Greetings...Just purchased said vehicle...First fill-drive-fill gas mileage was 20.2 MPG. That's 50/50 city / highway driving. Hope this isn't normal for a
2.4 4 cylinder. Any input appreciated.
Thx
jkenn3

 

How did you calculate that mileage?
How many miles are on the car?
Are the tires properly inflated?
What type of driving (spirited or granny)?
At what speeds was the 50% highway?
A/C usage or driving in snow?
Cold temps or warm?

 

Greetings NovaResource...Here goes.
1. filled tank, drove 144 miles. Filled tank again and took 7.1 gallons.
2. 17900
3. Yes...32 all around
4. in-between
5. 65 MPH
6. No
7. 30-40 degrees.

 

Well, depending on your driving style, that's not too far off for the winter. The estimated ratings for the 2.4L in the 2009 Sonata are 22-city, 32-highway, 25-combined (source). Plus, using only 7 gallons from a 17.7 gal tank you really only did a small percentage while allows for more error. I would suggest using closer to 60-70% of the tank to get more accurate numbers. Plus, driving more than 55-mph has been proven to lower fuel economy so I'm going to say your numbers are slightly low but not that far off because the small amount of gas used, the use of winter-blend fuel, the elevated highway speeds and slightly spirited driving. Take a look at the air filter and see how clean it is. It may dirty and restrictive. Plus, you may want to try different brands of fuel. I know I see a drop in economy when I use certain brands of gasoline.

 

We use 10% ethanol in Florida, which does not help--I would think the gas mileage would be better--I used to get 20.5 MPG in my 2007 3.3L V6 Sonata(mixed city/highway), and my sister-in-law got 34 MPH in her 2007 2.4L (almost all highway). you also use more fuel the longer it takes for the car to get up to operating temp. Another question--are you hauling a trunk full of gear or a bunch of adults? Extra weight will also lower gas mileage.

 

You also don't mention another important factor. Does the car have a remote starter installed and/or do you let it warm up for an extended period before driving off?

If you have the habit of letting the car idle for 10 minutes every day in the winter months before driving it will kill your overall fuel economy real quick. It may sound obvious but others have posted about terrible fuel economy and later it comes out that they are letting it warm up for long periods. This is bad for the car and your fuel economy. The car will warm up faster being driven gently than idling in a driveway and once warmed up will be achieving it's best efficiency.

 

Thanks for the input all...I do have remote starter...Use it for 5 minutes prior to leaving.
I'll incorporate your ideas and be back soon with results...The other comment I have is the ride is not what I expected. Very rigid and at times bone-jarring except when on
ideal highways.
Thx again
jkenn3

 

BINGO! There's your problem.

Idling for 5 minutes long at 0-mpg isn't going to help your overally fuel economy. Plus, letting your car idle that long is a waste of money and fuel. Your car warms up quicker by driving it. Even on below freezing mornings, I get in, start the car and drive off in under 1 minute. Usually under 30 seconds.

Read and learn:
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html
http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-...warming-up-car
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/...ortune/20.html
http://www.makealeap.org/idling_myth
http://finance.yahoo.com/insurance/a...s-and-Mistakes

 

There's also a variance in the gas pumps automatic shut offs, that will also affect the mpg numbers, as well as slopes and inclines at the gas pumps.

 

22 - 24 in the City, and 27 - 28 on the highway. Best we ever got was right at 29.5 on a long trip with perfect weather & light traffic across the UP of Michigan.

That's at the 30,000 mile mark, and two drivers that usually are in the left lane or 10 over...