I have a 2006 GLS4 that is new. We took a trip on the hilly Taconic
Parkway in NY with the temps 30-40F. Each way was 147 miles, so about
350 RT. I drove at 55mph or less with my wife and some luggage.This
was almost all open road driving. I topped the tank off at the start
and finish. We averaged 34mpg. The car had only about 250 miles at the
start of the trip. Johnboy





On Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:21:54 GMT, Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net>
wrote:

>
>I just made my 4th fill-up since buying my Sonata GL 4 cylinder/5 speed.
> Here is the data:
>
>tank 1 27.04
>tank 2 29.39
>tank 3 27.01
>tank 4 26.90
> -----
>Average 27.46
>
>Not terrible, but not what I hoped for. The EPA rating is 24/34 and I
>drive 70-80% highway. Hopefully, more miles and warmer weather this
>summer will bump this up a little. My 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager with
>the 3.3L V-6 and automatic transmission (and 178,000 miles!) was getting
>22 MPG before its demise. Only getting 5 MPG more than the much larger
>van is a touch disappointing.
>
>What are others experiencing with their Sonatas?
>
>
>Matt

 

Eric G. wrote:

> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got mine.
> Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG rating.
>
> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
> greatly.

That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve" programmed
into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during break-in and then
moves to a leaner mixture later on. That sure is a curious one. Well,
I've always kept a log in all of my vehicles and I record every tankful
and all of my maintenance. So, I'll post the results here from time to
time and may even enter them into Excel to plot the trend.


> I am also disappointed with my results, I must admit, but I consider it
> a trade off. Either you pay much more up front for a Toyota or Honda,
> that probably get better mileage "out of the box", or you pay for it on
> the back end with Hyundai in the form of gasoline payments.

That's probably true, although where I live the delta for a Camry was
more like $4,000. I paid $16,300 after the rebates were applied to the
price I negotiated. I could have got a similar low-end Camry for about
$20,500. It didn't have all of the safety equipment that the Sonata
has, but it was close. The resale value of a Toyota typically more than
offsets the purchase price differential, unless you run your cars until
they die as I do and then it is less of a factor.


> Buying a comparable Japanese car would have cost me $8,000-$10,000 more
> up front. That will buy a lot of gas.
>
> Otherwise, I can't find anything other than minor/ergonomic flaws with
> the car.

I pretty much agree, although I consider the poor heater to be a major
flaw given my climate and the throttle and clutch is a pretty major
flaw, but this only applies to standard shift. Otherwise, I agree that
the car is pretty solid overall with only minor issues.


Matt

 

Eric G. wrote:

> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got mine.
> Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG rating.
>
> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
> greatly.

That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve" programmed
into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during break-in and then
moves to a leaner mixture later on. That sure is a curious one. Well,
I've always kept a log in all of my vehicles and I record every tankful
and all of my maintenance. So, I'll post the results here from time to
time and may even enter them into Excel to plot the trend.


> I am also disappointed with my results, I must admit, but I consider it
> a trade off. Either you pay much more up front for a Toyota or Honda,
> that probably get better mileage "out of the box", or you pay for it on
> the back end with Hyundai in the form of gasoline payments.

That's probably true, although where I live the delta for a Camry was
more like $4,000. I paid $16,300 after the rebates were applied to the
price I negotiated. I could have got a similar low-end Camry for about
$20,500. It didn't have all of the safety equipment that the Sonata
has, but it was close. The resale value of a Toyota typically more than
offsets the purchase price differential, unless you run your cars until
they die as I do and then it is less of a factor.


> Buying a comparable Japanese car would have cost me $8,000-$10,000 more
> up front. That will buy a lot of gas.
>
> Otherwise, I can't find anything other than minor/ergonomic flaws with
> the car.

I pretty much agree, although I consider the poor heater to be a major
flaw given my climate and the throttle and clutch is a pretty major
flaw, but this only applies to standard shift. Otherwise, I agree that
the car is pretty solid overall with only minor issues.


Matt

 

Eric G. wrote:

> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got mine.
> Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG rating.
>
> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
> greatly.

That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve" programmed
into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during break-in and then
moves to a leaner mixture later on. That sure is a curious one. Well,
I've always kept a log in all of my vehicles and I record every tankful
and all of my maintenance. So, I'll post the results here from time to
time and may even enter them into Excel to plot the trend.


> I am also disappointed with my results, I must admit, but I consider it
> a trade off. Either you pay much more up front for a Toyota or Honda,
> that probably get better mileage "out of the box", or you pay for it on
> the back end with Hyundai in the form of gasoline payments.

That's probably true, although where I live the delta for a Camry was
more like $4,000. I paid $16,300 after the rebates were applied to the
price I negotiated. I could have got a similar low-end Camry for about
$20,500. It didn't have all of the safety equipment that the Sonata
has, but it was close. The resale value of a Toyota typically more than
offsets the purchase price differential, unless you run your cars until
they die as I do and then it is less of a factor.


> Buying a comparable Japanese car would have cost me $8,000-$10,000 more
> up front. That will buy a lot of gas.
>
> Otherwise, I can't find anything other than minor/ergonomic flaws with
> the car.

I pretty much agree, although I consider the poor heater to be a major
flaw given my climate and the throttle and clutch is a pretty major
flaw, but this only applies to standard shift. Otherwise, I agree that
the car is pretty solid overall with only minor issues.


Matt

 

Eric G. wrote:
>
> My computer also reports a bit higher mileage, but I've found it to be in
> the neighborhood of 0.1 MPG. I consider that to be pretty accurate
> actually.

Last time I checked, it was off by 1.8. First time I've had the trip
computer as well, so didn't know if that was to be expected. It's not a
big deal to me really since I'll normally calculate by hand anyway.
FWIW, I leave the computer on the trip range setting and like that
feature a lot.

Barry

 

Eric G. wrote:
>
> My computer also reports a bit higher mileage, but I've found it to be in
> the neighborhood of 0.1 MPG. I consider that to be pretty accurate
> actually.

Last time I checked, it was off by 1.8. First time I've had the trip
computer as well, so didn't know if that was to be expected. It's not a
big deal to me really since I'll normally calculate by hand anyway.
FWIW, I leave the computer on the trip range setting and like that
feature a lot.

Barry

 

Eric G. wrote:
>
> My computer also reports a bit higher mileage, but I've found it to be in
> the neighborhood of 0.1 MPG. I consider that to be pretty accurate
> actually.

Last time I checked, it was off by 1.8. First time I've had the trip
computer as well, so didn't know if that was to be expected. It's not a
big deal to me really since I'll normally calculate by hand anyway.
FWIW, I leave the computer on the trip range setting and like that
feature a lot.

Barry

 

Matt Whiting wrote:
> Eric G. wrote:
>
>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG
>> rating.
>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>> greatly.
>
>
> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve" programmed
> into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during break-in and then
> moves to a leaner mixture later on.

No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
and timing for emissions and performance.

My Elantras mileage improved rapidly at first, then gradually up to 10K
miles or so. I Eric's has gotten worse, it's probably due to a problem
with his car, winter blend fuel or a change in his driving habits.

 

Matt Whiting wrote:
> Eric G. wrote:
>
>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG
>> rating.
>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>> greatly.
>
>
> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve" programmed
> into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during break-in and then
> moves to a leaner mixture later on.

No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
and timing for emissions and performance.

My Elantras mileage improved rapidly at first, then gradually up to 10K
miles or so. I Eric's has gotten worse, it's probably due to a problem
with his car, winter blend fuel or a change in his driving habits.

 

Matt Whiting wrote:
> Eric G. wrote:
>
>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG
>> rating.
>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>> greatly.
>
>
> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve" programmed
> into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during break-in and then
> moves to a leaner mixture later on.

No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
and timing for emissions and performance.

My Elantras mileage improved rapidly at first, then gradually up to 10K
miles or so. I Eric's has gotten worse, it's probably due to a problem
with his car, winter blend fuel or a change in his driving habits.

 

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Eric G. wrote:
>>
>>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG
>>> rating.
>>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
>>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>>> greatly.
>>
>>
>>
>> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve"
>> programmed into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during
>> break-in and then moves to a leaner mixture later on.
>
>
> No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
> exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
> and timing for emissions and performance.

My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive more
aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will adapt
to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you drive more
sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points and try to
maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the Hyundai
similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control systems.


Matt

 

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Eric G. wrote:
>>
>>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG
>>> rating.
>>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
>>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>>> greatly.
>>
>>
>>
>> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve"
>> programmed into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during
>> break-in and then moves to a leaner mixture later on.
>
>
> No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
> exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
> and timing for emissions and performance.

My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive more
aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will adapt
to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you drive more
sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points and try to
maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the Hyundai
similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control systems.


Matt

 

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Eric G. wrote:
>>
>>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30 MPG
>>> rating.
>>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems to be
>>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>>> greatly.
>>
>>
>>
>> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve"
>> programmed into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during
>> break-in and then moves to a leaner mixture later on.
>
>
> No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
> exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
> and timing for emissions and performance.

My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive more
aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will adapt
to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you drive more
sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points and try to
maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the Hyundai
similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control systems.


Matt

 

Matt Whiting wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>> Eric G. wrote:
>>>
>>>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>>>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>>>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>>>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30
>>>> MPG rating.
>>>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>>>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems
>>>> to be
>>>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>>>> greatly.
>>>
>>> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve"
>>> programmed into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during
>>> break-in and then moves to a leaner mixture later on.
>>
>> No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
>> exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
>> and timing for emissions and performance.
>
> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive more
> aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will adapt
> to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you drive more
> sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points and try to
> maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the Hyundai
> similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control systems.

Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
heart's content.

 

Matt Whiting wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>> Eric G. wrote:
>>>
>>>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>>>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>>>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>>>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30
>>>> MPG rating.
>>>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>>>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems
>>>> to be
>>>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>>>> greatly.
>>>
>>> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve"
>>> programmed into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during
>>> break-in and then moves to a leaner mixture later on.
>>
>> No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
>> exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
>> and timing for emissions and performance.
>
> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive more
> aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will adapt
> to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you drive more
> sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points and try to
> maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the Hyundai
> similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control systems.

Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
heart's content.