Impressive MPG figures!

 

I’m up there at in the low to mid 50s mpg. My driving style changed when I moved from manual cars to the Hybrid. It’s not easy to describe but I feel I drive with empathy knowing the cars limitations and by that I mean it’s strengths and weaknesses. I drive it as fast as the roads allow whether that is a legislated speed or road conditions whether that be traffic flow, weather or type of road.

I find the car superb and can’t fault it’s driving characteristics. I don’t practice any strange driving procedures to maximise mpg but I try and stay in it’s power sweet spot when accelerating. That all adds up to 50+ mpg.

Saying that I’ve driven in some states in the US where I’d be run off the road if I drove there like I do here.

 

I drive in a similar way - no unorthodox tricks, only common sense: avoiding unnecessary hard acceleration, coasting to stop where it's safe to do so, and observing speed limits. This kind of behavior, in my experience, should yield average fuel efficiency 5 to 10% above the EPA figures, which would be 40 to 42 mpg (US) or 48-50 mpg (UK). Unfortunately, I can only get there in ideal weather. In winter I would have expected my mpg to drop to 36-38, but it went down way lower, averaging about 32 in Jan-Feb. Scratching my head and looking - again! - at the RAV4; still can't stomach its looks.

 

Saying that I’ve driven in some states in the US where I’d be run off the road if I drove there like I do here.

Spent 3 weeks driving through Central Europe in 2017: Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Germany. Felt safer driving @ 140Kph there than I feel driving on I-35 here in TX. The majority of European drivers adhering to lane discipline makes for an enjoyable trip for all.

 

If you want to maximize your mileage keep the little car in the center of this screen

 

Stunned you have racked up over 16k miles!

 

Cold weather mileage drop of 10 mpg ......

 

I've seen about a 5 or 6 mpg drop, I attribute it to:
Running the ICE to keep the cabin warm.
Winter fuel blend.
Snowy roads.
The hybrid forces you to confront the fact that if you want to keep warm you must burn fuel.
I am making use of the heated seats, they reduce the need for cabin heat.
Have you encountered "EV Mode not Available, Cabin being Heated" yet?

 

Given the frigid weather here in MN last few days, I am seeing 21-22 MPG around town on trips ~5-10 miles. Not surprising, experinece the same issue in my non-hybrid vehicles too.

My conclusion, as before, is this power train does not love the cold. Looking forward to the warm weather!

 

My conclusion, as before, is this power train does not love the cold.

Not sure any engine does.

Especially those battery-powered-EV droids that some eco-people would have us believe will deliver us all an electric-Utopia....they are even worse in the cold.

Turn on the heater, lose 50 miles range. Headlights on, another 50 miles range lost. Heated seats? That'll cost you another 50 miles range.....

No thanks.

 

Averaging 28.5 mpg over the first 3300 miles on my non-hybrid Touring. In extreme cold and snow, with lots of idle time, primarily in S mode, on winter tires, a mix of mountain, city, town, and state highway miles. I'm impressed so far as I know this figure will improve with warmer weather and more ideal longer trips and as the vehicle breaks in. I'm not shy about wringing out the motor and using the turbo, either.

 

This is a very impressive result, given that yours is not a hybrid - in fact, it's only 10% below my January average of 31.7 mpg. And we only had snow for a couple of days, and it was not Siberia-cold, mostly in the 25F-45F bracket.

 

Ars Technica CR-V hybrid review

We’ve not yet driven enough to have our own fuel economy numbers (<50 miles to date), but the Ars reviewer’s result seems implausibly low. How is everyone else finding the fuel consumption?

My first week with my 2021 Hybrid EX, drove 365 miles, had to fill up with 11.1 gallons.....so 32.9 mpg.....but it's a banner February in the mid-Atlantic region, snow and more snow, and everyone on this forum is saying cold weather is tough on the power efficiency. My little dashboard number started at around 17 mpg, and with each trip it would inch up to a slightly bigger number. In my second week, that number has finally gotten above 30. I feel like I've been playing a video game with each drive, keeping my speed in check, turning off the heat, paddle shifting...trying to see if my driving skills can influence that darn mpg! BTW - the car did GREAT in the snow!

 

Looking back at 5.5 months and 9,400 miles of CRV-Hybrid ownership, my impression remains that it's a solid car with unremarkable fuel economy for a hybrid. And this is the only car that wouldn't let me beat the EPA mpg rating

In the spirit of YMMV, let us look at the Fuelly statistics. The 2020 CRV Hybrid averages just below 33 mpg (US), while 8 out of the 37 drivers report 30 or lower mpg (US). The author says he clocked about 30 mpg (US) in DC. Doesn't seem outlandish to me.

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid MPG - Actual MPG from 59 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid owners

The most accurate 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrids MPG estimates based on real world results of 1.4 million miles driven in 59 Honda CR-V Hybrids

www.fuelly.com

.

 

it's a solid car with unremarkable fuel economy for a hybrid

You do know that its not built for economy as its primary goal, dont you?

A Hybrid, any Hybrid...is designed to lower tail pipe emissions first and foremost.

 

Ars Technica CR-V hybrid review

We’ve not yet driven enough to have our own fuel economy numbers (<50 miles to date), but the Ars reviewer’s result seems implausibly low. How is everyone else finding the fuel consumption?

With more than 4,000 miles logged, I still think the reviewer's results seem strangely low for city driving. However, a number of other owners in this forum and on Fuelly seem to get similar figures to the reviewer, so it seems plausible now. With the various threads discussing real owners' experiences, I think this thread is no longer useful.

I'm still pleased with our CR-V Hybrid. Overall consumption meets our expectations, given the EPA estimates, and the only relatively unpleasant driving has been at high speed uphill (mountain highways).

My records on Fuelly
Other owners on Fuelly

 

the only relatively unpleasant driving has been at high speed uphill (mountain highways).

...fair to say most cars would return pretty crummy fuel numbers going uphill at high(er) velocity 👍

 

Anyway, I didn't really mean my post to be as overtly negative as it might sound. I bought the car to be what it is, and what purpose it fulfills well: a roomy, comfortable, modern, nicely appointed CUV that can fit 5 people and luggage, is significantly better on fuel economy in normal use than either car it replaced (2003 Subaru Forester, 2008 Acura MDX), is modern with all the latest safety features, and friendly to the environment without being a full electric car that has to find a charging station regularly (I park on the street and cannot install a high voltage charging station in a personal garage, for example).

However, that doesn't mean I wasn't surprised by the "city driving" fuel economy that reviewers usually rave about not really encompassing my normal driving in the city (as the Ars Technica reviewer probably was as well - the original beginning of this thread, after all - in driving it around Washington, DC, probably in a similar pattern to how I often drive mine around Queens in NYC). Doesn't mean I'm upset about it, it's loads better than before, just not what I originally imagined.

And it also leaves room for me to realize "just drive it like normal", as several people have described here, has meant for me adjusting to a "new normal" for this car. Not at all how I drive my Acura TSX, nor even my wife's 2016 Honda Civic EX-T (with the 1.5T engine).

 

Ars Technica CR-V hybrid review

We’ve not yet driven enough to have our own fuel economy numbers (<50 miles to date), but the Ars reviewer’s result seems implausibly low. How is everyone else finding the fuel consumption?

I have a 2021 Sonic Grey EX Hybrid and just turned 675 miles. I have been pretty much always in ECO mode and a mix of highway and in town driving. My first two fill ups I averaged 24-25mpg. I sure hope this gets better!

 

Underpowered is not one of the things I would complain about
Quite the opposite if you put it in sport mode

 

The sport mode doesn't increase the power output, only makes the throttle more sensitive, which creates the sensation of a more spirited acceleration. The lack of power becomes noticeable when the car is climbing a long grade, or driving faster than 65 mph continuous. At the same time, the 1.5T non-hybrid version with 180 or 190 hp has never been criticizes for its performance, which makes me think that if the hybrid had a 20-25% more powerful engine it would do better in the driving scenarios I listed above.
[/QUOTE]
I don't think my wife would agree with you she hates it when I put it in sport mode not only does it go like it has a rocket up its rear and pushes here back into the seat
True this might only last while the battery has plenty of spare power but enough to overtake
When I as out on my own I often put it in sport mode and drive it like I have stolen it just for fun

 

I don't think my wife would agree with you she hates it when I put it in sport mode not only does it go like it has a rocket up its rear and pushes here back into the seat
True this might only last while the battery has plenty of spare power but enough to overtake
When I as out on my own I often put it in sport mode and drive it like I have stolen it just for fun

I would not presume arguing with other people's wives; it's the responsibility and privilege of their husbands

Recall that my grievance is about sustained performance, such as going uphill (5-7% grade) or driving at the interstate speed limit without the engine screaming at 4,000 rpm.

I am becoming suspicious that the UK and US version could be of a different spec.

 

Only have 590 miles of mixed driving. 35 mpg on the first tank and 36 mpg so far on the second. I can't complain for the size of vehicle and horsepower. I averaged 42 mpg with my Lexus CT, but it was tiny and slow.

 

I just did a fill-up and am only getting 29.26MPG which is less than the 31MPG that the CR-V is reporting!

 

I dont get why you are angry.

29.26mpg is not that far off 31mpg considering that its, you know...winter?

 

My 29MPG is much lower than advertised overall average of 38MPG. Honda should have put a * on the monroney *MPG figures not valid during the winter.
If "winter" is the excuse, then why does the RAV4 Hybrid constantly get an overall of 39MPG or higher in the winter?

 

If "winter" is the excuse, then why does the RAV4 Hybrid constantly get an overall of 39MPG or higher in the winter?

For a start, I call BS on the RAV4 numbers.

As I posted here, way too many variables have an effect on fuel efficiency and climate is most certainly one of them.

I have the 1.5T and Honda UK advertises my model as attaining a high of 38.2mpg....yet, the highest I have had is closer to 50mpg. See what I mean?

Also, the test conditions where Honda, worldwide, amass their performance etc is not done under the conditions any of us drive each and everday. You watch, in the summer, your MPG will improve. And I would advise taking any numbers from Toyota's overrated piece of crap with a huge pinch of salt.

 

robardin wrote: "My biggest caveat to someone considering buying this generation of CR-V Hybrid: you will not like driving this car over 65 MPH - not just because it will ding the fuel economy, but because it will actually be unpleasant."

Just took a 1,000 mile trip to Salt Lake City and back last week. It was -22 F when we left in the early morning with some dicey roads. The highways were good and we traveled at 87 MPH most of the way even when crossing the Continental Divide twice. Overall our MPG for the trip was about 23 MPG. Not a complaint, just an observation. We never expect to get anywhere close to the stated MPG as we live in the mountains and drive fast.

It's good to read that the Hybrid is NOT a good fit for us.

 

robardin wrote: "My biggest caveat to someone considering buying this generation of CR-V Hybrid: you will not like driving this car over 65 MPH - not just because it will ding the fuel economy, but because it will actually be unpleasant."

Just took a 1,000 mile trip to Salt Lake City and back last week. It was -22 F when we left in the early morning with some dicey roads. The highways were good and we traveled at 87 MPH most of the way even when crossing the Continental Divide twice. Overall our MPG for the trip was about 23 MPG. Not a complaint, just an observation. We never expect to get anywhere close to the stated MPG as we live in the mountains and drive fast.

It's good to read that the Hybrid is NOT a good fit for us.

Yeah, very likely not. I've driven across the US from NYC to SF, and I remember well that between Minnesota and California it's more like two hours at 85 MPH just between gas stations for many stretches.

But, what are you comparing it to? I see from your .sig that you have the 2018 CR-V Touring (that has the 1.5T? That's standard on the Touring trim, right?) - so, how does it feel like at that speed, is it struggling at all, and how does it sound?

Because per the Car and Driver review that was a factor in my decision to buy the Hybrid over the 1.5T version, which version I admit I did not test drive at highway speeds,

We found the hybrid system to be smooth and unobtrusive, and we appreciated that Honda mitigated engine drone at wide-open throttle by adding sound-deadening materials and giving the audio system an active noise-cancelling feature. This provided a much quieter experience than the base engine, which was one of the loudest in its class when matting the gas pedal.

And in that other C&D review (linked to in blue) that directly compares the 2020 Hybrid model to the 1.5T,

We measured a massive improvement in this regard with the hybrid coming in at 72 decibels versus a noisiest-in-class 78 in the 1.5T. During casual driving, a distant hum from beyond the firewall is the only indication that the internal-combustion engine is running. But it's the hybrid system's extra power and responsiveness that improves the CR-V's driving experience. The low-end torque of the electric motor makes it feel livelier, especially in Sport mode and at around-town speeds, as the hybrid powertrain reacts to small accelerator inputs with a punchiness that's lacking in the regular model.

That "distant hum" description tells me C&D did that comparison at maybe 60 MPH .

So maybe the 1.5T is just as loud, but with a sound that's more familiar? My wife has a very similar Honda 1.5T engine in her 2016 Civic EX-T, which I've driven to cruise at 80 MPH (not 87...), and maybe it's a bit loud in the familiar "sounds like an engine at over 4000 RPM" kind of way, while the CR-V Hybrid's engine sounds like it's under a lot more load (my guess being that it's basically the small Atkinson Cycle engine doing all the work).

Then again, the Civic is like 600 lbs. lighter than the CR-V.

...Or did you do that trip in your Ridgeline?

 

I also find 70-75 miles per hour to be at (or over) the upper limit of what I find tolerable for an extended drive. It's not bad enough to worry about hearing damage, but it's not pleasant. Nearly all of my normal driving is 65 mph or below, however.

 

my average speed during commuting is 68-75 so i guess i bought the wrong car.

I can’t understand these consumption figures. Fuel economy is very good in my experience and is currently showing 52.5 mpg (imperial).

This is on a mix of roads mainly sitting at a traffic limited 60 - 65 mph. It was mid fifties before winter and dropped slightly with the colder weather.

I’m pretty sure if the majority of my driving was urban as this review claims it would be nearer 60mpg.

do you drive 35-45 mi one way on highway?

One question. What speed are you cruising at?

this car is too under powdered for how i drive - ave speed is 65-73 mph and this poor little baby engine cannot get it done.

dis all homework except performance.

Many owners have mentioned low MPG early on, after the sale.

Best advice has been to wait a few tankfuls before getting annoyed....the readout (and your calculations, if you are old-school) will get higher eventually.

thanks and i am stuck with the car for at least 4 years to get my money back out of it. i am sure this engine will not be able to survive my driving and needs.

 

Interesting thread highlighting the pros and cons of the Hybrid which makes me think it’s better suited to those regions of the world which arent too cold, don’t have mountains roads to climb and in general are limited to speeds of less than 75 mph.

Thankfully I live and drive in one of these regions so in the main the car is extremely economical, lively, effortless and very quiet. Currently returning a winter 50mpg (41.5mpg US) which is an added bonus as the car does everything asked of it and more.

Reading between the lines it appears that the low winter economy has exacerbated the apparent shortfalls resulting in a touch of buyers remorse. With the exception of the winter economy figures the other observations could have been identified prior to purchase either by review or test drive. If I’m going to hammer down the motorway at 85mph I’m sure going to check that out before signing on the dotted line.

Here’s hoping you adjust to the cars nuances as I’m not sure I could hang onto a car which caused me so much grief because it didn’t suit my particular circumstances. In the long term you can take some comfort from improved mpg when temperatures increase and companies switch over from winter fuel.

 

While driving at 87 for several hours the CR-V is quiet and very easy to control. I do not know the RPM but it's not 5,000.

The CR-V is very quick when accelerating from 75 to 100 to pass slow-pokes then settles in at 87 again nicely.

My only point was quoting that the 'Hybrid would be uncomfortable above 65 for extended periods of time' (paraphrased).

I have NO complaints about the MPG I get while driving at legal speeds (they must be legal or the State Police in MT, ID and UT I went past with their radar's on would have pulled me over).

If I ever plan upon purchasing a Hybrid I will HAVE to take it on the highway and run it for 10 minutes or so.

 

...

If I ever plan upon purchasing a Hybrid I will HAVE to take it on the highway and run it for 10 minutes or so.

THIS, or a longer highway test drive should be done with ANY vehicle purchased.

 

In the past couple of days the temperature has climbed into the 50's Fahrenheit (>10C), and a miracle happened: my average went up above 40 mpg US (48 mpg UK) - on the same circuit I was getting 30-32 mpg US (36-38 mpg UK) when it was around freezing.

Today at 52F (11C) I clocked a remarkable 50 mpg US (60 mpg UK) in normal city traffic.

I am still looking for a good explanation to this phenomenon.

 

In the past couple of days the temperature has climbed into the 50's Fahrenheit (>10C), and a miracle happened: my average went up above 40 mpg US (48 mpg UK) - on the same circuit I was getting 30-32 mpg US (36-38 mpg UK) when it was around freezing.

Today at 52F (11C) I clocked a remarkable 50 mpg US (60 mpg UK) in normal city traffic.

I am still looking for a good explanation to this phenomenon.

Seems normal, as 50+ Fahrenheit is considerably above freezing.

Breakdown: Why cold weather can affect cars fuel economy

When driving your car during the winter months you might notice that the gas gauge is going down faster than during the summer. Did you know that the cold weather actually affects the fuel economy of your car?

www.wmcactionnews5.com

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel economy tests show, in short-trip city driving, a conventional gasoline car’s gas mileage is about 12 percent lower at 20 degrees Fahrenheit than it would be at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It can drop as much as 22 percent for very short trips, around 3 to 4 miles.

The effect on hybrid cars is worse; their fuel economy can drop about 31 percent to 34 percent under the cold and wintry conditions.

Even if your "circuit" is longer than 3-4 miles, other factors like how much and how high you run your heat matter.

Hybrid cars are MORE sensitive to cold weather (in terms of taking a hit to fuel economy) than ICE powered ones; and you should already have known that an ICE based car always gets significantly worse mileage in freezing or sub-freezing temperatures. (Or did you only start looking at your MPG like a hawk after buying a vehicle that touted it as its major reason for purchasing it?).

If it's any comfort, a full EV also takes a big hit in range in freezing temperatures.

EVs lost an average 18.5% of their range in cold-weather tests in Norway - Autoblog

In cold-weather testing of 20 popular electric vehicle models in the country, the Norwegian Automobile Federation found that EVs lose an average 18.5% of their WLTP-certified range. They also take longer to charge.

www.autoblog.com

You want something that stays even or gets better MPG with the onset of winter weather? This is your best option!

 

Took a long ride today with mixed driving conditions (local/highway) and returned with excellent fuel economy. Gives me something to look forward to when things get warmer for longer periods of time.

 

Is that a Honda Hack screen?

 

Merged MPG related topics.

 

Merged threads into one MPG-related thread for Hybrid discussion.