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Update on mpg
Hybrids will get even better mileage after 3-4K mile break-in. 35K total mi now on ours and averaging 35 MPG overall. That includes New England winters (lowers MPG 10-15%) and approx. 50% highway mileage over 70 MPH (also lowers MPG 10-15%). Awesome for such a large, AWD, decently-powered SUV!
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In my 2023 EX Hybrid AWD, I have been consistently getting mileage in the low 40's (usually about 42-43 mpg) per tankful for a good while. I noticed an improvement after I took it to the dealer for some sort of computer update. I live in the high mountains of WV, so mostly 2-lane driving and up and down hills.
What speeds are you driving that Hybrid at, WNJeffers?
All my local driving is on 2-lane roads, with 55 mph speed limits. In a concession to my age and the number of deer and bears locally, I generally drive them at maybe 50 to 53 mph, unless cars are behind me. Much of the driving is up and down hills, many in the neighborhood of 8% or 9% grade. A lot of curves which require slower speeds then accelerating again.
On expressways, I will drive 62 to 65 instead of 70 mph if traffic is not too heavy and my mileage does not seem to suffer much. If I drive at 70 mph, I notice a big drop in mileage.
I am late-70s and retired, so I have the luxury of allowing an additional 5 minutes to arrive.
On expressways, I will drive 62 to 65 instead of 70 mph if traffic is not too heavy and my mileage does not seem to suffer much. If I drive at 70 mph, I notice a big drop in mileage.
I am late-70s and retired, so I have the luxury of allowing an additional 5 minutes to arrive.
Bingo. WNJ, you are driving at about the most efficient speeds that you can w/this car, as you should be in 6th gear at those speeds. And I'll bet slower overall on the uphills than the downhills? Throw in some traffic, and I'd bet you'd hit 50MPG! The biggest efficiency benefit to a hybrid is the regen braking. But WNJ is probably getting plenty of battery charging on those downhills!
Yes, there are a couple of long (~5 mile ) hills at 8% or 9% and I will often go up them at about 45 mph if I am not holding anyone back. And coasting is my favorite gear. No need to brake, as the car is generating when it is simply coasting.
I have a volunteer radio gig on alternate Fridays and I make the ~27 mile drive home late at tight at mostly 45mph (deer and bears, again) and have gotten 50 mph on the trip home.
I have a volunteer radio gig on alternate Fridays and I make the ~27 mile drive home late at tight at mostly 45mph (deer and bears, again) and have gotten 50 mph on the trip home.
Well, I'm 69 years old and I still surprise a lot of young punks when I step on it from a red light. A lot of times, it takes them a while to catch up in their Hondas and Toyotas. I'm an old drag racer and it's still in my system.
I am 76 years old and my last car before I bought the Sportage Hybrid was a Honda S2000. Capable of 150+ mph and cornered like it was on rails. I only got rid of it because getting in and out became more problematic at age 73.
I take the multitude of curves on my local roads much faster than most drivers. I suspect that keeping a steadier speed, with less need to re-accelerate out of curves, helps my fuel economy.
I take the multitude of curves on my local roads much faster than most drivers. I suspect that keeping a steadier speed, with less need to re-accelerate out of curves, helps my fuel economy.
I know what you mean about getting in and out. My wife has had 13 back surgeries and has an artificial knee and ankle. It's a real chore for her to get in and out of our 2017 Forte LX, but we have to live with it. We live on Social Security and it barely pays the bills. If I had the funds, I'd be in a Sportage or a Grand Caravan just so she could get in and out easier.