Based on OP's 5 average MPG data from his mom's trip, it apparently uses manual calculation for each fill-up. And his mom was very disappointed on gas mileage for the trip with her current CX-5 AWD comparing to her previous VW Tiguan, not Jetta TDI diesel.I suspect OP didn't zero out on the highway or take into account that the drag coefficient on CX-5 (and any vehicle of its stance) is worse than that of a Jetta.
Exactly! What's the point driving at 60 mph on the highway with 75 mph speed limit in Texas? Everyone else is driving 80+ mph you'll get tail-gated or even pushed out to the road side by the 18-wheelers! I'd tried to slow down and test the instant MPG during our trip but it became so dangerous for driving at 55~60 mph! I still couldn't reach 30 mpg at that speed based on instant MPG readout.What sense does it make to go below 60 mph, assume on a highway with a speed limit of 65 mph? I am yet to see evidence of CX5 beating 30 mph when the car consistently goes above 65 mph up to 75 mph for at least +60 miles.
Exactly! What's the point driving at 60 mph on the highway with 75 mph speed limit in Texas? Everyone else is driving 80+ mph you'll get tail-gated or even pushed out to the road side by the 18-wheelers! I'd tried to slow down and test the instant MPG during our trip but it became so dangerous for driving at 55~60 mph! I still couldn't reach 30 mpg at that speed based on instant MPG readout.
Well, the point being is that the EPA fuel economy test is not based on that highway driving profile. That's all. If your driving pattern is similar to the EPA test, you'll likely get the EPA mileage figures. If you drive at higher speeds, don't expect EPA numbers. Its just physics.
The point is we're comparing real-world highway MPGs of CX-5 AND other vehicles we've owned against EPA's mark. But we usually can meet or beat EPA's highway estimates from other vehicles but not from CX-5! Yeah it's just physics but physics applies to every vehicle not just against our CX-5! Look at another new post upstairs by Goguinness his 2016 VW Jetta has no problem to beat EPA mark on the highway! Like Unobtanium, I have the same doubt that Mazda seems to be programmed CX-5 for better fuel efficiency only for EPA fuel economy test cycles, but not for real-world fuel economy!Well, the point being is that the EPA fuel economy test is not based on that highway driving profile. That's all. If your driving pattern is similar to the EPA test, you'll likely get the EPA mileage figures. If you drive at higher speeds, don't expect EPA numbers. Its just physics.
The point is we're comparing real-world highway MPGs of CX-5 AND other vehicles we've owned against EPA's mark. But we usually can meet or beat EPA's highway estimates from other vehicles but not from CX-5! Yeah it's just physics but physics applies to every vehicle not just against our CX-5! Look at another new post upstairs by Goguinness his 2016 VW Jetta has no problem to beat EPA mark on the highway! Like Unobtanium, I have the same doubt that Mazda seems to be programmed CX-5 for better fuel efficiency only for EPA fuel economy test cycles, but not for real-world fuel economy!
One thing worth mentioning is, I have better MPG if I don't use cruise control.
Exactly! What's the point driving at 60 mph on the highway with 75 mph speed limit in Texas? Everyone else is driving 80+ mph you'll get tail-gated or even pushed out to the road side by the 18-wheelers! I'd tried to slow down and test the instant MPG during our trip but it became so dangerous for driving at 55~60 mph! I still couldn't reach 30 mpg at that speed based on instant MPG readout.
For those with “poor” or “not as expected” MPG’s how are you accelerating to reach your target speed? (fast, slow etc...) Also important, what type of driver are you? Do you constantly brake/accelerate or do you monitor road/traffic ahead to reduce braking or accelerating frequency/distances?
I have a feeling that those achieving MPG’s as expected or exceeded expectations accelerate slower and have less frequent brake/accelerate style of driving than those with “poorer” MPG’s.
Also I hope your not sitting there letting the car idle for minutes during first start up. All you need is 10-20 seconds of idle just so the oil properly lubricates the internals. Then just drive normal till the motor fully warms up before getting really aggressive. FYI, cold water temp light turning off doesnt always mean the motor is fully warmed up to “redline” it.
It was a rural area with speed limits around 50-55MPH so that is why I stayed below 60MPH.
When on the expressway/highway, I do around 65-70MPH and that nets me around 29-30MPG.
Doing 80MPH will not net any good MPG, that's a fact. Anything but a low to the ground sports car with deep OD will do poorly at 80MPH.