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So while I was amassing all the updated fuel numbers of our long-termers for January's big list of fuel economy, editor Ron Montoya also sent me the numbers for our new mystery long-term vehicle. Naturally I couldn't include it in the list since the intro for it doesn't go up til tomorrow.
But, how good a guesser are you? Can you guess what the new long-termer is just based on its best, worst and average? By the way, the above photo is just clip art.
Hit the jump for the mpg.
Below are the fuel economy numbers for January 2012. We've listed the overall best, worst and average tanks as well as the current odometer reading.
New long-termer: Chevrolet Sonic.
For comparison, here's the fuel update for December. Notice that the Audi A8L's overall average improved from 16.6 to 19.6 thanks to Editor Oldham's road trip.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
Mileage |
|
26.0 |
14.2 |
20.6 |
51,281 |
|
|
25.7 |
10.9 |
19.6 |
9,188 |
|
|
35.1 |
23.7 |
27.8 |
2,401 |
|
|
42.4 |
25.3 |
31.1 |
11,507 |
|
|
25.2 |
15.7 |
20.2 |
9,167 |
|
|
37.7 |
24.4 |
31.7 |
18,518 |
|
|
22.7 |
10.7 |
16.6 |
20,504 |
|
|
31.5 |
13.2 |
20.8 |
19,300 |
|
|
21.0 |
13.7 |
17.0 |
8,618 |
|
|
28.5 |
17.4 |
21.9 |
16,647 |
|
|
41.7 |
22.9 |
30.6 |
4,559 |
|
|
28.4 |
18.5 |
22.1 |
134,023 |
|
|
23.6 |
16.0 |
19.1 |
4,908 |
|
|
27.8 |
14.1 |
20.7 |
124,040 |
|
|
27.0 |
15.9 |
23.4 |
3,332 |
|
|
46.1 |
25.5 |
35.3 |
16,550 |
|
|
28.1 |
15.9 |
22.2 |
12,607 |
After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
* For one reason or another this car wasn't available so will update the numbers once it is.
December represents our twelfth month with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, and that makes this update a one year summary of our Volt's thirst and, well, whatever Bender calls it when he needs a jolt.
In the past 12 months our Volt has amassed just over 13,000 miles. That number could have been higher if we had encouraged more long road trips, but the number of long trips 20 people take in a year is far more than a single owner would take, and that would have skewed the results too far in the gasoline direction, which is most definitely not the Volt's sweet spot.
As it was our Volt was already being driven by staffers who live too far away to make best use of the EV part of its split personality (raises hand). Combine that with the handful of long trips it did make and you get our observed Utility Factor of just 43 percent. The Society of Automotive engineers reckons a plug-in hybrid with 35 miles of rated range should run on electricity 58 percent of the time in the hands of a typical consumer. We reckon they're right.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Best Worst Average EPA Electricity (kWh/100 mi) 22.9 58.4 34.2 36 Electric Range (miles) 54.6 23.5 37.3 35 Gasoline (mpg) 42.6 21.8 34.3 37
Our average electric range (from fully charged to fully discharged) was 37.3 miles, and that was derived from 96 data points. Twice that many partial discharges can't be counted because the car was plugged in again before it ran out of juice -- which we encouraged because that's what you'd do if you were trying to run on electrons as much as possible.
In perfect semi-traffic conditions I managed to smash through the 50-mile barrier twice -- 54.6 and 54.3 miles on consecutive charges -- though no one else did. In my case, perfect conditions meant nearly-clogged freeway traffic that rolled steadily at 35-50 mph without any stopping or sudden speed changes.
We also beat the EPA's estimate for average electricity consumption. Our average was 34.2 kilowatt-hours used every 100 miles instead of the rated 36 kWh/100 miles.
On the other hand, gasoline fuel consumption was worse than the EPA combined rating, 34.3 mpg actual versus 37 mpg rated. Before you say we didn't drive enough long-distance highway miles, please remember that hybrids do better in the city, where speeds are lower, regenerative braking is in effect and electric motors are more efficient. Note that our longest e-range occured at sub-freeway speeds. At regular freeway speeds the Volt's engine is doing two things at once, generating electricity on the one hand while assiting with direct mechanical propulsion with the other, which means it's working that much harder.
What all this points to is an EPA gasoline consumption rating method that is equally optimistic when this plug-in is burning gasoline as it is when certain brands of traditional gasoline-powered cars are on the dyno rollers. Maybe the EPA and NHTSA should take another look at their methodology. It's hard to see how we would beat electricity by 5 percent and miss gasoline by 8 percent, but we did.
On the other hand, human nature could explain it. Think of the conversation in your head going like this: "I'm out of juice and am now burning gasoline. I have no more range to maximize. The videogame is over. I need no longer drive like Ed Begly Jr. Time to make up for lost time."
Comparing notes with others in the office, the Ed Begley Jr. effect seems to be a real thing.
Below are the fuel economy numbers for December 2011. We've listed the overall best, worst and average tanks as well as the current odometer reading.
New long-termers: Mazda 3 Skyactiv, Nissan Quest and Toyota Camry.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
Miles |
|
26.0 |
14.2 |
20.4 |
50,578 |
|
|
32.5 |
18.9 |
24.6 |
19,232 |
|
|
25.7 |
10.9 |
16.6 |
3,235 |
|
|
42.4 |
25.3 |
31.2 |
10,973 |
|
|
25.2 |
15.7 |
19.8 |
7,990 |
|
|
37.7 |
24.4 |
31.6 |
16,504 |
|
|
22.7 |
10.7 |
16.6 |
19,555 |
|
|
31.5 |
13.2 |
20.8 |
19,300 |
|
|
24.6 |
11.6 |
18.1 |
20,102 |
|
|
26.4 |
10.8 |
18.8 |
20,105 |
|
|
21.0 |
13.7 |
17.2 |
7,022 |
|
|
28.5 |
17.4 |
21.9 |
16,647 |
|
|
39.7 |
23.5 |
31.8 |
3,609 |
|
|
26.0 |
18.5 |
21.9 |
134,023 |
|
|
33.6 |
16.9 |
25.2 |
19,361 |
|
|
28.2 |
17.9 |
22.3 |
17,203 |
|
|
23.6 |
16.3 |
19.2 |
3,196 |
|
|
27.8 |
14.1 |
21.0 |
123,531 |
|
|
25.7 |
19.1 |
22.8 |
2,310 |
|
|
26.3 |
13.2 |
19.6 |
23,023 |
|
|
46.1 |
25.5 |
35.3 |
15,643 |
|
|
28.1 |
15.9 |
22.0 |
11,100 |
For comparison, here's the fuel update for November.
Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later. After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
Just over a week ago I drove the 2012 Fisker Karma around our semi-official One Lap of Orange County city fuel economy course. Aside from our 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the Fisker is the only other plug-in hybrid on the market. But our Chevrolet Volt has never taken a trip around the OLOC circuit.
Until now.
One Lap of OC (OLOC) is a 100% city loop that's 105.5 miles in length. There are dozens of siganls (I'll count someday), and most of the roads are of the main arterial variety. Speed limits range from 25 to 45 mph, though a 3-mile section of Pacific Coast Highway between the signals at Seal Beach and Huntington Beach is posted at 60 mph. There are exactly zero freeway miles.
We adhere to all speed limits except the one on that 3-mile stretch of PCH, where we go 55 mph instead of the posted 60 mph. Throughout we accelerate modestly at a pace that falls somewhere between old lady and late-for-work commuter, and we look ahead and anticipate instead of tailgate.
In other words, we're not hypermiling, but we are driving in a way that would please our parents or any for-hire passengers with weak stomachs we might be carrying. Hybrids tend to do quite well on this loop, though by nature it is too long for the likes of the all-electric Nissan Leaf (although in the interest of science we should try).
This month is two months worth of 2011 Chevrolet Volt summary because, well, I had a logbook problem to sort out and I simply couldn't disentangle October from November.
No matter.
During this period we made an effort to hand the Volt over to folks who live closer to work in order to increase the percentage of electrically-driven miles (aka the Utility Factor) up closer to where it should be. A plug-in hybrid with 35 miles of electric range should theoretically spend 58% of the time running on battery power in the hands of a typical buyer.
Many of our editors live too far away to make best use of the Volt in terms of its UF, so we've been struggling to keep the electricity/gasoline ratio real.
That said, we have a very solid grasp of the Volt's consumption of each fuel on its own. Here then is the summary of the Volt's performance so far over 11,989 miles of data with October and November included.
|
2011 Chevrolet Volt |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
EPA |
|
Electricity (kWh/100 mi) |
20.6 |
58.4 |
34.1 |
36 |
|
Electric Range (miles) |
54.6 |
23.5 |
37.6 |
35 |
|
Gasoline (mpg) |
42.6 |
21.8 |
34.2 |
37 |
Below are the fuel economy numbers for November 2011. We've listed the overall best, worst and average tanks as well as the current odometer reading.
The Audi A8 is still in the body shop so will have to update those numbers later (but they probably haven't changed much since the car has just been sitting for two weeks). And even though the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport left our fleet last week, I've included its farewell numbers.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
Miles |
|
24.9 |
14.2 |
20.1 |
48,716 |
|
|
32.5 |
18.9 |
24.6 |
17,900 |
|
|
25.7 |
16.1 |
19.6 |
1,837 |
|
|
42.4 |
25.3 |
31.0 |
9,945 |
|
|
25.2 |
17.2 |
19.8 |
6,214 |
|
|
37.7 |
24.4 |
31.6 |
16,504 |
|
|
22.7 |
10.7 |
16.5 |
17,870 |
|
|
31.5 |
13.2 |
20.6 |
17,053 |
|
|
24.6 |
11.6 |
17.6 |
16,339 |
|
|
26.4 |
13.0 |
18.9 |
18,930 |
|
|
21.0 |
14.7 |
17.5 |
5,402 |
|
|
28.5 |
12.6 |
22.0 |
15,193 |
|
|
26.0 |
18.5 |
21.9 |
134,023 |
|
|
33.6 |
16.9 |
25.0 |
17,373 |
|
|
27.5 |
18.4 |
23.0 |
19,701 |
|
|
28.2 |
17.9 |
22.4 |
16,006 |
|
|
27.8 |
14.1 |
21.0 |
123,233 |
|
|
26.3 |
13.2 |
19.4 |
21,168 |
|
|
46.1 |
25.5 |
35.4 |
14,461 |
|
|
28.1 |
15.9 |
21.8 |
9,392 |
* For one reason or another these cars weren't available so will update the numbers once they are.
For comparison, here's the fuel update for October.
Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later. After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
Below are the fuel economy numbers for October 2011. We've listed the overall best, worst and average tanks. New long-termers, the Audi A8L and Acura NSX, have been added to the list.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
1991 Acura NSX |
21.2 |
20.1 |
20.7 |
|
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon |
32.5 |
18.9 |
24.2 |
|
2012 Audi A8L |
25.7 |
16.1 |
19.6 |
|
2012 Fiat 500 Sport |
42.4 |
25.3 |
31.1 |
|
2012 Ford Explorer XLT |
22.4 |
17.2 |
19.4 |
|
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid |
37.7 |
24.4 |
31.6 |
|
2011 Ford Mustang GT |
22.7 |
10.7 |
16.7 |
|
2011 Honda Odyssey |
31.5 |
13.2 |
20.7 |
|
2011 Hyundai Equus |
24.6 |
11.6 |
17.6 |
|
2011 Infiniti M56 |
26.4 |
13.0 |
19.0 |
|
2012 Jeep Wrangler |
21.0 |
14.7 |
17.5 |
|
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo |
28.5 |
12.6 |
22.1 |
|
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
26.0 |
18.5 |
21.8 |
|
2011 Mazda 2 Touring |
38.7 |
21.1 |
31.9 |
|
2011 Mini Cooper Countryman |
33.6 |
16.9 |
24.9 |
|
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
27.5 |
18.4 |
23.0 |
|
2011 Nissan Juke |
28.2 |
17.9 |
22.3 |
|
1985 Porsche 911 |
27.8 |
14.1 |
21.1 |
|
2011 Toyota Sienna |
26.3 |
13.2 |
19.4 |
|
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI |
46.1 |
25.5 |
35.4 |
|
2012 Volvo S60 T5 |
28.1 |
15.9 |
21.2 |
For comparison, here's the fuel update for September.
Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later. After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
With no Nissan Leaf to kick around, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt fuel consumption tally becomes a bit easier to put together.
Here's a summary of the Volt's gasoline and electricity consumption for the months of August and September.
Consider these random factoids: Since January the Volt has made 39 visits to the gas pump over 6,715 miles and has been plugged in 152 times for another 4,335 miles. Some of those were partial charges, so these numbers can't be used to compute an average range.
But I have the required detail in a huge spreadsheet I'm staring at. Here's what it says about how our Volt has fared since it joined the LT fleet back in January.
|
2011 Chevrolet Volt |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
EPA |
|
Electricity (kWh/100 mi) |
20.6 |
58.4 |
33.8 |
36 |
|
Electric Range (miles) |
54.6 |
23.5 |
38.4 |
35 |
|
Gasoline (mpg) |
42.6 |
21.8 |
34.3 |
37 |
So I finally got a hold of our 2012 Volvo S60 T5's fuel log and updated its fuel numbers for September. Its best mpg went up from 26.4 in August to 28.1 in September. (In July its best was 21.9!) Its worst mpg stayed the same at 15.9. FYI, EPA rates the S60 at 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The Volvo achieved some of its best fuel numbers in September, up in the 20s rather than the high teens earlier in its term with us. This could be attributed to the fact that editor Brent Romans had it for most of last month and maybe, just maybe, isn't as much of a leadfoot as other editors on staff. At least, according to the numbers. When I asked Brent how he managed to get better mpg he replied, "Umm, probably just drove it conservatively. Staying out of turbo helps. Noticed that on GTI, too. And some of my fill ups are all highway from home to office."
By the way, looking at this picture I feel compelled to wish all of you a Happy October. Happy October!
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor
Below are the fuel economy numbers for September 2011. We've listed the overall best, worst and average tanks.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon |
32.5 |
18.9 |
24.2 |
|
2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
32.1 |
16.9 |
25.3 |
|
2012 Fiat 500 Sport |
42.4 |
25.3 |
31.2 |
|
2012 Ford Explorer XLT |
21.2 |
18.3 |
19.7 |
|
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid |
37.7 |
24.4 |
31.6 |
|
2011 Ford Mustang GT |
22.1 |
10.7 |
16.6 |
|
2011 Honda Odyssey |
31.5 |
13.2 |
20.6 |
|
2011 Hyundai Equus |
24.6 |
11.6 |
17.5 |
|
2011 Infiniti M56 |
26.4 |
13.0 |
19.0 |
|
2012 Jeep Wrangler |
18.8 |
14.7 |
16.9 |
|
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo |
28.5 |
12.6 |
22.0 |
|
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
26.0 |
9.6 |
21.9 |
|
2011 Mazda 2 Touring |
38.7 |
25.7 |
32.0 |
|
2011 Mini Cooper Countryman |
33.6 |
20.7 |
25.1 |
|
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
27.5 |
18.4 |
23.0 |
|
2011 Nissan Juke |
28.2 |
17.9 |
22.3 |
|
1985 Porsche 911 |
27.8 |
14.1 |
20.7 |
|
2011 Toyota Sienna |
26.3 |
13.2 |
19.4 |
|
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI |
46.1 |
25.5 |
35.3 |
|
2012 Volvo S60 T5 |
28.1 |
15.9 |
21.8 |
For comparison, here's the fuel update for August.
Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later.
After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
(Photo by Glenn Paulina)
Most volume-selling economy cars, including our 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ, are certified on 87 octane regular unleaded because, well, it costs less at the pump. But many of the same cars also carry advisories in their owners manuals that suggest the use of 91 octane premium unleaded "for best performance."
To most of us performance equates to acceleration and speed, not mpg. After all, the sort of driving that leads to good fuel economy isn't exactly taxing one's engine. Why buy premium when you're not running hard, right?
This theory began to show cracks (for the Cruze's 1.4-liter turbo engine, at least) back in June when I drove it sedately to Phoenix at the beginning of summer in an attempt to meet or beat the EPA ratings -- and fell far short.
Instead, the hot weather led to a very noticeable lack of drive-away power and sub-par highway fuel economy. Subsequent discussions with GM powertrain bigwigs and our own Jay Kavanagh revealed that small turbo engines are especially octane sensitive, which means their computers may agressively dial back the engine calibration in order to ward off knock in high load situations or in very hot weather.
To put it another way, our Cruze LTZ might've achieved better highway mpg if I had filled it with 91-octane premium unleaded for the trip to Phoenix and back.
We decided a deeper dive was in order, so we decided to subject the Cruze to an extended hot-weather MPG test. We sent the car out into Death Valley, where it spent an entire month sipping nothing but 87-octane regular, followed by another on the "good stuff", premium unleaded rated at 91 octane.
The results are surprising.
Below are the fuel economy numbers for August 2011. We've listed the best, worst and overall average tanks.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon |
32.5 |
19.3 |
24.6 |
|
2011 BMW 528i |
30.9 |
14.7 |
23.2 |
|
2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
32.1 |
16.9 |
25.5 |
|
2012 Fiat 500 Sport |
42.4 |
25.3 |
31.1 |
|
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid |
37.7 |
24.4 |
31.6 |
|
2011 Ford Mustang GT |
22.1 |
10.7 |
16.6 |
|
2011 Honda Odyssey |
31.5 |
13.2 |
20.6 |
|
2011 Hyundai Equus |
24.6 |
11.6 |
17.6 |
|
2011 Infiniti M56 |
26.4 |
13.0 |
19.1 |
|
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo |
28.5 |
17.4 |
22.2 |
|
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
26.0 |
9.6 |
22.0 |
|
2011 Mazda 2 Touring |
38.1 |
21.1 |
31.8 |
|
2011 Mini Cooper Countryman |
33.6 |
20.7 |
25.2 |
|
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
27.5 |
18.4 |
23.1 |
|
2011 Nissan Juke |
28.2 |
17.9 |
22.4 |
|
1985 Porsche 911 |
26.2 |
14.1 |
20.3 |
|
2011 Toyota Sienna |
26.3 |
13.2 |
19.5 |
|
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI |
46.1 |
25.5 |
35.4 |
|
2012 Volvo S60 T5 |
26.4 |
15.9 |
20.7 |
For comparison, here's the fuel update for July.
Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Leaf's and Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later.
After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
Yes, this time you get two months of fuel consumption data for the price of one. I was busy moving last month and plum forgot to update the electricity and gasoline consumption stats for our 2011 Chevrolet Volt and 2011 Nissan Leaf.
June highlights:
Our Volt went the entire month without gassing up until the bitter end. It could have gone well into July, but we called it in on the last day of June to top it up with 5.42 gallons so I could close out the month and make the calculation. Over some 604 miles, the apparent mpg worked out to 111.5 mpg. Of course only 186.4 of those miles were covered with those 5.42 gallons, so the real gasoline fuel economy was 34.4 mpg. This is possible because we plugged it in a lot in June, as evidenced by a rockin' 69% Utility Factor. These all-electric miles, 417.6 of them, came courtesy of 148 kWh of purchased electricity.
Meanwhile, the Nissan Leaf ran 262.6 miles on 74.9 kWh of juice, and that's pretty much it. Say what you will about the relative merits of these two cars, but the all-electric Leaf is a lot easier to keep tabs on because a constant 100% U.F. is guaranteed.
Now for some nice tables. July Highlights to come after the jump.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Best Worst Average Electricity (kwh/100 mi) 20.6 58.4 34.0 Electric Range (miles) 54.6 23.5 38.4 Gasoline (mpg) 42.6 21.8 33.9 2011 Nissan Leaf Best Worst Average Electricity (kwh/100 mi) 22.0 53.8 33.7 Projected Range (miles) 104.0 65.8 85.2 Observed Range (miles) 76.7
Below are the fuel economy numbers for July 2011. We've listed the best, worst and overall average tanks. We even got the numbers for the '85 Porsche now!
Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Leaf's and Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon |
32.5 |
19.3 |
24.5 |
|
2011 BMW 528i |
30.9 |
14.7 |
23.2 |
|
2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo |
34.9 |
18.2 |
23.8 |
|
2011 Chevrolet Cruze* |
32.1 |
16.9 |
25.3 |
|
2012 Fiat 500 Sport |
42.4 |
25.4 |
31.5 |
|
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor |
17.1 |
6.6 |
12.7 |
|
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid* |
37.7 |
18.3 |
31.7 |
|
2011 Ford Mustang GT |
22.1 |
11.4 |
16.8 |
|
2011 Honda Odyssey |
28.0 |
14.9 |
20.5 |
|
2011 Hyundai Equus |
24.6 |
11.6 |
17.8 |
|
2011 Infiniti M56 |
26.4 |
13.0 |
19.2 |
|
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo |
28.5 |
12.6 |
21.7 |
|
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
25.8 |
20.5 |
22.6 |
|
2011 Mazda 2 Touring |
38.1 |
21.1 |
31.4 |
|
2011 Mini Cooper Countryman |
33.6 |
20.7 |
24.7 |
|
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
27.5 |
18.6 |
23.7 |
|
2011 Nissan Juke |
26.1 |
17.9 |
21.7 |
|
1985 Porsche 911 |
22.2 |
14.1 |
19.8 |
|
2011 Toyota Sienna |
26.3 |
13.2 |
19.7 |
|
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI |
42.9 |
25.5 |
35.1 |
|
2012 Volvo S60 T5 |
21.9 |
15.9 |
19.2 |
* Didn't get current numbers in time for update but will update when I do.
For comparison, here's the fuel update for June.
After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
Happy 4th of July Weekend! To get you thinking about fuel economy for your holiday road trip, here's how we did with our long-termers during June 2011. We've listed the best, worst and overall average tanks.
And Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Leaf's and Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon |
32.5 |
19.3 |
24.5 |
|
2011 BMW 528i |
30.9 |
14.7 |
22.0 |
|
2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo |
34.9 |
18.2 |
23.9 |
|
2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
32.1 |
16.9 |
25.3 |
|
2010 Chevrolet Traverse |
27.1 |
8.2 |
14.7 |
|
2012 Fiat 500 Sport |
38.5 |
25.4 |
30.7 |
|
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor |
16.0 |
6.8 |
12.7 |
|
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid |
37.7 |
18.3 |
31.7 |
|
2011 Ford Mustang GT |
22.1 |
11.6 |
17.0 |
|
2011 Honda Odyssey |
27.5 |
14.9 |
20.6 |
|
2011 Hyundai Equus |
24.6 |
11.6 |
17.5 |
|
2011 Infiniti M56 |
25.0 |
13.0 |
19.1 |
|
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo |
28.5 |
12.6 |
21.4 |
|
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
25.8 |
20.5 |
22.6 |
|
2011 Mazda 2 Touring |
38.1 |
21.1 |
31.6 |
|
2011 Mini Cooper Countryman |
29.9 |
21.3 |
24.9 |
|
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT |
25.3 |
15.7 |
20.7 |
|
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
27.5 |
18.6 |
23.7 |
|
2011 Nissan Juke |
26.1 |
17.9 |
21.8 |
|
2011 Toyota Sienna |
26.3 |
13.2 |
19.7 |
|
2010 Volkswagen GTI |
33.6 |
16.9 |
24.7 |
|
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI |
40.3 |
25.5 |
34.2 |
|
2012 Volvo S60 T5 |
22.9 |
14.2 |
19.2 |
For comparison, here's the fuel update for May.
After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
It's time to add the May data into our 2011 Chevy Volt and 2011 Nissan Leaf fuel consumption summary.
Yeah, I know. Some people don't like my persistent use of the word "fuel" with respect to electricity. Sorry, but it's still the best shorthand there is for stuff you put into a car to make it go -- especially in the case of the Volt, which can be filled up with two kinds.
Above you may also notice that the Volt is plugged in via its 120V home charge cord. That's because the Leaf gets dibs on the 240V charger owing to its utter lack of a range extender, otherwise known as a gasoline back-up engine. If the Volt's battery isn't full, it's no big deal. The same cannot be said of the Leaf.
Once the Leaf is full we swap the Volt onto the 240V charger to make sure it gets topped up, too.
|
2011 Chevrolet Volt |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
Electricity (kwh/100 mi) |
20.6 |
52.0 |
33.6 |
|
Electric Range (miles) |
54.6 |
25.8 |
38.8 |
|
Gasoline (mpg) |
39.0 |
27.9 |
33.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 Nissan Leaf |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
Electricity (kwh/100 mi) |
24.2 |
53.8 |
32.0 |
|
Projected Range (miles) |
104.0 |
65.8 |
85.5 |
|
Observed Range (miles) |
76.7 |
|
|
As always, lower is better for electricity consumption in kWh per 100 miles.
Big changes this month include a new best range for the Volt of 54.6 miles. That's me, and I was able to back it up with 54.3 miles so it's a real thing. The Volt's average electric range therefore rose from 37.5 to 38.8 miles.
The Volt's lifetime electricity consumption improved along with this, falling from 34.8 kWh/100 to 33.6 kWh/100. Gasoline mpg improved from 32.7 mpg to 33.3 mpg.
Yeah, we had more lightfoots in the car this month.
As for the Leaf, nothing much changed. Electricity consumption did rise slightly, from 31.5 kWh/100 to 32.0. There was a recording error for the last charge of the month that should correct itself when June is added in, but there's something else at work, too. We came close to breaking our 76.7 mile single charge observed range, but close doesn't change the chart.
Below are the fuel economy numbers for May 2011. We've listed the best, worst and overall average tanks.
By the way, Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Leaf's and Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon |
32.5 |
19.3 |
24.5 |
|
2011 BMW 528i |
30.9 |
14.7 |
22.1 |
|
2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo |
29.3 |
18.2 |
23.3 |
|
2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
32.1 |
16.9 |
25.2 |
|
2010 Chevrolet Traverse |
27.1 |
8.2 |
14.7 |
|
2012 Fiat 500 Sport |
35.4 |
25.4 |
29.5 |
|
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor |
16.8 |
6.8 |
12.6 |
|
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid |
37.7 |
18.3 |
31.7 |
|
2011 Ford Mustang GT |
22.1 |
11.6 |
16.7 |
|
2011 Honda Odyssey |
27.5 |
14.9 |
20.9 |
|
2011 Hyundai Equus |
24.6 |
11.6 |
17.5 |
|
2010 Hyundai Sonata |
34.4 |
15.8 |
25.7 |
|
2011 Infiniti M56 |
25.0 |
13.0 |
19.1 |
|
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo |
28.5 |
12.6 |
20.8 |
|
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata * |
25.8 |
20.5 |
22.6 |
|
2011 Mazda 2 Touring * |
38.1 |
21.1 |
31.5 |
|
2011 Mini Cooper Countryman |
29.9 |
21.3 |
24.9 |
|
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT |
26.0 |
15.7 |
20.6 |
|
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
27.5 |
18.4 |
22.9 |
|
2011 Nissan Juke |
25.7 |
17.9 |
21.9 |
|
2011 Toyota Sienna |
26.3 |
14.7 |
19.8 |
|
2010 Volkswagen GTI * |
33.6 |
16.9 |
24.6 |
|
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI |
38.8 |
25.5 |
32.6 |
* Didn't get current numbers in time for update but will update when I do.
After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
Once again it's time to update the fuel and electricity consumption logs for our 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf. At the shop, our Coulomb level II charger records the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed during each battery recharge.
What you see above is a Kill-A-Watt EZ, the home unit we use to measure the number of kWh needed to recharge away from the office. Each car carries one.
Here's what it all means with April added in...
|
2011 Chevrolet Volt |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
Electricity (kwh/100 mi) |
26.2 |
52.0 |
34.8 |
|
Electric Range (miles) |
47.0 |
25.8 |
37.5 |
|
Gasoline (mpg) |
39.0 |
27.9 |
32.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 Nissan Leaf |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
Electricity (kwh/100 mi) |
24.2 |
53.8 |
31.5 |
|
Projected Range (miles) |
104.0 |
65.8 |
85.6 |
|
Observed Range (miles) |
76.7 |
|
|
Lower is better for consumption figures in kWh per 100 miles.
You may notice that the Leaf's 132.0 mile performance (at just 19.8 kWh/100 miles) has been excluded. That's because that was a "what if?" special test on a proving ground, not real driving on real roads. I think it's telling that the next-best observed range is 76.7 miles.
As before, the Projected Range is the sum of the trip odometer and DTE gauge readings when the car is plugged in. Our "Drive to the Bitter End" did indeed confirm that this is a pretty accurate estimate of ultimate range, but we also learned that you don't mess with the blinking "- - -" reading and you must fear the tortoise.
Below are the fuel economy numbers for April 2011. We've listed the best, worst and overall average tanks.
By the way, Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing, will put up the Leaf's and Volt's fuel economy numbers on a separate post later in the week.
|
Car |
Best |
Worst |
Average |
|
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon |
28.6 |
19.3 |
23.6 |
|
2011 BMW 528i |
30.9 |
14.7 |
22.6 |
|
2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo |
34.9 |
19.0 |
23.6 |
|
2002 Chevrolet Corvette |
29.0 |
9.4 |
17.4 |
|
2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
31.1 |
16.9 |
25.2 |
|
2010 Chevrolet Traverse |
27.1 |
8.2 |
14.7 |
|
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor |
16.8 |
9.3 |
12.6 |
|
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid |
37.7 |
18.3 |
31.7 |
|
2011 Ford Mustang GT* |
21.5 |
13.0 |
16.7 |
|
2011 Honda Odyssey |
27.5 |
15.6 |
21.1 |
|
2011 Hyundai Equus* |
22.5 |
11.6 |
16.8 |
|
2010 Hyundai Sonata |
33.9 |
15.8 |
25.2 |
|
2011 Infiniti M56 |
25.0 |
13.0 |
19.4 |
|
2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo |
28.5 |
12.6 |
20.6 |
|
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata |
25.8 |
20.5 |
22.6 |
|
2011 Mazda 2 Touring |
38.1 |
21.1 |
31.5 |
|
2011 Mini Cooper Countryman |
29.8 |
21.3 |
24.7 |
|
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT |
26.0 |
15.7 |
20.7 |
|
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
27.5 |
16.6 |
22.9 |
|
2011 Nissan Juke |
25.7 |
18.6 |
22.3 |
|
2011 Toyota Sienna |
26.3 |
14.7 |
20.0 |
|
2010 Volkswagen GTI* |
33.6 |
16.9 |
24.6 |
|
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI |
31.8 |
25.5 |
28.7 |
* Didn't get current numbers in time for update but will update when I do.
After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG. We also listed the EPA combined average.
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