the DIC).

I understand your frustration and I realize this will not make you feel better, but I have some suggestions. If you only do short trips, the engine may not have time to get up to operating temperature. Also, does NV use ethanol in the gasoline? That could knock down your mpg a bit...

 

[LS1notFOUND]

Using the trunk as a full storage locker and adding some considerable weight (40ish lb toolbox in the back among other things), I'm happy to be getting a 28mpg, and honestly the more aggressive I drive in city areas it seems to go up, its hitting the red lights that do hurt. Less clutch engagement and more coasting is the way to go.

 

[Sonic]

The 1.8 states 26 mpg city, 35 hwy. Combined could possibly be 28-30 under IDEAL conditions. 21.7 combined during break in, on winter gas doesn't seem unreasonable to me. Sure, I would hope for more like you are, but I would be willing to give it a few tanks and take note of my driving conditions and habits. I would guess there are factors to your drive that are affecting your mileage.

 

[MADNESS]

Call me nuts but I'm not buying this car for its great fuel economy. As long as I'm getting over 20 mpg, i'm happy, but then again I only drive about 10 miles total per day. Maybe once a week I may put 60 total miles on in one day. The MPG on the sonic is comparable with all the other economy cars in the market from what i've researched. Once I get the car I will be happy with 25mpg and anything more will just be icing on the cake.

I'm mainly buying the car because it looks cool and it has a 138 HP Turbo engine with 148 torque. None of the cars in this class can match the 148. I'm thinking the 1.4 turbo in that small of a car is going to be hella fun.

 

[LS1notFOUND]

The 1.8 states 26 mpg city, 35 hwy. Combined could possibly be 28-30 under IDEAL conditions. 21.7 combined during break in, on winter gas doesn't seem unreasonable to me. Sure, I would hope for more like you are, but I would be willing to give it a few tanks and take note of my driving conditions and habits. I would guess there are factors to your drive that are affecting your mileage.

I however did buy this for fuel economy improvement.

Coming from an 05' GMC Sierra (had the Aluminum 5.3L L33) you learn every trick in the book (was usually able to keep it 14+ around here, 19ish full on highway between stops for comparisons sake)...also not a bad idea to give it a few moments to warm up before you head out on your drive, this will not only get the exhaust heated for better efficiency in that respect but help out in the long term of the motor.

Should also note this is based on the MPG of the dash and they love to pull us over for as little as 3mph over.

I am a very happy camper with these numbers so far. Especially since it is break-in and I've been doing my best to keep the rubber-band (aka not staying at on rpm) driving up.

Keep in mind its been unseasonably warm I've been told (first year down in NC) and temps are in the 50+ right now so the "northern folk" will certainly hurt a bit in that department MPG wise. 70 and sunny is ideal for MPG is what I'd guess.

I'll be taking a trip to myrtle beach at some point before spring so I'll be able to give a good highway number at I'm sure a much better clip than what i did in my truck.

First fuel fill up I'll reset to see where it takes me.

Long post I know but am excited about this little car and each time I drive it I enjoy that little DOHC's sound track more and more.

 

[Sonic]

LS1, what kind of mpg is your DIC displaying so far? So far, it seems most that have done manual calculations have found their DIC mpg to be 2-3 mpg higher than actual calculated mpg. Are you still on your first tank, or have you done any manual calculation yet?

 

[LS1notFOUND]

LS1, what kind of mpg is your DIC displaying so far? So far, it seems most that have done manual calculations have found their DIC mpg to be 2-3 mpg higher than actual calculated mpg. Are you still on your first tank, or have you done any manual calculation yet?

Its was in the mid 20's but a couple late night and off peak runs brought it up to 30 as of today.

Still first tank Just below half I believe and have 180 miles on it. So lets say 7 gals used gives me 30. Despite what EPA says, I believe around town a manual will always get you higher MPGs. Whether it be because of off throttle fuel cut or simply having to be more perceptive of what the motors up too. Closer you cruise to 45mph the better the economy is what I think I've learned with this car.

Other thing is since mine is so new the tires are filled up, that is biggest thing to stay on top of as far I've learned with past vehicles.

I have the base wheels so I'd assume also the "luxury" oriented models with bigger wheels and rubber might also be at a disadvantage including power seat etc. Remember other than the radio upgrade I've got nothing in there except stuff in the trunk. Power window's probably add some weight!

 

[laborsmith]

I have read that power windows actually weigh less than hand crank. This would have been in the early reviews by the car mags. If I come across the source I will edit it in but I am not disposed to look for it now.

Of course, the reviewer may not have known and was in search of an item to criticize.

Laborsmith

 

[RichieRocket]

I however did buy this for fuel economy improvement.

...also not a bad idea to give it a few moments to warm up before you head out on your drive, this will not only get the exhaust heated for better efficiency in that respect but help out in the long term of the motor.

LS1, I definitely disagree... If you are looking for mpg, then you don't want to be sitting around idling...idling is 0.0 mpg
When it's cold, I start the car, give it ~10 seconds for the oil to get moving then moderately drive. The engine will warm up faster and you'll be into the better efficiency and lower emissions much sooner than letting it idle.

LS1, what kind of mpg is your DIC displaying so far? So far, it seems most that have done manual calculations have found their DIC mpg to be 2-3 mpg higher than actual calculated mpg. Are you still on your first tank, or have you done any manual calculation yet?

Sonic, I saw the same thing on my roadtrip, the DIC shows ~2 mpg high...

 

[radarlarry]

Yes, it is the 1.8 automatic sedan. But still... I can get 18 out of my Dodge truck. I was hoping to save some cash with the Sonic. Three or four MPG better than my truck does not impress me. Well, I've still got the truck, so it's a toss up on which one to drive.

 

[AndrewGS]

Yes, it is the 1.8 automatic sedan. But still... I can get 18 out of my Dodge truck. I was hoping to save some cash with the Sonic. Three or four MPG better than my truck does not impress me. Well, I've still got the truck, so it's a toss up on which one to drive.

How many miles are on your car? Are you hand calculating or using the DIC?

 

[LS1notFOUND]

To larry, what state are you in and what octane are you running? Same fuel you use in the truck to achieve the 18? Just wondering as poor quality fuel could effect MPG's. We're honestly having the polar opposite experience going from truck to Sonic.

LS1, I definitely disagree... If you are looking for mpg, then you don't want to be sitting around idling...idling is 0.0 mpg
When it's cold, I start the car, give it ~10 seconds for the oil to get moving then moderately drive. The engine will warm up faster and you'll be into the better efficiency and lower emissions much sooner than letting it idle.



Sonic, I saw the same thing on my roadtrip, the DIC shows ~2 mpg high...

I wasn't saying let it get fully heat soaked and go, but at least until idle comes down a bit. Would be an interesting experiment to see which actually does yield better mpg's though. Idling a 1.8L doesn't take as much fuel as a pick-up for example so it may be different from vehicle to vehicle for warm it up or start and drive.

Driving it will warm it up quicker, but how much more fuel are you using when accelerating while cold, and pumping the thicker oil vs idle a bit and drive it warmed up. Synthetic oil pretty much makes the oil argument debunked.

Also has me wondering if the DIC is actually calculating in the idling MPG if indeed reading high?

Really getting a bit to far into it with that I suppose, drive and enjoy. Good to get a bit of discussion going w/o everyone biting each other heads off

 

[RichieRocket]

To larry, what state are you in and what octane are you running? Same fuel you use in the truck to achieve the 18? Just wondering as poor quality fuel could effect MPG's. We're honestly having the polar opposite experience going from truck to Sonic.

I wasn't saying let it get fully heat soaked and go, but at least until idle comes down a bit. Would be an interesting experiment to see which actually does yield better mpg's though. Idling a 1.8L doesn't take as much fuel as a pick-up for example so it may be different from vehicle to vehicle for warm it up or start and drive.

Driving it will warm it up quicker, but how much more fuel are you using when accelerating while cold, and pumping the thicker oil vs idle a bit and drive it warmed up. Synthetic oil pretty much makes the oil argument debunked.

Also has me wondering if the DIC is actually calculating in the idling MPG if indeed reading high?

Really getting a bit to far into it with that I suppose, drive and enjoy. Good to get a bit of discussion going w/o everyone biting each other heads off

LS1notFOUND, I hope you don't think my disagreeing with you as biting other's heads off

For me it was 25F this morning, it took about 10 seconds to fasten the seat belt, tune in the radio, then adjust the heat knob, by then the idle settled down, so I got going, as I said accelerating moderately.

Tomorrow morning it'll be 10F we see how it goes...

 

[leaky]

Can't wait till mine shows up (LTZ Sedan w/ 1.4T). The MPG numbers should really be interesting.

I do ~110 miles per day of non-stop open highway @ 80 MPH plus another 10 miles averaging 45 MPH with a couple stops in between.

Jon

 

[wingman]

Still 28.5 with 95% of that driving in the city, and both my wife and I have heavy right feet.

 

[LS1notFOUND]

Still 28.5 with 95% of that driving in the city, and both my wife and I have heavy right feet.

seems to be my experience.