| Terrible Fuel Mileage
- Click HERE for Original Thread
|
| glockman |
| I have a new '05 MDX with approx 1k miles. The best city mileage we have obtained is 14mpg... Please tell me the mileage gets better... |
|
|
| mdxx3 |
| That 14 is already pretty darn good for city. Some people say it gets better after a while but I don't remember this happening on my 04 (10.5k miles now; 16 months). I still get 11 or 12 for city. But it gets almost twice better if we go on really long trips (freeway) and tailgate lots of big trucks. :D |
|
|
| Dog |
| My '05 has improved slightly for city mileage after a couple thousand miles, but not much better than what you're getting - between 15-16mpg. Obviously, how you drive affects the mpg, but what were you really expecting from a 4,500lb 260hp SUV? |
|
|
| EXCALIBUR |
glockman,
Welcome to the real world of SUV's. You should count your blessings that you can get 14 mpg in the city. On short city trips, I am averaging 11 mpg. Hop on the freeway and cruise if you want 20 mpg.:( |
|
|
| glockman |
| I was expecting mileage to be closer to the 17 mpg as stated on the window sticker.. We love the MDX! I just wish the fuel mileage was closer to the EPA 17/23. Some people say that the fuel mileage will improve after the vehicle is broken in. I hope it will improve! |
|
|
| Blackura |
It depends a lot on how you drive as well as the area you're in. If you always race the ricer next to you in the slammed Civic at each traffic light, you'll pay the price in mileage. If you go really easy on the acceleration you'll notice an improvement.
It's a subtle balance between how much you want the high mpg and how little you want to tick off the guy with the gun behind you that's dying to get to his job at the Post Office.
Sure, the EPA says 17, but you're going to trust the government?
Enjoy your new MDX!
quote:
Originally posted by glockman
I was expecting mileage to be closer to the 17 mpg as stated on the window sticker.. We love the MDX! I just wish the fuel mileage was closer to the EPA 17/23. Some people say that the fuel mileage will improve after the vehicle is broken in. I hope it will improve!
|
|
|
| Mr. Mom |
| You might check your tire pressure and bump it up to the max. Also switch to Mobil 1 motor oil after the second or so oil change. I’m averaging 20.4 on my commute with no hills and 40 to 50 average speeds. |
|
|
| Echo2625 |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Mom
You might check your tire pressure and bump it up to the max. Also switch to Mobil 1 motor oil after the second or so oil change. I’m averaging 20.4 on my commute with no hills and 40 to 50 average speeds.
How high do you set your tires?? |
|
|
| Mr. Mom |
| I'm at 33lbs on the orginal CT's, but I think one can go to 35. It's raining outside or I would go check. :D |
|
|
| Echo2625 |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Mom
I'm at 33lbs on the orginal CT's, but I think one can go to 35. It's raining outside or I would go check. :D
I run 35 psi in my Goodyear Forteras and the X still rides great. I don't think that I would eve go over 35 psi as it could become a safety issue. |
|
|
| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by glockman
I was expecting mileage to be closer to the 17 mpg as stated on the window sticker.. We love the MDX! I just wish the fuel mileage was closer to the EPA 17/23. Some people say that the fuel mileage will improve after the vehicle is broken in. I hope it will improve!
The EPA mileage ratings you see on the stickers of new vehicles are there for comparasion only. I guess that's where the statement, "YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary," originated. |
|
|
| glockman |
| Yeah, I understand the "YMMV"..But 11 mpg vs 17 is not even close...My tire pressure is set at 32. And by the way, I have been in the "real world of suv's" for a while..I have owned a Land Cruiser, Pathfinder and most recently a Highlander. All of them had better gas mileage than the MDX. Again, I am not bashing the MDX, I just thought that it would be getting better fuel mileage than what we are getting. It is not like we are driving it hard either. The 14 mpg is the very best mileage we have gotten in the city. We normally get approx 11-12mpg. |
|
|
| MDX05FAN |
That certainly seems to be pretty low gas mileage for the '05 :eek:
You can try increasing your tires pressure, and I am sure it will help a little, but doubtful it will get you 5miles more per gallon.
Maybe some of the experts on here can help out with suggestions to do or check :confused:
Either way, congrats on the new X :D |
|
|
| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by glockman
Yeah, I understand the "YMMV"..But 11 mpg vs 17 is not even close...My tire pressure is set at 32.
Right off, as MDX05FAN suggested, try bumping up your tire pressure. I run mine at 34 psi. This should help with the gas mileage. As you understand, city driving is brutal for gas mileage on SUV's. When most of my driving is restricted to the city, I am lucky to pull in 11 mpg. With respect to the difference of 11 and 17 mpg, I believe you might have a case with the EPA. Good luck and enjoy your MDX.:29: |
|
|
| mdx99 |
quote:
Originally posted by glockman
I have a new '05 MDX with approx 1k miles. The best city mileage we have obtained is 14mpg... Please tell me the mileage gets better...
I am getting about 15mpg for an 03' at city but again wife is driving the car! |
|
|
| Orgen1 |
Since I purchase my X, I'm been checking the “trip computer screen” to achieve the maximum MPG on my X. I did it for 5 months.
Here it is the full picture after Six months.
1- The city (for my LI, NY) is good to reach 48 MPH, the RPM's of your engine goes to 1500 RPM's
2 - The MPG goes to 32 MPG (I'm talking about "trip computer screen) applying cruise control
3 -with 35 PSI on your tires, (not hitch or heavy accessories, no passengers) give you and average of 16 MPG.
Remember every pound your add to the X is less mileage you get
4- Never try to go over 2000 RPM after the stop sign or a light, if you do the MPG will go to 6 MPG.
Making the long story short...... It is too much work and worries, so fill it up and enjoy you MDX.
I'm really happy now than I’m using all the features on my Truck it is fun:yesyes: |
|
|
| huylanmdx |
Hi all,
My 01 MDX average city drive 13-14mpg. I'm a little disappointed. The only good thing that driving on Highway I had 23-25mpg.
Due to 60K service I'm going to replace spark plug, full transmission flush, Air filter, to see if the mpg is getting better?
What do you guys think this is a good idea?
thanks |
|
|
| joekingsly |
If you try to compare the mileage against the EPA 17(city), then the X has to be driven at the city speed limit (with cruise on) till the destination, which is impossible. So, the practical mileage on city will be less than the EPA, depends on how many RED lights you face and how long you wait on each RED lights.
With my 03 MDX, and I am getting an average of 15 - 16 on city driving.
You will get 17 if you are lucky, that all the lights are green and no granny on your way. That is why Fire Truck gets more city mileage :-) |
|
|
| cycler15 |
| When is the EPA going to change their MPG standards? It's common knowledge that you cannot expect the EPA city/highway estimate.... expect 2-3 less for each. |
|
|
| mdxforever |
there are some basic things that you can do before you take the car to a shop to check for things like bad EGR or O2 sensors or replacing the transmission fluid etc.. when you see a mileage drop.
When was the last time you checked the air filter and tire pressure ? A clogged air filter can reduce mileage. btw, dont "clean" an air filter, "replace" it! Use a fuel system/injector cleaner once in a while, depending on the quality(and grade) of gas you put in your mdx.
Dont push the gas pedal too hard and dont ride it on and off! Apply gentle and steady pressure.
I get 21mpg - 30% city and 70% highway(including stop&go sometimes). Premium fuel.
<edit>: btw, I think the mileage takes a big hit above 70mph. Try to keep it slow (between 60-70mph). |
|
|
| Rick_James |
I drive a mix, but I avg about 17mpg.
lately due to little cooler weather here in texas,, the AC is off. What a saver of fuel that is.
 |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by Blackura
It depends a lot on how you drive as well as the area you're in. If you always race the ricer next to you in the slammed Civic at each traffic light, you'll pay the price in mileage. If you go really easy on the acceleration you'll notice an improvement.
It's a subtle balance between how much you want the high mpg and how little you want to tick off the guy with the gun behind you that's dying to get to his job at the Post Office.
Sure, the EPA says 17, but you're going to trust the government?
Enjoy your new MDX!
I think what you said illustrates a point that many forget(want to f orget?) about their driving. One of the biggest negatives for good mpg is how you accelerate from the stop lights. Many people do not even realize how much they are affecting their MPG.
Watch the instant MPG scale while you are driving. If it is in the 0-5 and 5-10 MPG area a lot of the time you are killing your mpg.
G |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Mom
I'm at 33lbs on the orginal CT's, but I think one can go to 35. It's raining outside or I would go check. :D
I try to keep mine at 35 psi all of the time.
G |
|
|
| mdxforever |
quote:
Originally posted by Rick_James
I drive a mix, but I avg about 17mpg.
lately due to little cooler weather here in texas,, the AC is off. What a saver of fuel that is.
how did I miss that! Yes it helps to switch off the A/C - both in terms of fuel efficiency and response. |
|
|
| joekingsly |
Wow!!! Amazing!!!
With my 03 MDX, I was doing a test run for couple of days. In the city ride, whenever I see the red light I stopped very gently and whenever red turns green I accelerated very gently without any rush. I started getting 17.6 average on city, which is amazing.
So I found out that, if I drive my MDX like a sports car I get 15-16
and If I drive like a civic or corolla I get 17.6
I love my MDX |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxforever
how did I miss that! Yes it helps to switch off the A/C - both in terms of fuel efficiency and response.
Actually, I believe the compressor cuts out under high demand.
I'm sure I read it somewhere in Acura literature or the shop manual. |
|
|
| MDX05FAN |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Actually, I believe the compressor cuts out under high demand.
I'm sure I read it somewhere in Acura literature or the shop manual.
Hey Dale, what do you mean by this ? Sorry I am not very mechanic oriented :( |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by MDX05FAN
Hey Dale, what do you mean by this ? Sorry I am not very mechanic oriented :(
Under high engine demand ( racing, etc.), the A/C cuts out. Saves stress on the compressor as well as load on the engine.
Maybe SuperTech can verify this. |
|
|
| MDX05FAN |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Under high engine demand ( racing, etc.), the A/C cuts out. Saves stress on the compressor as well as load on the engine.
Maybe SuperTech can verify this.
Ok thank you. I guess no long term racing for me in the south or I would die because the air would never come on :D |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by MDX05FAN
Ok thank you. I guess no long term racing for me in the south or I would die because the air would never come on :D
Well, an time you might run some high RPMs, like passing on moutain roads, etc.
The A/C would cut out temporarily, until RPMs were reduced.
Winter time would dictate less use of A/C except where fogged windows are a problem, then it works very quick to clear them in the defrost mode. |
|
|
| XStatic |
We have driven the MDX on some long inerstate trips and the best we typially get is about 20MPG, I sure thought the MDX could do better.
We just browed a Cadillac Escalade for a 1600mile journey. This vehicle seemed huge, 1000lbs heavier, 2" wider, 10" longer, 8" taller, huge roaring cast iron V8, 90 more HP, 130 more lb-ft, I expected to get terible gas mileage.
Somehow this beast averaged 17.6!
I was impressed with some features of the nav, but overall the user inerface sucked.
The trip computer, while not on the Nav/radio screen, was much more useful.
And the vehicle had a full compliment of configurable settings, when to lock/unlock, light and or horn alert for lock & unlock, reverse tilt on one, both, or neither mirror, etc. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by XStatic
We have driven the MDX on some long inerstate trips and the best we typially get is about 20MPG, I sure thought the MDX could do better.
We just browed a Cadillac Escalade for a 1600mile journey. This vehicle seemed huge, 1000lbs heavier, 2" wider, 10" longer, 8" taller, huge roaring cast iron V8, 90 more HP, 130 more lb-ft, I expected to get terible gas mileage.
Somehow this beast averaged 17.6!
I was impressed with some features of the nav, but overall the user inerface sucked.
The trip computer, while not on the Nav/radio screen, was much more useful.
And the vehicle had a full compliment of configurable settings, when to lock/unlock, light and or horn alert for lock & unlock, reverse tilt on one, both, or neither mirror, etc.
The Escalade has the 6.0L. I've also got a Silverado 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.3L that gets 14/20 mpg city/hwy. |
|
|
| mdxforever |
That IS a BIG difference. A differece of ~3.5mpg equates to 70 miles per tank(assuming ~20gl tank). thats just one tank!
How many tanks do you fill in a month or in a trip ? in a year ? in the time you owned/used the vehicle ?
Also, let me ask you this -
Does the Escalade and Silverado have the acceleration and response of the mdx ? That low end oomph, midrange charm and the top-end sparkle of the mdx, all together ? And its not like this has been acheived in the mdx by compromising on vehicle weight and build quality (and thereby safety). Actually its contrary. Its a tough car.
Other than a Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot I have never really driven any suv but the mdx never seizes to amaze me in any part of the power band. This "beast" can unleash its power but only when needed(and not left and right all the time), otherwise it behaves like a tame pet. (Think VTEC). I guess it would only go in favour of the small 3.5L powerplant that can produce so much power and still be so economical.
Now if the powerplants of the escalade and silverado were trimmed for fuel efficiency then there would be no such thing as acceleration on those "beasts". And if they were trimmed for power then there would be no such thing as fuel efficiency. There will always be something lacking. But the MDX (because of VTEC) will give you both!
Isnt it just a different feeling to drive something that has an intelligent masterpiece of engineering (VTEC again) pulling you through instead of just raw brute force power, or the lack of it ? |
|
|
| buzzard11 |
| We just turned 1200 miles on our new 05 MDX. We get around 17MPG around town, not city driving but not highway either. We are very happy coming from a 3/4 ton Suburban. Hope it increases for you. |
|
|
| socalJD |
IIRC, this has been posted before. If you want to maximize fuel economy on long trips, you have to SLOW DOWN. If you set your cruise control to 65mph, you should achieve close to 24mpg (assuming you don't have your windows/moonroof open or have the AC blasting on high). The faster you go over 65 will incrementally decrease your MPG. Personally, I can't consistently drive this slow, I prefer cruising around 70-75, so I sacrifice max fuel efficiency.
Try this on your next road trip, if it really bothers/matters to you. Go your normal speed on your way to your destination (assuming you're like me and go faster than 65), fill up & calculate your MPG. On the way back lock in cruise control at 65, fill up and calculate MPG. You will be amazed at the difference . . . |
|
|
| mdxforever |
| not quite clear about the fillup and calculate but just hit the reset button on your trip computer(or nav) that resets the fuel mileage meter before you start on each trip (first without and then with cruise control). Compare the numbers on the mileage meter you get at the end of the trips. |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxforever
not quite clear about the fillup and calculate but just hit the reset button on your trip computer(or nav) that resets the fuel mileage meter before you start on each trip (first without and then with cruise control). Compare the numbers on the mileage meter you get at the end of the trips.
NO, the GPS is not always accurate. I mean do the 'old fashioned' way of manually calculating actual miles traveled divided by gallons used. If you rely solely on the trip computer, your results will be skewed . . . |
|
|
| mdxforever |
actually I have found it to be quite accurate so far. Over the last few tanks, the mpg on the meter and the miles traveled/gallons filled match very closely at 21mpg!
Is the distance travelled on the base trip computer (not nav system) GPS controlled ? (I doubt it but not sure) |
|
|
| XStatic |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxforever
Also, let me ask you this -
Does the Escalade and Silverado have the acceleration and response of the mdx ? That low end oomph, midrange charm and the top-end sparkle of the mdx, all together ? And its not like this has been acheived in the mdx by compromising on vehicle weight and build quality (and thereby safety). Actually its contrary. Its a tough car.
Don't misunderstand me, I wouldn't want to own the Escalade. But I was very surprised that it can get almost 18MPG when the same driving style only produces 20MPG in the MDX. Over my 1600 mile journey that was less than a $30 difference. Again, I woudn't want to drive the Escalade everyday, but it was very nice to have all that room for a road trip and well worth the small loss in MPG.
And while the MDX may be a tough car, it is pretty weak in its towing capabilities. I don't underttand why they felt it was necessary to cut corners on cooling for a $40K vehicle forcing a minor upgrade for any towing use. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxforever
That IS a BIG difference. A differece of ~3.5mpg equates to 70 miles per tank(assuming ~20gl tank). thats just one tank!
How many tanks do you fill in a month or in a trip ? in a year ? in the time you owned/used the vehicle ?
Also, let me ask you this -
Does the Escalade and Silverado have the acceleration and response of the mdx ? That low end oomph, midrange charm and the top-end sparkle of the mdx, all together ? And its not like this has been acheived in the mdx by compromising on vehicle weight and build quality (and thereby safety). Actually its contrary. Its a tough car.
Other than a Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot I have never really driven any suv but the mdx never seizes to amaze me in any part of the power band. This "beast" can unleash its power but only when needed(and not left and right all the time), otherwise it behaves like a tame pet. (Think VTEC). I guess it would only go in favour of the small 3.5L powerplant that can produce so much power and still be so economical.
Now if the powerplants of the escalade and silverado were trimmed for fuel efficiency then there would be no such thing as acceleration on those "beasts". And if they were trimmed for power then there would be no such thing as fuel efficiency. There will always be something lacking. But the MDX (because of VTEC) will give you both!
Isnt it just a different feeling to drive something that has an intelligent masterpiece of engineering (VTEC again) pulling you through instead of just raw brute force power, or the lack of it ?
Are you serious? The MDX has low end torque? The Silverado 5.3L has 295 hp/335 lb-ft and the Escalade 6.0L puts out 345hp/380 lb-ft and they are getting the gas mileage posted. The MDX and Escalade are two very different vehicles. The Escalade and Silverado are much larger than the MDX will not handle as well but they can tow 8000 lbs. |
|
|
| mdxforever |
when did I say anything about the MDX's towing capability in the equivalent of 8000lbs?!
I was referring to the effortless performance of the engine at lower rpms under fair amount of load, where some of its competitors do run out of steam. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxforever
when did I say anything about the MDX's towing capability in the equivalent of 8000lbs?!
I was referring to the effortless performance of the engine at lower rpms under fair amount of load, where some of its competitors do run out of steam.
You commented about the GM engines not having power to go along with that decent mpg. I posted that that they get decent mpg and have quite a bit more power than the Acura engine. |
|
|
| Rick_James |
Its not that the MDX cannot pull more if it wanted to. But the limited towing is due to the uni-body frame. Just like Jeep GCs, Mini Vans ect.
I can say that I am sure the MDX can pull 6K just like my 05 pathfinder due to POWER of its motor, but its the frame style that makes it limited to its capacity |
|
|
| Edw5 |
I too am disappointed with the gas mileage of my 05 MDX. I am getting just of 16 MPG. I though I would be getting the same MPG of my 99 Odyssey (20 MGP), which has a same engine but with deferent valves, intake, exhaust and tranny (4sp vs. 5sp). Theoretically the MDX should get better mileage than my Odyssey because the MDX has a better tranny, valves, intake, and exhaust system.
Interest thing is that I have a friend who replaced her 99 Odyssey with a 04 Odyssey and she too was complaining that her gas mileage has dropped. |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by Edw5
I too am disappointed with the gas mileage of my 05 MDX. I am getting just of 16 MPG. I though I would be getting the same MPG of my 99 Odyssey (20 MGP), which has a same engine but with deferent valves, intake, exhaust and tranny (4sp vs. 5sp). Theoretically the MDX should get better mileage than my Odyssey because the MDX has a better tranny, valves, intake, and exhaust system. . .
That will NEVER happen. No way a MDX will get better MPG than an Oddy - remember that the MDX has AWD, so there are instances where all 4 wheels are being turned by the drivetrain, whereas the Oddy is only FWD. Also, the MDX is much heavier than the Oddy. You want the same MPG as an Oddy you'll have to shed 500 lbs and disable the rear differential . . . |
|
|
| Edw5 |
Well, can a guy hope.
I thought the weight difference being 200 pounds, and the MDX AWD system is more like a FWD system, and all the hi-tech items like the better values, intake, exhaust and tranny would make a differences, but I was WRONG. |
|
|
| MDX05FAN |
| I am happy with the gas mileage thus far. 18-20mpg in city/highway and 22-24 all highway |
|
|
| jlpellet@pobox. |
It should. My 05 only has one tank on it but I've normally seen ~10% increase over the 1st 3K. In going from my 02 to my 05, I just hope no major change.
Over 3 years on the 02 MDX, I routinely got 12~15 city, depending on the actual mix of city street stop/go versus city freeways.
I recall that the EPA "city" route is more like nonrush hour city mix without AC. With my normal 6 mile/day work mileage all on city streets, I've never gotten EPA city. For my 02 MDX, I normally exceeded 23 mpg as long as cruising speeds were under 75.
Good luck. City mpg really depends on route conditions and weight of foot.
jlp
quote:
Originally posted by glockman
I have a new '05 MDX with approx 1k miles. The best city mileage we have obtained is 14mpg... Please tell me the mileage gets better...
|
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
That will NEVER happen. No way a MDX will get better MPG than an Oddy - remember that the MDX has AWD, so there are instances where all 4 wheels are being turned by the drivetrain, whereas the Oddy is only FWD. Also, the MDX is much heavier than the Oddy. You want the same MPG as an Oddy you'll have to shed 500 lbs and disable the rear differential . . .
The 06 MDX and ODY are essentially the same weight. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by Edw5
Well, can a guy hope.
I thought the weight difference being 200 pounds, and the MDX AWD system is more like a FWD system, and all the hi-tech items like the better values, intake, exhaust and tranny would make a differences, but I was WRONG.
The MDX always starts out in AWD when you step on the gas. It goes back to FWD at 18 mph (I think). It was marketed as system that anticipates slip. |
|
|
| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by glockman
Yeah, I understand the "YMMV"..But 11 mpg vs 17 is not even close...My tire pressure is set at 32. And by the way, I have been in the "real world of suv's" for a while..I have owned a Land Cruiser, Pathfinder and most recently a Highlander. All of them had better gas mileage than the MDX. Again, I am not bashing the MDX, I just thought that it would be getting better fuel mileage than what we are getting. It is not like we are driving it hard either. The 14 mpg is the very best mileage we have gotten in the city. We normally get approx 11-12mpg.
.....in the one-and-a-half years and 28,000 miles that I had my '03 MDX for, I got only around 12.5 to 13.5 mpg in typical all-city driving. If I drove like an insane nut - that is anticipating and coasting to every stop sign, turning the A/C off, running 35psi in the tires and accelerating super lightly driving everyone behind me CRAZY - I got 15.5 to 16mpg!!! :eek: .....the MDX's city mileage is waaayyy off the EPA's claim (mostly because of the "extremely short" first gear, combined with the fact that the 4-wheel-drive system is activating every time you accelerate from a standstill, resulting in a lot of additional drivetrain losses.
Highway mileage while driving a constant cruising speed is a whole different story, and comes fairly close to the EPA figures. I mostly got around 21 to 22mpg driving around 70-75mph. On one occasion, on a flat stretch of road driving a constant 60mph I measured an astounding 27.2mpg!!!
One has to understand that even though there is a variance from the EPA's figures, not every vehicle has the same percentage difference from EPA figures. The EPA test methods are some of the WORST, totally antiquated, procedures which, IMO, are useless for all practical purposes and intents :rolleyes: .....For example some HYBRIDS are notorius for a HUGE, AND I MEAN HUGE, percentage variance from EPA ratings. To illustrate how "off the wall" the EPA is, see the example below of "real world gas mileage" where the vehicle actually does BETTER in the "real world" :rolleyes: than what the EPA says....UNBELIEVABLE!! :eek: .....basically I have come to the same conclusion that a recent CONSUMER REPORTS article did, after carefully monitoring the fuel economy of over 14 automobiles I've owned in the past, versus their EPA ratings!!
FYI, my recently owned '02 Mitsubishi Montero, which I sold recently, and rated at 14city/17hwy by the EPA gave me from 15.5 to 17mpg in all-city driving (the lower figure under "normal" conditions and the higher figure while trying real hard to get best mileage)....OTOH, the best HIGHWAY mileage I got doing around 70 to 75 was no better than 18mpg!! |
|
|
| Edw5 |
From reading everyone’s response about them gas mileage, the MDX’s gas mileage ranges between 15 and 21 MPG. On that note I did a little research by looking at the other luxury import SUV’s forums to see what the owners of the BMW X5 and LEXUS RX330 are saying. And they too are experiencing the same type of gas mileage. There was only one that got an unbelievable 35 miles to a gallon, but it was on a 3 liter diesel BMX X5 with a 6 speed manual.
Yes, the gas mileage on my MDX (16-19) is not a good as my Odyssey (18-23), but I absolutely love the way it drives, and handles. I call it a SUV sports car. It is so much more responsive than my 99 Odyssey, my wife thought there was something wrong with the Odyssey when she got in it. And after test driving some of its competitors (RX330, X5, and ML), the MDX was in my option was as good if not better than all its competitors. |
|
|
| anvil |
My '05 is just over 4k and like others I tend to average 12-14mpg in city driving. With my last tank I experimented with concentrating on moderate acceleration and smooth driving in general and my average jumped to around 16mpg in spite of less favourable (colder) conditions. I don't have the desire or discipline to drive that way all the time but it was interesting to see the immediate difference that it made.
As for the EPA rated mileage being unrealistic, things are even worse here in Canada. MDX's here are rated at 20/30 mpg city/hwy. I'm not aware of any difference in the vehicles sold here that would explain the difference so Transport Canada must be using even more unrealistic tests than the EPA. I've haven't looked into what tests they use. Maybe they're simulating conditions on a dyno or testing in a vacuum! Either way it sure doesn't reflect the real world. |
|
|
| anvil |
I don't know about the EPA but I came across the following description of the testing process used in Canada which explains the huge difference between the rated fuel consumption and the real world:
Testing procedures for vehicle fuel consumption
New vehicles are "run in" for about 6000 km before
testing. Vehicles are mounted on a programmable
two-wheel laboratory chassis dynamometer and, using
two-wheel drive, are run through simulated city and
highway driving cycles. This carefully controlled method
of testing, including the use of standardized fuels,
laboratories and testing equipment, is used instead of
on-road driving to ensure that all vehicles are tested
under identical conditions.
Fuel consumption ratings are generated based on test
cycles and correction factors that take into account the
aerodynamic efficiency, weight, rolling resistance, drive
mode of different vehicles and average real-world driving
conditions in Canada. Other adjustments are made to
reflect the average fuel consumption of vehicle
configurations, options and sales mixes sold in Canada.
All vehicles, including four-wheel (4x4) and all-wheel
drive (AWD), are tested in two-wheel drive (2WD) mode.
SIMULATED CITY COURSE
City fuel consumption ratings are based on a 22-minute
simulated drive of 12 km, with 16 complete stops. The
average speed of the test is 32 km/h.
SIMULATED HIGHWAY COURSE
Highway fuel consumption ratings are based on a
12-minute simulated highway course of 16 km with no
stops. The top speed during the test is 96.5 km/h, and
the average speed of the test is 77 km/h, reflecting an
urban-highway driving environment.
For additional information about vehicle testing, visit
www.tc.gc.ca/road. |
|
|
| aarijk |
Here's a screen shot of my trip computer. I actually drive quite carefully, although not like an "insane nut". The distances are
fairly large as you can see, which helps give me get a picture of what my driving has been city/hwy over a reasonable period.
I recently upgraded my wheels to 20s (link below for pics) and have seen my mileage drop. I'll play around with tire pressure to see if I
can get it back up a bit. Hope this helps some of the questions on mileage.
http://www.acuramdx.org/photopost/s...r=11592&thumb=1 |
|
|
| MikeDonnaK |
We've owned the 06 MDX for three weeks and have driven over 3K...Christmas, New Years, yada yada
We averaged 21.3 MPG overall...very cool travelling Interstate at 77.5mph and normal stuff in the city. But no AC because the weather has been a beaut. |
|
|
| MDX05FAN |
I just did a trip over the holidays from NC to TN and back and averaged just over 23mpg with some mountains (highway 40)!
In town I get around 19mpg, I am very happy thus far.
I don't drive like a grandma either, the highway is usually about 80mph and in town I do try to keep it under 3,000 RPM's off the line... although sometimes that isn't possible :2: |
|
|
| kunB |
| Iam getting around 18.3 mixed , and 22-23 on All highway. I use Premium gas. The members who are getting 12-15 mpg for city conditions - are you using regular gas ? |
|
|
| MDX05FAN |
quote:
Originally posted by kunB
Iam getting around 18.3 mixed , and 22-23 on All highway. I use Premium gas. The members who are getting 12-15 mpg for city conditions - are you using regular gas ?
I am not one that is getting bad gas mileage but I alternate gas from 87 octane to 89... our next higher one here in NC is 93 which I feel is too much. |
|
|
| MikeDonnaK |
We use mid-grade.
After reviewing the comments in other threads, the motor compensates for any knock issues and we haven't experienced any problems.
:cool: |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by MikeDonnaK
We use mid-grade.
After reviewing the comments in other threads, the motor compensates for any knock issues and we haven't experienced any problems.
:cool:
It is this compensation that can potentially cause a loss of fuel mileage.
G |
|
|
|
|
|
