2003 Mileage

[1saxman]

Just got back from a little road trip of about 1200 miles. I got the best mileage I ever have on the AWD, 25 to 26 mpg, which is actually higher than the estimate on the window sticker. This was at speeds up to 75 mph with the AC on constantly. Conditions generally were not good for mileage with lots of slow-downs and fairly frequent pit stops, although average speed did come out to about 60 mph. I use the speed control as much as possible, but have no explanation for the good fuel mileage other than oil and fuel additives I use, possibly keeping the engine clean and reducing friction (as intended).

[VTchemist]

Good job on the mpg!

I have had a high of 27.5 mpg with my 2003 AWD V6. I was traveling across the southern region of Virginia @ 55 mph in late spring.

My interstate trips @65-70 mph drop to about 25 in the spring/summer. The same interstate drive the winter yields 23 to 24 mpg.

[Rivernut]

I would believe those numbers if you had the same factory tires and could repeat it. Do you have the same size tires as the originals? Gas station pumps are all different and not level. This means it is not possible to know for sure that the tank is full at the beginning or end of a test.

[1saxman]

Rivernut; I've been doing this a long time and know what I'm doing. Absolute scientific accuracy is not required or obtainable under normal circumstances. The best you can ever do is to fill up at the same pump using the same method every time, but that obviously doesn't work for road trips. I simply let the pump cut off when its finished, and the fuel gauge reflects pretty much the usual state of fill. Yes, tires are the same, BTW. Remember, these results were obtained over a period of a week and included several fills in different states, using regular gas and 10% Ethanol. My regular combined mileage on the Ethanol gas we have to use here is about 21.
If you were referring to gll1955's numbers, I could believe those with no trouble. In fact, I was speculating that if I had taken the trip when AC wasn't required and cruised at 55, I think I could have equalled them. Of course, driving at 55 out there on I-85 would be paramount to a death wish. If you didn't get pushed off the road, somebody would shoot you. You have to do 75 to barely keep your head above water. I would do 95 if I thought I could get away with it, but I haven't had a ticket since 1979 and don't want one.

[VTchemist]

My mpg numbers were arrived at using properly inflated tires (Michelin LX4). Gas fill ups were done when the tank was below 1/4 empty. Used pump to shut off on first click. Pumped at the slow speed.

[wlhawk]

On a drive from TN to TX and back, with factory tires, I got averaged 26 for the trip. With different tires and shorter trips, I usually average 22-23 mpg.

[guitarzan]

26.5 highway mpg on new Goodyears w/80k+. up to 28 mpg on original BF Goodrich "Ditch Grabbers". I'm very impressed with this lil' guys mpg!

[Solareklypz]

seeing as i live in Los Angeles and I drive 25 miles both ways to work, I manage 25-28 on Toyo Versado LX, avg speed about 60, giving the messed up traffic conditions, stop n go, and driving with my feathered foot, i think i do quite well