Fuel economy on our 23 continues to impress. 360 mile trip today through the mountains, lots of uphill and downhill. I use the paddles to control speed downhill and leave it in drive uphill. Speeds were mostly around 70, no more than 80-85, occasionally 65. Average for the day just under 29. Trips under 5 miles only return 20-21 while the engine is warming up, but otherwise it’s not too hard to get decent mileage. Didn’t notice any difference when we replaced the Falkens with CC2’s about 21K miles ago. 39 is the hot pressure after driving all day, 36 cold on 18’s.

 

I got gas early this morning and got on my 30 minute commute mostly highway(70 mph). I had to blink twice when it read 38 mpg. Parked and came back to the car and it showed 30 mpg on start up. I’ve been in the 20s when I’m doing my commute. No highway driving, it’s in the low teens. Currently, using 88.

 

We can buy unleaded with no ethanol in several places where I live, but it’s a lot more expensive. Also, it’s not available at the places I typically buy gasoline….Costco, Walmart, etc.

 

Pro tip. I've noticed with both my Forester and my Ascent I will get a good bit better mpg if I switch into manual mode and force it to the top gear ratio.

However, I am slightly concerned that the transmission may be not keeping it at the top for a reason. For instance am I forcing more wear on the transmission by forcing it into the highest ratio? If anyone out there know more feel free to share.

 

The programming looks for what is optimal "in the moment" in the combination of ratio and RPM for most efficient travel. Contrary to what might seem to be the obvious choice that lower RPM is better, sometime (more often than imagined, actually) a higher RPM and "easier" ratio brings the best combination.

Yes, we always use 100% gasoline with no ethanol as long as it’s available.

It's nice that you can get it.

 

That's really excellent, Daniel. You're spot on mentioning the speeds, too. It really can make a "yuge" difference when driving what is essentially a very heavy brick because it greatly reduces wind resistance which is one of the biggest challenges for fuel economy.

 

I bet it's more than aerodynamics. When the speed is higher than 70mph it consumes fuel like a pickup truck, however, when it's slower the mpg is way better than a pickup truck at the same speed. In other words, the Ascent's mpg drops faster than similar mid-size SUVs as speed increases.
I guess it's related to more frequent turbo usage due to the underpowered engine compared to the competition (despite slightly).

 

I bet you live in regions where the speed limit hardly exceeds 70mph, do you? Otherwise, I cannot imagine how to keep that mpg.

 

This mileage is best case going 45mph. I agree with you that above 70 it starts to drop.

 

I think I could get a 50% increase in MPG's if drive thrus moved more quickly...

 

Thats for sure, my wife gets made when the mile average goes fown one tenth of a gallon waiting in the burger line. I wanted to ask has anyone gotten any 40 and above MPH im sure its coming.