Disappointing Gas Mileage

[ElJaysCRV]

I traded in my 2004 CRV EX for a 2007 EX-L w Navigation. When I bought my 2004 model, I received 24+ mpg in local driving from day one, and 26-29 highway. With my new 2007 model, I get only between 15-19 mpg local. (I haven't gone on a road trip yet to check highway mileage.) Those figures were calculated using manual and checking it against the electronic (vertually the same.) I have about 900 miles on the 2007. I realize there is a breakin period, but as I said, my 2004 received 24+ right from the beginning. One of the biggest reasons I bought another CRV was for the fuel economy. I am very disappointed. Does anyone know what could be causing the low mileage? (Don't say it's my driving. I'm a light-foot!)

By the way, I love just about everything else about it.

[sleeksilver]

Well you might still be running the winter blend of fuel up in PA, that could be some of it. Also you need to remember that it takes about 5000 miles for the engine to fully be broken in to where it is acheiving maximum fuel efficiency. Your G2 CRV had one less gear (guessing it was an auto) so the G3 should get even better milage when broken in...

Just wait :)


ps- have you checked your tire pressure recently?

[ElJaysCRV]

Wow! 5,000 miles? Not quite sure why I didn't experience that much of a breakin period with my 04, but I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens. (Also, not sure what you mean about the G2 / G3 thing... I'm in public relations not auto mechanics.:lol: )
Tire pressure is 30 psi (cold). Would increasing to 32 do any harm?

[sleeksilver]

G = Generation
G1 = 1997-2001
G2 = 2002-2006
G3 = 2007-Present

32 PSI wouldn't harm anything, you might notice that the vehicle will ride a bit more firm though. It wouldn't bother me, but it might bother you. Experiment with the pressure :)

[WestTexan]

32 PSI wouldn't harm anything, you might notice that the vehicle will ride a bit more firm though. It wouldn't bother me, but it might bother you. Experiment with the pressure :)

I didn't have great initial MPG in my 2005 (has the same drivetrain as the 2007), but a little time, and increasing my PSI from the factory 29 to 32 helped a lot. If my tires are deflated to 29 PSI, I get about 19mpg in town. At 32PSI get more like 22. Yes the ride is firmer, but it's also quieter. :D

[sleeksilver]

I didn't have great initial MPG in my 2005 (has the same drivetrain as the 2007)

They have the same displacement but there have been a few revisions, higher compression and the engine breathes better...

Like WestTexan said, tire pressure makes a big difference :)

[badgerland]

If my tires are deflated to 29 PSI, I get about 19mpg in town. At 32PSI get more like 22. Yes the ride is firmer, but it's also quieter. :D

SO, if you get 22mpg by inflating from 29>32psi; would you get 30mpg if you inflated them to say...45psi? :mrgreen: Just a little humor here... I also found that putting them up a touch (plus mine is broken in now) gets me regularly 23-25 combined.

[WestTexan]

SO, if you get 22mpg by inflating from 29>32psi; would you get 30mpg if you inflated them to say...45psi? :mrgreen: Just a little humor here... I also found that putting them up a touch (plus mine is broken in now) gets me regularly 23-25 combined.
LOL - if it did, I'd go to Tractor Supply and get the solid rubber wheels and go for 50mpg...8)
Seriously, it was said earlier, it's all about rolling resistance and aerodynamics. Supposedly the G3 CRV has much better highway mpg b/c of aerodynamics. I'm guessing the in-town mpg suffers b/c of the increased compression and hp tuning.

[ajk]

I've noticed improvements in gas millage in 2 weeks I had my EX-L with navi 4WD. Same non-highway commute. The first week it was averaged 21 mpg. This week average is almost 25 mpg. I am not sure if there is a different due to break-in or perhaps it is all in the weather. The weather got warmer (maybe 20 degrees). A friend who own CRV tells me he gets better millage in the summer than in the winter.

[nearmsp]

I have put in around 3400 on my EX-L. My overall mpg from the time I took delivery is 26 and the last 1200 is 27mpg. My driving is 70-30 hwy-city. 60% of it is at around 70 mph. I am sure I could get a bit more if I drove it at 65 mph instead of 70 mph. The best fuel efficiency seems to be around 55 mph and up to 60 mph no difference and then it falls down after 60 very gradually until 65 after which it falls much more rapidly until 70, and after that it is not worth monitoring the mpg!

I have noticed that when there is wind there is appreciable fall in the mpg. Cold days (MN) the fuel consumption goes up, because the engine runs on much higher rpm to bring the temperature up to operating temperature. After that it is fine. But if there is a head wind, CRV does much worse than a V6 powered engine would do.

[mdugan7000]

You can blame part of it on the winter gas blend, the gas with ethanol in it, those bigger (heavier) and wider tires on the 07 (because everyone seems to want big tires/wheels) and aerodynamics - the faster you go, the more the mileage drops off.

[ElJaysCRV]

Well, some of you are getting much better mileage than I.

My drive to work is 5.7 miles (not that I don't do any other driving, but that's most of my driving). One mile is a gradual hill (to work it's downhill), the rest is flat. There are four traffic lights between my house and my work place. I hit all green lights 90% of the time. Driving speed is between 40-50 mph.

I saw very little difference between winter and summer MPG with my 04 CRV traveling the same route, and I didn't have to wait 5,000 miles to see great fuel economy.

I hope that increasing my tire pressure will help. Gas prices here have gone up 15 cents in the last six days to $2.69 for regular and it's only going to go higher.

I will try to be patient and see what happens in the coming months.

[sleeksilver]

Short trips KILL your gas milage. I drive less than a mile to school everyday and I am lucky to get 220 miles out of a tank...

[ElJaysCRV]

I realize short trips aren't good for gas mileage; however, my point is, making the same trip in my 04 CRV, I was getting 22-24 MPG (from the day I drove it off the lot!) Now I'm getting 15-19 with the 07. That's a huge difference for making the same trip!

I'll let you know what my highway mileage is when I start my weekend jaunts in a couple weeks.

[mdugan7000]

Exercise that engine. While driving, (not in neutral) let it rev higher, under load. Take a short trip with your camera on board over by that cool old steam engine/train you have in the area and take some cool pics with your V and the train. I believe it was called the "Train to Paradise" or something similar? Because it goes from Reading? to Paradise. (I can't recall, been a long time) How about an Amish buggy and 07 V? We would love to see pics like that!

[dreese9859]

I have put in around 3400 on my EX-L. My overall mpg from the time I took delivery is 26 and the last 1200 is 27mpg. My driving is 70-30 hwy-city. 60% of it is at around 70 mph. I am sure I could get a bit more if I drove it at 65 mph instead of 70 mph. The best fuel efficiency seems to be around 55 mph and up to 60 mph no difference and then it falls down after 60 very gradually until 65 after which it falls much more rapidly until 70, and after that it is not worth monitoring the mpg!

The reason you get good MPG at 55MPH is because it requires low rev's in the 4th gear. I usually try and keep it at just above 60MPH and I'll get 32MPG when settled there.

[NLPayne]

I guess I am one of the lucky ones. My 2007 EX AWD with the tires at 32 psi is getting excellent fuel mileage. The very first tank got 26 mpg with a combination of 60% highway / 40% city driving. Then we took a 640 mile trip and the onboard computer showed 31.3 mpg and figuring with a pencil and paper it worked out to 31.1 mpg.

The last three tanks have been mostly short trips of 15 miles or less and I'm getting 26 mpg on those fillups. I do drive with a light foot.

[MRKKBB]

I realize short trips aren't good for gas mileage; however, my point is, making the same trip in my 04 CRV, I was getting 22-24 MPG (from the day I drove it off the lot!) Now I'm getting 15-19 with the 07. That's a huge difference for making the same trip!

I'll let you know what my highway mileage is when I start my weekend jaunts in a couple weeks.

I'm getting the same 15 mpg (16L/100km) as you. I have about 1500 miles. My trips are short, with lots of stop signs :(. I can confirm that I was getting about 22 mpg with my 03 CRV. The only differences are:

03 had 15" wheels and the 07 has 17" wheels. Basic physics tells you that the interia of a cylinder is proportional to M*R^2. Thus, it takes more force(energy) to get the tires moving on the 07 than on the 03, because of weight and radius increase. On top of that the 07 weighs 100 lbs more than an 03. Could these small differences explain the different fuel consumption on short trips with lots of stops?

[ElJaysCRV]

I guess I am one of the lucky ones. My 2007 EX AWD with the tires at 32 psi is getting excellent fuel mileage. The very first tank got 26 mpg with a combination of 60% highway / 40% city driving. Then we took a 640 mile trip and the onboard computer showed 31.3 mpg and figuring with a pencil and paper it worked out to 31.1 mpg.

The last three tanks have been mostly short trips of 15 miles or less and I'm getting 26 mpg on those fillups. I do drive with a light foot.
I drive with a light foot also. Wish I could get your mileage. What kind of gas do you use? Brand? 87? 89? 93?... maybe that's making a difference

[ElJaysCRV]

I'm getting the same 15 mpg (16L/100km) as you. I have about 1500 miles. My trips are short, with lots of stop signs :(. I can confirm that I was getting about 22 mpg with my 03 CRV. The only differences are:

03 had 15" wheels and the 07 has 17" wheels. Basic physics tells you that the interia of a cylinder is proportional to M*R^2. Thus, it takes more force(energy) to get the tires moving on the 07 than on the 03, because of weight and radius increase. On top of that the 07 weighs 100 lbs more than an 03. Could these small differences explain the different fuel consumption on short trips with lots of stops?
There's a guy at work who drives all hills to and from work in a Nissan Titan...stop and go traffic. He showed me a spreadsheet today with his mileage over the last two years... Average of 18.5. When he first got it, he was getting 20-22! When I saw that, I couldn't help but think something is seriously wrong with the CRV. But I am still trying to be patient and wait to see if it improves.

[ElJaysCRV]

Exercise that engine. While driving, (not in neutral) let it rev higher, under load. Take a short trip with your camera on board over by that cool old steam engine/train you have in the area and take some cool pics with your V and the train. I believe it was called the "Train to Paradise" or something similar? Because it goes from Reading? to Paradise. (I can't recall, been a long time) How about an Amish buggy and 07 V? We would love to see pics like that!
What train? What buggy? Did I miss something? No where near Reading or Amish country... lots of highways though. Too bad they don't go where I need to go every day.

[blizzard797]

I've got about 8k on mine. But I've been consistantly getting 25 from day 1. Last highway trip I got 29. Verified via distance/gals. EX-L

[NLPayne]

I drive with a light foot also. Wish I could get your mileage. What kind of gas do you use? Brand? 87? 89? 93?... maybe that's making a difference
I use 87 Octane and buy at the cheapest station I can find.

[dreese9859]

I drive with a light foot also. Wish I could get your mileage. What kind of gas do you use? Brand? 87? 89? 93?... maybe that's making a difference

The higher octane levels will not help you unless you get a higher compression ratio engine. If you get your gas from a station like Shell you will get about 2MPG more than from Hess, BP, RaceTrack, Circle K, etc. It makes a huge difference.

[N_Jay]

1) Pump your tires up till you can barely stand the ride.
2) use gas with as little alcohol as possible
3) Drive like your brakes don't work, and the pads are made of gold.

[badgerland]

I What kind of gas do you use? Brand? 87? 89? 93?... maybe that's making a difference

You should only use the octane that your manual tells you to, others are just wasting gas and your money. One thing that I have found is the "quality" of the gas here really does make a difference. I only use top tier gas stations (doesn't matter which) to fuel my Honda and my work trucks...in my trucks it can make a 2-3 mpg difference.

http://www.toptiergas.com/

[ElJaysCRV]

1) Pump your tires up till you can barely stand the ride.
2) use gas with as little alcohol as possible
3) Drive like your brakes don't work, and the pads are made of gold.
HA! HA! My father used to say something similar... he used to tell me to just use the horn!

[ElJaysCRV]

The higher octane levels will not help you unless you get a higher compression ratio engine. If you get your gas from a station like Shell you will get about 2MPG more than from Hess, BP, RaceTrack, Circle K, etc. It makes a huge difference.
What do you know about Sunoco? That's what I use.

[DaMaN]

I am using regular BP/Amoco gas and my first tank netted me 26.92 mpg.

[dreese9859]

What do you know about Sunoco? That's what I use.

This site lists good gas stations: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html. Sticking with Chevron and Shell is a good idea.

[chrisk_352]

The higher octane levels will not help you unless you get a higher compression ratio engine. If you get your gas from a station like Shell you will get about 2MPG more than from Hess, BP, RaceTrack, Circle K, etc. It makes a huge difference.

where did you get this information?

I actually have friends that work at Shell and Chevron (as an engineers). They both confirmed that 87 octane gas are made the same, so it doesn;t really matter where you buy it, you will get the same. Unless, of course each staes have different requirements. If it;s coming in to same state, it doesn't matter whether you get gas from Shell, BP, ARCO and even Costco, it's all made the same.

[N_Jay]

where did you get this information?

I actually have friends that work at Shell and Chevron (as an engineers). They both confirmed that 87 octane gas are made the same, so it doesn;t really matter where you buy it, you will get the same. Unless, of course each staes have different requirements. If it;s coming in to same state, it doesn't matter whether you get gas from Shell, BP, ARCO and even Costco, it's all made the same.

Your friends are wrong.

There are many differences in formulation that can affect gas mileage, both immediately and in the long run.

These include brand differences, regional differences and seasonal differences.


Yes, the OCTANE is all the same, and many other characteristics are the same, but that does not mean the gas is the same.

EDIT:
And my information comes from talking to friends who are chemists/chemical engineers at several oil companies, reading confirming information, and a adding a healthy dose of common sense.

[hoyce]

Just got my glacier blue crv last thursday and have used a half tank for almost entirely city driving and am getting 25.4mpg. that mpg meter is addicting at the top of the cluster.

[chrisk_352]

Your friends are wrong.

There are many differences in formulation that can affect gas mileage, both immediately and in the long run.

These include brand differences, regional differences and seasonal differences.


Yes, the OCTANE is all the same, and many other characteristics are the same, but that does not mean the gas is the same.

EDIT:
And my information comes from talking to friends who are chemists/chemical engineers at several oil companies, reading confirming information, and a adding a healthy dose of common sense.

Obviously, it's your word against mine as well as who's information is correct. One is Director of Operation at Shell and the other is Director of R & D at Chevron. Just because Shell and Chevron charges more than others for same grade, it doesn't mean they are better.

[N_Jay]

Obviously, it's your word against mine as well as who's information is correct. One is Director of Operation at Shell and the other is Director of R & D at Chevron. Just because Shell and Chevron charges more than others for same grade, it doesn't mean they are better.


Did I say that?

What does matter is the amount of low power octane improving additives.
The most common being alcohol (ethanol).

Two fuel mixtures with identical octane ratings will yield very different specific fuel consumption depending on the percent alcohol. In other words 87 octane with 10% alcohol will give you less MPG than 87 octane with very little (or no) alcohol.

What I bet has happened is that your Friends gave you correct information and either the question they were answering, or your interpretation of their answer caused your confusion.

As for retail cost, it does track fuel quality some, but not perfectly.

Maybe I should not have said your friends are wrong, but I challenge you to print out this thread hand have them show you where I am wrong.

[mdugan7000]

N-Jay is dead-on correct about the octane and alcohol.

[nsteblay]

I am not sure why but my mileage has been improving that last month of driving. I now have about 7500 miles on the car, no oil change yet. I am getting 25 mpg driving to work which is a combination of freeway and city driving. I am doing a road trip for the Easter weekend and am anticipating 27 plus.

[ElJaysCRV]

Shell and Chevron or any of the Top Tier stations are hard to find around here. And when you do find them, they are usually 10 cents a gallon more than other stations because of their locations. (Not to mention I'd have to go out of my way to get to any of them to begin with.) I guess I'll have to stick to Sunoco for now. But thanks for the tip.

[chrisk_352]

Shell and Chevron or any of the Top Tier stations are hard to find around here. And when you do find them, they are usually 10 cents a gallon more than other stations because of their locations. (Not to mention I'd have to go out of my way to get to any of them to begin with.) I guess I'll have to stick to Sunoco for now. But thanks for the tip.

Don't worry about it and continue to use Sunoco. They are fine as they are. These other guys that promotes Shell are dead wrong. They aren't better, 87 octane is 87 octane. Depending on the region (states) you live in, the alcohol contents that goes in it are different. However, they are practically same for the same states they sell it to.

[N_Jay]

Don't worry about it and continue to use Sunoco. They are fine as they are. These other guys that promotes Shell are dead wrong. They aren't better, 87 octane is 87 octane. Depending on the region (states) you live in, the alcohol contents that goes in it are different. However, they are practically same for the same states they sell it to.

Alcohol content varies by octane, region, season, and BRAND.

Is Shell better? I don't know, but they have to back up their "More Miles" claim somehow.

Is it worth it? I don't know, because what is the advantage of paying a little more to go a little further.

Is it all the same in a particular state/region/area? I doubt it. Too many variables to but a bet on "no difference"!

[apexer]

In my town Shell 87 is $.10 more per gal. than Sunoco 87 right across the street. I'll stick with Sunoco thank you. BTW: You don't see very many vehicles in the Shell station:roll:

[dreese9859]

When I go to Shell I get two more MPG, so I end up saving money ~$1. And, demand does not mean the supplier's product is poor.

[chrisk_352]

When I go to Shell I get two more MPG, so I end up saving money ~$1. And, demand does not mean the supplier's product is poor.

Did you have an apple to apple comparison when you indicated that you get 2 mpg more if using Shell. Meaning did you fill up shell 1 week and an another brand the next week. Driven in same style to same location for both brand as well as same weather condition to come up with this 2 mpg improvement?

You could've been driving more freeway with Shell compare to other or you could've had a many other conditional differences when you had 2 miles per gallong improvement using Shell. Most likely, it had nothing what so ever to do with Shell for your improved milage other than your driving consition/style.

[sleeksilver]

In my town Shell 87 is $.10 more per gal. than Sunoco 87 right across the street. I'll stick with Sunoco thank you. BTW: You don't see very many vehicles in the Shell station:roll:

Location is also a deciding factor in the price. I have two gas stations right across the street from eachother and one charges 10 cents more for no apparent reason.

[N_Jay]

Did you have an apple to apple comparison when you indicated that you get 2 mpg more if using Shell. Meaning did you fill up shell 1 week and an another brand the next week. Driven in same style to same location for both brand as well as same weather condition to come up with this 2 mpg improvement?

You could've been driving more freeway with Shell compare to other or you could've had a many other conditional differences when you had 2 miles per gallong improvement using Shell. Most likely, it had nothing what so ever to do with Shell for your improved milage other than your driving consition/style.

I would bet that you are right, there are a lot of others factors, but I would not discount the fuel mixture.

Shell is pushing more MPG, and they have to be proving it somewhere.

[dreese9859]

Did you have an apple to apple comparison when you indicated that you get 2 mpg more if using Shell. Meaning did you fill up shell 1 week and an another brand the next week. Driven in same style to same location for both brand as well as same weather condition to come up with this 2 mpg improvement?

You could've been driving more freeway with Shell compare to other or you could've had a many other conditional differences when you had 2 miles per gallong improvement using Shell. Most likely, it had nothing what so ever to do with Shell for your improved milage other than your driving consition/style.

I drive the same route everyday, every week of my life. Yes, I thought of that already. I know about gas mileage driving efficiency too. I live in FL so weather hasn't changed much recently. Yes, I thought of that already. I've filled up at several stations for a while. Yes, I already knew that too. Trust me, I thought of all possible variations. The ones you mentioned are common knowledge.

[chrisk_352]

I drive the same route everyday, every week of my life. Yes, I thought of that already. I know about gas mileage driving efficiency too. I live in FL so weather hasn't changed much recently. Yes, I thought of that already. I've filled up at several stations for a while. Yes, I already knew that too. Trust me, I thought of all possible variations. The ones you mentioned are common knowledge.

I could say the same thing. I use a brand x and they get better or equivalent milage than Shell. Furthermore, paying less for it as well.

[chrisk_352]

I would bet that you are right, there are a lot of others factors, but I would not discount the fuel mixture.

Shell is pushing more MPG, and they have to be proving it somewhere.

Have you been to other gas stations, BP and Union 76 has a similar sign on their pump indicating how much better theirs are including gas mileage.

[mcat]

Hi,
I've had my new CRV-LX-AWD about 3 weeks now and I've been getting an average of 25.9mpg and over 30mpg on the highway. I was wondering if elevation has any effect on gas mileage? I live in Salt Lake City which is about 5,000 feet above sea level.
I've put a tank of Chevron gas, and a tank of Maverik gas and there doesn't seem to be a differene in mpg. But if it's true that the top tier gas will leave less deposits, I'd be willing to pay a little more. So I am hoping this thread will continue to explore that subject.
PS - I love everything about my new CRV so far!:D

[sleeksilver]

Welcome to the site mcat :)

Post some pictures of your new CR-V for us!

[mcat]

Thanks Sleeksilver. I will post some pics as soon as I get them. This forum is great and I plan on posting when I have questions. (After I've throughly read the owners manual first of course):lol:

[sleeksilver]

Thanks Sleeksilver. I will post some pics as soon as I get them. This forum is great and I plan on posting when I have questions. (After I've throughly read the owners manual first of course):lol:

You even know how to read the manual!!! You will fit in just fine here!!! :lol:

Again, welcome! :)

[Crinale]

I could say the same thing. I use a brand x and they get better or equivalent milage than Shell. Furthermore, paying less for it as well.

using top tier gas does not outright guarantee more mileage... what it does do however is leave less deposits, which will keep ur injectors cleaner and keep ur engine running better longer... all i can say is if u use cheap gas, use a bottle of techron fuel additive around the same time as every oil change... itll clean ur fuel system and keep things working the way they should...

[chrisk_352]

using top tier gas does not outright guarantee more mileage... what it does do however is leave less deposits, which will keep ur injectors cleaner and keep ur engine running better longer... all i can say is if u use cheap gas, use a bottle of techron fuel additive around the same time as every oil change... itll clean ur fuel system and keep things working the way they should...

Let see, I had a Honda Civic with over 200k miles that I had used a brand x without any problem at all (I wasn't even using the techron fuel additive). Only thing I did was oil change every 6k miles or so and major tune up at every 60k. Do you have a car that went over 200k mile by following what you said? or are you just saying based on what you believe?

[zbran4]

On my 3rd tank of gas now. First 2 tanks were 17.9 MPG average in stop an go traffic. This 3rd tank is now averaging 20 MPG. Same traffic, same route, same driving style. Will keep updated.

[Crinale]

Let see, I had a Honda Civic with over 200k miles that I had used a brand x without any problem at all (I wasn't even using the techron fuel additive). Only thing I did was oil change every 6k miles or so and major tune up at every 60k. Do you have a car that went over 200k mile by following what you said? or are you just saying based on what you believe?

my first car (now owned by my best friend) was a 1990 Honda Civic lx, had chevron in it most of its life (i inherited it from my dad and he works for chevron)... it currently has 270,000 miles on the clock and its still ticking (altho i think the brake master cylinder is going out...)

[DeepRough]

Just picked up a 2007 EX-L AWD w/Navi on Tuesday. Have driven about 150 miles since, and the MPG reports 26.3 MPG. Mix of Highway/Local driving. That's with a few mashes of the gas pedal at lights and heavy merges on New Jersey highways as well. I could definitely see getting the advertised 28mpg.

[bcmcco01]

If your kickin it about 80 on the Freeway then you won't get the gas mileage. We are averaging 29 MPG's on interstate and old country roads.

[nearmsp]

I have done 8500 miles now and I have started getting 29 mpg on 450 mile round trips including some local travel. I am really pleased with my CRV EX-L. Riding is a joy and I still have 40% oil life left! I am hoping I get 30 mpg by 10-12k odometer reading. My overall fuel average since I got the vehicle is 27.9 mpg. The only time my fuel consumption really takes a hit is when there is a head wind over 20 miles. I think the mpg is best around 55-62 with 58 the best. I sometime reset it at different speeds on the highway to see what is the optimum speed for fuel consumption.

[CRaVey]

Fuel economy for 07 CRV with a curb weight of over 3500 lbs is pretty good so far.

[CRaVey]

With almost 7000 miles on my 2007 CRV EX-L AWD(4WD) I have averaged 25.3 MPG since day one of having the car. I have never reset one of the trip odometers and allowed the computer to provide the total average mileage. The 25.3 MPG is a result of mixed driving with 60% to 70% of that mileage being 55-65 MPH highway or 35-45 MPH minimal stop and go driving. The remaining 30%-40% of driving is dense suburban traffic clogged and traffic light infested driving.

Once hitting 7000 miles I took a 270 mile all highway driving trip, with speeds ranging from 50 MPH to 70 MPH with 70% of it Interstate Highway. I filled the tank with a NON-major fuel brand and within 2 miles got onto the highway. With a pretty full load inside the car, at the end of 240 miles the trip computer calculated an even 32.0 MPG for the trip. The terrain traveled was relatively flat with only moderate inclines and descents. The cruise control was used for about 75% of the trip.

Later, during this trip I drove the vehicle about 30 miles or so into a 20 to 30 MPH headwind and noticed the instant fuel economy bar was not giving me the MPG reading I was accustomed to on very flat terrain. On the way back the instant MPG was higher than normal as the same speed winds pushed me along from behind. I noticed no handling problems with the headwind or tailwind.

My 2007 CRV EX-L AWD is equipped with the Honda OEM roof rack and a 46 lbs. trailer hitch.

[F4Gary]

Let's hear it for Quick Trip. Cheap Top Tier gas!

My wife has been getting 24-25 mpg to and from work since new. We just took a 1200 mile trip and consistently got 27-28 mpg average on the trip computer. I can get better mileage than the criuse control.

If you are using cheap gas (Costco, Walmart, Racktrack), I would use Techron about every 3000 miles to clean your valves and injectors.

Oh, and the seats suck on long distances.

[Nightman]

Let's hear it for Quick Trip. Cheap Top Tier gas!

My wife has been getting 24-25 mpg to and from work since new. We just took a 1200 mile trip and consistently got 27-28 mpg average on the trip computer. I can get better mileage than the criuse control.

If you are using cheap gas (Costco, Walmart, Racktrack), I would use Techron about every 3000 miles to clean your valves and injectors.

Oh, and the seats suck on long distances.

I took a 450 mi. trip & got 28mpg. As far as the seat, I found it fairly comfortable on the long ride. I compare this from a 2001 rav4 that we traded for the 07 CRV. That seat was tough on my back.

[F4Gary]

To us, the seat bottoms are too hard and there is not enough lumbar support. My 97 Silverado has more comfortable seats. It kind of surprises me that the CRV doesn't have an adjustable lumbar support, at least in it's more expensive models.

[sleeksilver]

To us, the seat bottoms are too hard and there is not enough lumbar support. My 97 Silverado has more comfortable seats. It kind of surprizes me that the CRV doesn't have an adjustable lumbar support, at least in it's more expensive models.

American vehicles typically have soft cushy seats because fat Americans like soft cushy seats with almost no support :lol:

I don't think I've ever come across a modern European or Japanese vehicle that has had soft seats like some American cars....

[1ownerT]

American vehicles typically have soft cushy seats because fat Americans like soft cushy seats with almost no support :lol:

I don't think I've ever come across a modern European or Japanese vehicle that has had soft seats like some American cars....

I think people would install a barcalounger if possible.

[sleeksilver]

I think people would install a barcalounger if possible.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Have you ever sat in a Cadillac or Chrysler from the 70's or 80's???? There is your barcalounger! You sink in about five inches....

[F4Gary]

American vehicles typically have soft cushy seats because fat Americans like soft cushy seats with almost no support :lol:

I don't think I've ever come across a modern European or Japanese vehicle that has had soft seats like some American cars....

Actually, fat asses probably like these seats because they have more padding in their butts. I've had plenty of cars over the years, and these are not the most comfortable after 2 or 3 hours in the seat. They need more lumbar support.

[rapieper]

in the 10.2K since new we are overall 25 MPG with highs of 29-30 and low of 22. Other than staying away from Liberty 'Water' I don't have much problem with different brands.

We still have the '98 Mazda MPV 4WD -- that stays around 17MPG but will haul a big load. (Pulled my 911 back from Minn when I bought it 3 years ago).

[slowden]

im only getting 19 mpg in my ex-L Awd ... pretty disapointed but its better then what our ford explorer gets.

but keep in mind im in northern NJ where the traffic is always stop and go :(

[chrisk_352]

I have 12,538 miles on my CR-V AWD and I am averaging 22.7 mpg. Which is in low end of their specification. I probably spend 60/40 (hwy/city). This avg came from my Trip B odometer which I've never reset since purchase to keep this tracked. This agreess with my tracked average as well.

[UpstateNY123]

I agree, I'm not getting what I had hoped to at this point, but I only have 230 miles on my CRV after 1 week. I drive to work and back using mostly back roads, so it's more "highway" but with some stops along the way. Right now my average is 20.3. I had expected more like 24. I am going to try and get my tires up to the 32 instead of the 29 they are currently at. I'm hoping that will make all the difference. Will keep you posted. BTW, this in the suburbs of Rochester, so it's not heavy traffic or stop and go....

[sleeksilver]

I agree, I'm not getting what I had hoped to at this point, but I only have 230 miles on my CRV after 1 week. I drive to work and back using mostly back roads, so it's more "highway" but with some stops along the way. Right now my average is 20.3. I had expected more like 24. I am going to try and get my tires up to the 32 instead of the 29 they are currently at. I'm hoping that will make all the difference. Will keep you posted. BTW, this in the suburbs of Rochester, so it's not heavy traffic or stop and go....

Search the forum for break in.

The more you drive, and the more miles your vehicle gets the better you MPGs will be.

[wenmang]

Search the forum for break in.

The more you drive, and the more miles your vehicle gets the better you MPGs will be.
My-V has 2500 miles on it, it has 20.8 mpg, my wife drives 60/40 local/hwy, to me mpg is very bad.

[Crinale]

My-V has 2500 miles on it, it has 20.8 mpg, my wife drives 60/40 local/hwy, to me mpg is very bad.

iv seen some people on here where the "break-in" took almost 10k miles because they babied the V too much... didnt redline the engine once in a while and just in general play with it... if you dont run ur V to redline... why not? honda engines love to stretch their legs, and it is quite good for the engine... the only things you dont want to do are floor it from a standstill (go soft to about 5mph then floor it ;)), or keep it at the exact same rpm for very long... u want to vary the rpms as much as you can, which is y running to redline once in a while is good.

[sleeksilver]

My-V has 2500 miles on it, it has 20.8 mpg, my wife drives 60/40 local/hwy, to me mpg is very bad.

You don't have many miles at all. Wait. Read the below post. Also, you just said yourself that you do a fair amount of city driving. :?

iv seen some people on here where the "break-in" took almost 10k miles because they babied the V too much... didnt redline the engine once in a while and just in general play with it... if you dont run ur V to redline... why not? honda engines love to stretch their legs, and it is quite good for the engine... the only things you dont want to do are floor it from a standstill (go soft to about 5mph then floor it ;)), or keep it at the exact same rpm for very long... u want to vary the rpms as much as you can, which is y running to redline once in a while is good.

This is correct, it is beneficial to run in the engine.

[wenmang]

You don't have many miles at all. Wait. Read the below post. Also, you just said yourself that you do a fair amount of city driving. :?

This is correct, it is beneficial to run in the engine.

Are all SUVs doing that or just V? it takes over 10,000 miles to break-in?

[sleeksilver]

Are all SUVs doing that or just V? it takes over 10,000 miles to break-in?

Any engine would be doing this, not just SUVs.

[wenmang]

Any engine would be doing this, not just SUVs.

Gee, 2500 to 10,000 miles, that is a couple of months ahead. A long trip to get efficiency.

[badgerland]

Gee, 2500 to 10,000 miles, that is a couple of months ahead. A long trip to get efficiency.

Again driving habits also come into play. When my wife drives the Honda she gets 23.5- 24mpg TOPS. When I drive it's usually closer to 26. A little less on the throttle and anticipating stops goes a long way to improve mileage. The WORST I got on my trip last week was 22.3mpg and that was with crossing 3 mountain passes over 12,500ft and going pretty darn slow.

[UpstateNY123]

Actually, I have been much much easier on this vehicle with my driving habits. I constantly watch the bar on my dash to see what I'm getting for the current mpg, I coast whenever the opportunity is available, and even a good distance before a stop sign I am coasting. This doesn't seem to have made my gas mileage better. I'm now up to 20.7 After having air added to my tires. I'm still very optimistic however that this should improve. :)

[wenmang]

Actually, I have been much much easier on this vehichle with my driving habits. I constantly watch the bar on my dash to see what I'm getting for the current mpg, I coast whenever the opportunity is available, and even a good distance before a stop sign I am coasting. This doesn't seem to have made my gas mileage better. I'm now up to 20.7 After having air added to my tires. I'm still very optimistic however that this should improve. :)

How many miles you put on your V?

[UpstateNY123]

As of right now it has 288 miles....I know it's brand new! Only had it 9 days...

[chrisk_352]

You don't have many miles at all. Wait. Read the below post. Also, you just said yourself that you do a fair amount of city driving. :?



This is correct, it is beneficial to run in the engine.

I am not sure, since I have over 12k miles on my CR-V AWD and I am averaging 22.7 mpg with 60/40 (hwy/city) driving. I was expecting to get similar or just a little less than my Acura TSX which I am averaging about 28.5 mpg.

[slowden]

even when in city driving i try to avoid sudden stops and i let the car cruise (no foot on the peddles) as much as possible. and i average 19mpg. im not to thrilled about it but its better then what my ford gets.
however i still say the range gage is going crazy with jumping from like 240 to 180 then back to 230, even on the highway, and iv had this car for 8 months and over 11,000 miles and its never done this till this past week.

[Crinale]

are u guyz actuall driving your V's? cuz iv heard people on here that said they never drove it about 3000rpms, and babied the engine, never accelerated etc... thats the exact opposite of what honda wants you to do... for the first 1000 miles, your supposed to drive the heck out of the engine getting all the seals to seat properly. whatever you do, dont drive at the same rpms for very long... that is killer to a brand new honda engine... also, dont floor it from a stand still, but do floor the engine from a rolling start once in a while... your honda WILL love you. your not supposed to get good gas mileage during the break in, because you are doing just that, breaking in the engine... the more you push the engine, the faster the engine will break in and the better mileage you will get...

[slowden]

see thats opposite of what my Honda dealer told me to do when i got the car.
go figure.

are u guyz actuall driving your V's? cuz iv heard people on here that said they never drove it about 3000rpms, and babied the engine, never accelerated etc... thats the exact opposite of what honda wants you to do... for the first 1000 miles, your supposed to drive the heck out of the engine getting all the seals to seat properly. whatever you do, dont drive at the same rpms for very long... that is killer to a brand new honda engine... also, dont floor it from a stand still, but do floor the engine from a rolling start once in a while... your honda WILL love you. your not supposed to get good gas mileage during the break in, because you are doing just that, breaking in the engine... the more you push the engine, the faster the engine will break in and the better mileage you will get...

[wenmang]

I am not sure, since I have over 12k miles on my CR-V AWD and I am averaging 22.7 mpg with 60/40 (hwy/city) driving. I was expecting to get similar or just a little less than my Acura TSX which I am averaging about 28.5 mpg.
It is listed as 22/28 city/hwy in the spec, you got 22.7mpg, not bad. I hope that my V can reach 22 after engine break-in.

[chrisk_352]

It is listed as 22/28 city/hwy in the spec, you got 22.7mpg, not bad. I hope that my V can reach 22 after engine break-in.

I was expecting about 25 mpg. Not at the low end of listed spec.

[badgerland]

It is listed as 22/28 city/hwy in the spec, you got 22.7mpg, not bad. I hope that my V can reach 22 after engine break-in.

I can't remember the link, but I have seen "new" EPA estimates for the CRV that list it at 19\26 so your mileage of 22.7 falls right in the center of that. Remember that the listing is for ALL vehicles in that class; some will get better and some will get worse...this is the AVERAGE.

Enjoy the CRaVe and things will get better...remember too that AC use will also drop mpg's.

[chrisk_352]

I can't remember the link, but I have seen "new" EPA estimates for the CRV that list it at 19\26 so your mileage of 22.7 falls right in the center of that. Remember that the listing is for ALL vehicles in that class; some will get better and some will get worse...this is the AVERAGE.

Enjoy the CRaVe and things will get better...remember too that AC use will also drop mpg's.

If I knew it was going to be this poor, I wouldv'e got a RDX instead. Friend of mine has an RDX and has about 8000 miles on it and he averages about 21 mpg. This is with turbo charged, I guess, Acura's engines are more efficient than CRV's.

[Racoon]

I am not sure, since I have over 12k miles on my CR-V AWD and I am averaging 22.7 mpg with 60/40 (hwy/city) driving. I was expecting to get similar or just a little less than my Acura TSX which I am averaging about 28.5 mpg.

I was expecting about 25 mpg. Not at the low end of listed spec.

How fast do you drive on the highway? The CR-V, even though it's better than earlier versions, is still a large brick compared to a TSX.

The following image is from the fueleconomy.gov website:

http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/speedVsMpg3.gif

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.

As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.

JM2C

[kurv]

If I knew it was going to be this poor, I wouldv'e got a RDX instead. Friend of mine has an RDX and has about 8000 miles on it and he averages about 21 mpg. This is with turbo charged, I guess, Acura's engines are more efficient than CRV's.

Turbo yes, but how you drive also determines how much the turbo affects mileage. Your friend must be rarely kicking in the turbo to be averaging 21. EPA estimate is 19/23 for the RDX.

[vhercules]

What Racoon says is very true. My observation -- I get best mileage when I do around 100-120 kms/hr ... anything over that and the mileage starts dropping.
Depends on your driving habits ... if you are constantly accelerating and decelerating then your mileage is definitely going to suck.
I average around 9.2 ltr/100km with a combination of city and highway driving which I believe is very reasonable.

[DBinCA]

I find that I get the best mileage by doing what's necessary to get it into 5th gear and keep it there. For 2007, Honda slightly lowered the gear ratios in the first four speeds (in the automatic) for better acceleration and slightly raised the ratio on 5th so it is even more of an overdrive and thus gives better mileage.

I just finished an 850 mile trip today and got 30.7 mpg in 100% highway driving at 65 mph (3 passengers plus luggage, some A/C use) on the tailwind leg. In very heavy traffic (let's hear it for Los Angeles) it was down to 21-22 mpg. On the way back, with an additional passenger and even more luggage, into a headwind for 200 miles, I got about 27 mpg.

I'm finding that I can meet or exceed EPA mileage estimates without much effort. Btw, my V has just over 5000 miles on it.

[chrisk_352]

What Racoon says is very true. My observation -- I get best mileage when I do around 100-120 kms/hr ... anything over that and the mileage starts dropping.
Depends on your driving habits ... if you are constantly accelerating and decelerating then your mileage is definitely going to suck.
I average around 9.2 ltr/100km with a combination of city and highway driving which I believe is very reasonable.

Your number doesn't match. According to Racoons chart, you supposed to get best mileage between 42 to 55 mph (67 - 88 kph). What you said was between 100-120 kph which comes out to be 62.5 - 75 mph where it supposed to be falling off drastically. My avg speed on the freeway is about 70mph

[chrisk_352]

Turbo yes, but how you drive also determines how much the turbo affects mileage. Your friend must be rarely kicking in the turbo to be averaging 21. EPA estimate is 19/23 for the RDX.

My friend drives his RDX a heck of lot wilder than I do. Speeding up and down to pass cars and such where his RPM revs up and down in a wild swing. Even as he drives, he seems to get very good mileage compare to I do in my CR-V. I know this because I just came back from road trip with his RDX. On the way back, I drove his RDX similar to how I drive my CRV and when we filled up, It was at 21 to 22 mpg. Again 60/40 driving (hwy/city).

[chrisk_352]

I find that I get the best mileage by doing what's necessary to get it into 5th gear and keep it there. For 2007, Honda slightly lowered the gear ratios in the first four speeds (in the automatic) for better acceleration and slightly raised the ratio on 5th so it is even more of an overdrive and thus gives better mileage.

I just finished an 850 mile trip today and got 30.7 mpg in 100% highway driving at 65 mph (3 passengers plus luggage, some A/C use) on the tailwind leg. In very heavy traffic (let's hear it for Los Angeles) it was down to 21-22 mpg. On the way back, with an additional passenger and even more luggage, into a headwind for 200 miles, I got about 27 mpg.

I'm finding that I can meet or exceed EPA mileage estimates without much effort. Btw, my V has just over 5000 miles on it.

When you fill up gas right before entering freeway and fill up an another one as you exit freeway, your mileage should be good with an upwards of 26 to 28 mpg. It's just that, even if you were to have about 20% city driving, your mileage seems to drop like a rock.

[vhercules]

Your number doesn't match. According to Racoons chart, you supposed to get best mileage between 42 to 55 mph (67 - 88 kph). What you said was between 100-120 kph which comes out to be 62.5 - 75 mph where it supposed to be falling off drastically. My avg speed on the freeway is about 70mph

The chart that Racoon has posted is a generic and his post says this --

"While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph."
Based on my personal observation the optimum range seems to be around 60-74 mph or 100-120 kmh.

[ajk]

Racoon's chart matches my experience. My normal commute is non-highway at 35-45 miles an hour. My average is 26 mpg. When I go on the highway driving 65 miles per hour average is about 28 mpg.

I was surprised how good my non-highway millage was, but now looking at that chart it matches the curve.

p.s. I believe I also improved the effeciency of my driving by watching the instant millage indicator. That instant feedback is helpful to re-inforce 'drive as if you have no breaks' effeciency rule.

[UpstateNY123]

Good news for my CR-V, we filled up for the first time this weekend, and although the dash displayed my average as 20.9, I actually am getting 22 MPG. I was much happier with this number and it appears to still be improving. :)

[bumpzter]

Good news for my CR-V, we filled up for the first time this weekend, and although the dash displayed my average as 20.9, I actually am getting 22 MPG. I was much happier with this number and it appears to still be improving. :)
You filled up for the first time and you're already sure what your mileage is? And it's improving? How are you calculating that? No crystal ball, I hope. :lol:

[UpstateNY123]

No, I'm only reporting what my average was on the first tank. I've been told that it should go up.

[lmclodfelter]

My gas mileage has been somewhat short of impressive. I'm averaging anywhere from 12mpg to at best 27mpg. It's very strange that it ranges that much. Done lots of city and highway driving. Tried doing the highway driving with and without cruise control just to see if any big difference (with the cruise control on, when I go up into the moutains, it can rev my rpms up to over 5000). I have heard that it can take "breaking it in" with some mileage before you truely see the best gas mileage... I have about 2300 miles on her (and she's not even a month old!!)

[sleeksilver]

My gas mileage has been somewhat short of impressive. I'm averaging anywhere from 12mpg to at best 27mpg. It's very strange that it ranges that much. Done lots of city and highway driving. Tried doing the highway driving with and without cruise control just to see if any big difference (with the cruise control on, when I go up into the moutains, it can rev my rpms up to over 5000). I have heard that it can take "breaking it in" with some mileage before you truely see the best gas mileage... I have about 2300 miles on her (and she's not even a month old!!)

Like you said, just wait till about 8K. You will see even more of an improvement.

[ajk]

My gas mileage has been somewhat short of impressive. I'm averaging anywhere from 12mpg to at best 27mpg.
Amazing! It must have to do with the style of driving people do. Aggresive accelerating and break type stuff. The first few weeks I got my car mpg was 22, then 24, and now I don't get less than 26. My commute is non-highway, going 35 miles an hour. Not much traffic but a few stop lights. I try to drive using "drive as if you have no breaks" dogma. On the highway I get around 28 mpg.

[Dawgs'n'Hondas]

We just returned home from a weeklong trip to the Northern California coastal redwoods area (heavenly!), logged 1600 total miles, and had the car fully loaded with camping gear, 2 humans, and 100 pounds of dog. We ran the AC pretty much full blast for about 700 miles of the trip. On freeways we stayed between 70 and 80 mph, but we also did a lot of stop-and-go city driving around Eureka and ample hilly driving too.

And our average gas mileage calculated by the dash computer was 26.2 mpg. We even verified it by doing the math by hand. We were really happy to see those numbers out of the V. :)

[Crinale]

We just returned home from a weeklong trip to the Northern California coastal redwoods area (heavenly!), logged 1600 total miles, and had the car fully loaded with camping gear, 2 humans, and 100 pounds of dog. We ran the AC pretty much full blast for about 700 miles of the trip. On freeways we stayed between 70 and 80 mph, but we also did a lot of stop-and-go city driving around Eureka and ample hilly driving too.

And our average gas mileage calculated by the dash computer was 26.2 mpg. We even verified it by doing the math by hand. We were really happy to see those numbers out of the V. :)

that area is beautiful... one of my favorite places to drive. ^_^ ... along with Sequoia National Forest ;) ... where in california are u from?

[Dawgs'n'Hondas]

Hi Crinale--

We're currently in Bakersfield (gag!), so any trip that gets us out of the summer swelter (or just out of this nasty town in general) is awesome. We camped for the week at Patrick's Point--fog in the mornings, 60s for high temps, and all that ocean beauty.... We really enjoy the Sequoias too though. Ever been to Balch Park? Amazing!

I see you're in Santa Maria; that's a nice little place! Are you getting a bunch of the smoke from the Zaca fire in your area like we are here? The sky's been orange for days. Ugh. I see ash on my V when it's parked at work all day. :(

[Crinale]

Hi Crinale--

We're currently in Bakersfield (gag!), so any trip that gets us out of the summer swelter (or just out of this nasty town in general) is awesome. We camped for the week at Patrick's Point--fog in the mornings, 60s for high temps, and all that ocean beauty.... We really enjoy the Sequoias too though. Ever been to Balch Park? Amazing!

I see you're in Santa Maria; that's a nice little place! Are you getting a bunch of the smoke from the Zaca fire in your area like we are here? The sky's been orange for days. Ugh. I see ash on my V when it's parked at work all day. :(

iv never been to Balch Park... where is it? ouch, i know what u mean about bakersfield tho... my fiancee lives in Paso Robles, and i hate the heat up there :-/

nah, not much smoke from the zaca fire over us... the wind is blowing it all away from us, and we can see it filling the sky to the east... however one of my favorite off-road trails is closed by the fire :-/ ... oh well, i cant afford to go wheelin right now anyway... heh

"We camped for the week at Patrick's Point--fog in the mornings, 60s for high temps" sounds like central coast weather... LOL (santa maria, san luis obispo, pismo, lompoc, etc)

[Dawgs'n'Hondas]

Hey, at least Paso Robles has wineries....we just have heat here! And yeah, that central coast weather ain't bad--except you folks don't have those big gorgeous trees like norcal has. ;)

Balch Park is in the midst of a bunch of giant sequoias just east of the Fresno area. Visit http://www.geocities.com/troop484.geo/camping/balch_park.html for a little summary of what's there. And check out the "directions" section where the road to the camp is described. It's a very cool drive, very steep and challenging, and I can't wait to try it with the V! (Our 94 Accord handled it admirably.)

[Crinale]

its all paved? aww thats no fun... the crv wont even blink drivin around on paved roads... lol... when u said challenging i started envisioning steep off camber shelf roads with rocks strewn about... :roll:

sounds fun, but 80 sites is a bit much for me tho... i like the little secluded camps where there is <5 camps... preferably only one ;) there are several out here, but u have to do some off-roadin to get there :D 8) :mrgreen:

[Dawgs'n'Hondas]

Er, well, I think anything's "challenging" if it's one lane with hairpin turns and a 45-degree upward tilt. Sorry to have gotten you excited for nothing!

The *largest* campground is 80 spots, but keep driving past that and there are several others that are much smaller and not crowded at all. (We stayed at Shake Camp on a Labor Day weekend and had the place to ourselves.) I think one is even hike-in only. We don't do much real backcountry camping, though--if it doesn't have toilets and running water, I don't go there. I'm a wimp.:D

[ElJaysCRV]

Several months ago I started this thread because of the disappointing gas mileage I am getting with my 07 CRV... So now I'll follow up.
I have 6,500 miles on the CRV.
--Did not receive any better gas mileage with top tier Shell gas
--Did not receive any better gas mileage with summer gas vs. winter
--Exxon gas causes the computer to give strange gas mileage readings (76 mpg, then 38, then 47, then 25 then 21 on level ground.)
--Receive about 6 mpg more when I fill up in Montgomery county, PA (Any brand) over any brand in Luzerne or Lackawanna county, PA (Luzerne and Lackawanna are back to back in Northeast PA and Montgomery county is in Southeast PA -- 90 miles south of where I typically get gas in Luzerne county. SAME DRIVING CONDITIONS in both areas. Also, gas is 15 cents per gallon cheaper in Montgomery county. I'm in that area every other week.
--Oil life just dropped to 30%
Obviously, region makes the biggest difference.

[cderalow]

a few things

1) gas, the type you use, and brand etc, makes a huge difference.

for instance, you should only be using 87 octane gas. using 93 octane etc, while it might improve the power output, is not good for your engine. prolonged use of 93 octane can cause problems with the cycle of your engine, and premature detonation. we won't even get into the effect of winter gas, high ethanol percentages, or contaminated gas and it's effect on what is essentially an engine designed to run straight regular gas.

2) how you drive also makes a huge difference. others have said "driving as if you have no brake", meaning letting the car slow itself down in traffic can greatly help your mileage (afterall, while the car is still burning gas, it's not burning anywhere near as much while it's effectively idling down the road, as it is with constant acceleration/velocity)

3) using cruise control, while it does help gas mileage slightly, is by no means foolproof for instant good mileage. there is small amounts of imperceptible acceleration and deceleration as a result of the cruise attempting to maintain speed. no ground is perfectly level.


4) AWD will get worse gas mileage than 2WD. The specs on honda's website 20/27/23 (city, highway, combined) are based on 2WD models. The AWD model is rated for 20/26/22. There is some parasitic drag due to the AWD system.

5) accessories like AC, the radio, any/everything electronic. draw way more power than people realize. the most fuel efficient way of driving a car, is with everything off (if you can stand the lack of airflow).

6) the 2007/2008 CRVs are rated at 20/27/23 for 2WD, 20/26/22 for AWD. If you're getting around 22, good for you, you're in that percentile of people who get the theoretical combined EPA city/highway mileage. those who are not, please note, this is a theoretical mileage. it in no way represents a guaranteed mileage. driving conditions, habits and other environmental factors will make this vary

[ElJaysCRV]

a few things

1) gas, the type you use, and brand etc, makes a huge difference.

for instance, you should only be using 87 octane gas. using 93 octane etc, while it might improve the power output, is not good for your engine. prolonged use of 93 octane can cause problems with the cycle of your engine, and premature detonation. we won't even get into the effect of winter gas, high ethanol percentages, or contaminated gas and it's effect on what is essentially an engine designed to run straight regular gas.

2) how you drive also makes a huge difference. others have said "driving as if you have no brake", meaning letting the car slow itself down in traffic can greatly help your mileage (afterall, while the car is still burning gas, it's not burning anywhere near as much while it's effectively idling down the road, as it is with constant acceleration/velocity)

3) using cruise control, while it does help gas mileage slightly, is by no means foolproof for instant good mileage. there is small amounts of imperceptible acceleration and deceleration as a result of the cruise attempting to maintain speed. no ground is perfectly level.


4) AWD will get worse gas mileage than 2WD. The specs on honda's website 20/27/23 (city, highway, combined) are based on 2WD models. The AWD model is rated for 20/26/22. There is some parasitic drag due to the AWD system.

5) accessories like AC, the radio, any/everything electronic. draw way more power than people realize. the most fuel efficient way of driving a car, is with everything off (if you can stand the lack of airflow).

6) the 2007/2008 CRVs are rated at 20/27/23 for 2WD, 20/26/22 for AWD. If you're getting around 22, good for you, you're in that percentile of people who get the theoretical combined EPA city/highway mileage. those who are not, please note, this is a theoretical mileage. it in no way represents a guaranteed mileage. driving conditions, habits and other environmental factors will make this vary
As I said, the brand has not made any difference in my gas mileage. The only thing that has made a difference is buying my gas in the Philadelphia area versus the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area... much more MPGs in the Philadelphia region.
BTW... I only use 87. Waste of money going higher. Also, when I said my mileage was disappointing, that was comparing it to my 2004 CRV.

[lmclodfelter]

I have about 6500 miles on my 07 now and I still am averaging about 24-26 mpg. I really expected alot better. I really thought I would start getting much better mileage once I put some miles on her.

[badgerland]

I have about 6500 miles on my 07 now and I still am averaging about 24-26 mpg. I really expected alot better. I really thought I would start getting much better mileage once I put some miles on her.

You are getting the EPA estimates for this vehicle; I'm not quite sure what you were expecting?:confused: We don't know if yours is a 2wd or AWD and that may make a slight difference.

[lmclodfelter]

You are getting the EPA estimates for this vehicle; I'm not quite sure what you were expecting?:confused: We don't know if yours is a 2wd or AWD and that may make a slight difference.

Mine is AWD, but I have read where people seem to get much better.

[liquidfuel88]

Mine is AWD, but I have read where people seem to get much better.

that's because they have a 5-speed manual ;)

[ElJaysCRV]

I have about 6500 miles on my 07 now and I still am averaging about 24-26 mpg. I really expected alot better. I really thought I would start getting much better mileage once I put some miles on her.
24-26 is much better than what I've been getting...average of all miles so far is 21.5.
But at least it's better mileage than the Lincoln Navigator my boyfriend drives. I think that's registered as GPM instead of MPG! :D

[badgerland]

that's because they have a 5-speed manual ;)

Not with the Gen3 in the USA...:-P

There are circumstances that will get better mileage but as a whole to average 24-26mpg with an AWD Gen 3 is good here in the states. When I was coming back from Vail, CO I did have one tank of gas that gave me 30.1 mpg but if you think about it, it was all downhill back to KC metro. :lol:

[cderalow]

yeah, i've been averaging 22 with mine over about 3,000 miles now.

I'm happy with that. but then again, I went in with the expectations that it would average within it's EPA estimated mileages.

People should note, that for 2008+, the EPA estimates have been adjusted to more closely reflect true mileage statistics. Previously, the EPA estimates were only achieved by like 10% of a vehicle population, because the tests did not reflect typical driving habits.

The current EPA site (fueleconomy.gov) reflects the adjusted values for all cars. It still shows what they were previously rated as well. for instance my 98 civic is now rated at like 28 mpg combined, where as previously it was rated for 32mpg combined. The 28 number is significantly more realistic (mine averages 27mpg combined), as I think I've only ever done more than 32mpg while going long distance trips, and even then, it was only 33mpg.

[ElJaysCRV]

Not with the Gen3 in the USA...:-P

There are circumstances that will get better mileage but as a whole to average 24-26mpg with an AWD Gen 3 is good here in the states. When I was coming back from Vail, CO I did have one tank of gas that gave me 30.1 mpg but if you think about it, it was all downhill back to KC metro. :lol:
Wish I could get 24-26 in my daily commute...

[sukiblue]

We have 12,500 on our 1 year old EX. On average, the daily around-town MPG is near 20. On the highway, we have seen 30.

[badgerland]

Rose, if you look at the adjust EPA values you are completly within the range that they "project". The CRV is 19/26 so your 20/30 mileage should be considered average. Not quite sure what is so disappointing about that? :confused:

[lccurtis]

I would like to know how far your daily commutes are. Is your commute more than 24-30 miles one way?

[ASLGuy]

Over 500 miles interstate trip from Columbus, Ohio to my home town and my whole trip (mostly interstate) I got 30.1 mpg. Haven't been doing any city driving as we've been riding in my brother-in-law's Toyota Sequoia.

[sukiblue]

Well it looks as if my husband has been posting for me. I however, am not disappointed with the gas mileage. I commute about 10 miles to work and on the expressway it is slow going. Taking the "city" route is quicker so I tend to drive more city miles. I am also a little heavy on the gas! I love to drive my CR-V. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

[sparkydave]

Just over 250 miles on mine so far, but had 178 when I took delivery. Already averaging 23.5 MPG, and I haven't even been on the highway much.

[WanderingBrit]

... a few things
for instance, you should only be using 87 octane gas. using 93 octane etc, while it might improve the power output, is not good for your engine. prolonged use of 93 octane can cause problems with the cycle of your engine, and premature detonation. ...


There is some misinformation here. Using higher octane than required will not produce more power or negatively impact your engine in any way.

Octane rating is a measurement of the fuels ability to resist auto-ignition, that is the tendency to ignite without a spark merely as a result of compression. The higher the absolute pressure in the cylinder the higher the octane rating required to resist premature detonation - also known as knocking or pinging.

Typically lower compression ratio engines produce lower absolute cylinder pressure and thus require lower octane rated fuel. An exception to this is found with forced induction engines (turbo or supercharged) where the compression ratio is often lower but the absolute cylinder pressures are higher because of the compression of the intake charge.

You will not increase the risk of pre-ignition by using a higher octane than required, quite the reverse.

In the US a higher octane rating is often accompanied by a different additives package or fuel formulation, since traditionally it was the higher performance engines that required high octane fuel and those owners were more willing to fork out extra for "premium" features. Two fuels with the same octane rating may produce different amounts of energy when burned, so Octane is no measure of the "power" potentially available from the fuel. As an example Ethanol has quite a high octane rating but produces less energy per volume, hence poorer mileage from winter fuels with higher alcohol formulations.

Kevin

[P+9]

6) the 2007/2008 CRVs are rated at 20/27/23 for 2WD, 20/26/22 for AWD. If you're getting around 22, good for you, you're in that percentile of people who get the theoretical combined EPA city/highway mileage. those who are not, please note, this is a theoretical mileage. it in no way represents a guaranteed mileage. driving conditions, habits and other environmental factors will make this vary


I am not sure about theoretical but certainly, mileage depends on a number of factors. I just drove 630 miles yesterday. The odometer started at about 1400 miles, tire pressure right at 30psi cold (8F outside :shock: ) and I drove very efficiently. No more then 3000 rpm and 70 mph. Past Honda's and my BMW have always exceeded the old sticker ratings, especially on the highway under the same conditions. My 06 325 rated at 29 gets 31 at 75 mph. My 01 Odyssey got 26 and was rated at 25. Yesterday, I got 21.1, well below the 26 for my AWD. I cannot properly express my dissatisfaction right now.

[sleeksilver]

I am not sure about theoretical but certainly, mileage depends on a number of factors. I just drove 630 miles yesterday. The odometer started at about 1400 miles, tire pressure right at 30psi cold (8F outside :shock: ) and I drove very efficiently. No more then 3000 rpm and 70 mph. Past Honda's and my BMW have always exceeded the old sticker ratings, especially on the highway under the same conditions. My 06 325 rated at 29 gets 31 at 75 mph. My 01 Odyssey got 26 and was rated at 25. Yesterday, I got 21.1, well below the 26 for my AWD. I cannot properly express my dissatisfaction right now.

Please read the rest of the thread, especially what I wrote. :roll:

You have ~2K on your car now.

[WanderingBrit]

Please read the rest of the thread, especially what I wrote. :roll:

You have ~2K on your car now.

I understand the suggestion that mileage will continue to improve over the first few thousand miles, but I'm already seeing better mileage than this owner on my mixed suburban/rural driving. Ambient temperature may well be a factor too, something which the Federal fuel economy guidelines mention.

Kevin

[sleeksilver]

Everyone’s driving style is different. You can say you drive gently but to another person that could be considered aggressive. Also, like you said, climate and temperature can affect mileage as well as terrain.

[theldara]

Also, like you said, climate and temperature can affect mileage as well as terrain.

I'd venture to say this may be a big factor in some instances! I've had my V since November 11th 2007. We've had nice, mild weather prior to this week and in city driving, I've averaged 25 or better mpg. Traveling, I've been averaging 29-30 mpg on the onboard computer.

This week we've had horribly cold temps, at least for us Southerners. The past 3-4 mornings have seen single digit temps and the day temps have yet to get above freezing. I only let the V warm up for 1-2 minutes in the morning, then drive carefully for the first 5 minutes (time it takes to get to the interstate and the engine actually registers on the temp guage).

Anyway, my gas mileage this last week (new tank of gas put in Tuesday!) is a sunny 19. Ugh! I say it's got to be the weather, because I'm driving the same careful way I always do, on the same roads I always do, and using the same gas that I've found gets me the best gas mileage (Shell, FWIW).

For the record, my V has 3600 miles on it right now. I'm not upset with this week's gas mileage. It's friggin cold out there and I'm just aggravated that my black V is currently white with the overabudance of salt that the city/county overdosed the roads with (OMG SNOW IN THE SOUTH, WE MUST COVER EVERYTHING IN SALT... for the record, we had no ice and the "snow" was more like 2 days of glitter falling from the sky... completely worthless to define as "snow").

[sleeksilver]

I'd venture to say this may be a big factor in some instances! I've had my V since November 11th 2007. We've had nice, mild weather prior to this week and in city driving, I've averaged 25 or better mpg. Traveling, I've been averaging 29-30 mpg on the onboard computer.

This week we've had horribly cold temps, at least for us Southerners. The past 3-4 mornings have seen single digit temps and the day temps have yet to get above freezing. I only let the V warm up for 1-2 minutes in the morning, then drive carefully for the first 5 minutes (time it takes to get to the interstate and the engine actually registers on the temp guage).



It has a lot to do with the temperature.... :)

Letting your vehicle warm up like that isn't only bad for fuel consumption, but it is bad for the environment as well. Short trips in the winter (or summer for that matter) take a serious toll on fuel economy and range.

[P+9]

Please read the rest of the thread, especially what I wrote. :roll:

You have ~2K on your car now.

Sleeksilver, I did read the whole thread to include your posts. We are in agreement that mileage does improve after break in. However in my experience with 6 (4 Honda) new cars since '88 is that most of that break in mileage improvement has been in the first 1k. After that, maybe I would gain 2-5 % or about .5-1.25 at 25mpg base. I also seem to get about 1mgp less on the highway in other cars during the winter. I associated this with the cold temperature and winter blend fuel. To get the mileage up to where I expected (26), I would have to have at a 21% improvement. I simply do not think that further break in and summer fuel will result in this type of improvement. I hope I am wrong on this car.

My frustration is fueled (pun intended) by the low mileage, because I need to spend about 1k modifying the drivers seat so I can sit comfortably in it for long distances. I don't want to spend the money and continue to get low millage. I would rather cut my losses and by an Accord and get 30+ on the highway. The problem with that is my wife loves the CRV and this is the whole reason why I was willing to purchase it. If your married you know how complicated things like this can get.

Thanks for the input.

[Milano Bambyno]

2008 EX AWD Auto

- Tire Pressure 31PSI
- No warm up, just gently drive until temp is normal and then Zoom ...Zoom ...
- Gas, Shell Regular Unleaded
- Mileage ~1800
- Combined MPG ~24+
- Highway MPG ~26+

Perhaps a white color is more 'Slippery" than other colors? :shock:

http://pbase.com/image/90969931.jpg



Milano

[blueiedgod]

I'd venture to say this may be a big factor in some instances! I've had my V since November 11th 2007. We've had nice, mild weather prior to this week and in city driving, I've averaged 25 or better mpg. Traveling, I've been averaging 29-30 mpg on the onboard computer.

This week we've had horribly cold temps, at least for us Southerners. The past 3-4 mornings have seen single digit temps and the day temps have yet to get above freezing. I only let the V warm up for 1-2 minutes in the morning, then drive carefully for the first 5 minutes (time it takes to get to the interstate and the engine actually registers on the temp guage).

Anyway, my gas mileage this last week (new tank of gas put in Tuesday!) is a sunny 19. Ugh! I say it's got to be the weather, because I'm driving the same careful way I always do, on the same roads I always do, and using the same gas that I've found gets me the best gas mileage (Shell, FWIW).

For the record, my V has 3600 miles on it right now. I'm not upset with this week's gas mileage. It's friggin cold out there and I'm just aggravated that my black V is currently white with the overabudance of salt that the city/county overdosed the roads with (OMG SNOW IN THE SOUTH, WE MUST COVER EVERYTHING IN SALT... for the record, we had no ice and the "snow" was more like 2 days of glitter falling from the sky... completely worthless to define as "snow").

Cold intake tempratures force the computer to richen the mixture to let it ignite and burn better. I believe 60°F is the optimal intake temperature for the K24, but I don't remember for sure right now.

[sgtsandman]

I have noticed that around that temperature, the 2.0L in the gen 1 performs best.

[BarryT82]

When I first purchased my 08 CR-V it was averaging about 21.8mpg. Now that I have about 2300 miles on it it's getting around 19.7mpg.

[cderalow]

When I first purchased my 08 CR-V it was averaging about 21.8mpg. Now that I have about 2300 miles on it it's getting around 19.7mpg.


Location, and what time of year did you buy it?

[N_Jay]

When I first purchased my 08 CR-V it was averaging about 21.8mpg. Now that I have about 2300 miles on it it's getting around 19.7mpg.

I would bet that 2 MPG is within the tank-to-tank, season-to-season, and even day-to-day variance.

[badgerland]

I would bet that 2 MPG is within the tank-to-tank, season-to-season, and even day-to-day variance.

Easily true! Most people don't want to believe that those short trips in cold weather have ANYTHING to do with poor gas mileage. :shock:

[BarryT82]

I purchased it on 11/29/2007
I live in Charleston, WV and make the same trip now that I did then every day. It takes me about 15 minutes to get to work.

[Dawgs'n'Hondas]

I bought my V on 12/2/06 and thus have driven it for almost two winters now. Even though I don't live in a really cold area, I still notice that starting in December and going through March, my gas mileage drops about 2-3 mpg in winter. I'm sure it's because it takes so much longer for the engine to warm up to its most efficient levels. Then, in the spring/summer, the mileage bounces right back up again.

[N_Jay]

I purchased it on 11/29/2007
I live in Charleston, WV and make the same trip now that I did then every day. It takes me about 15 minutes to get to work.

Same trip does not mean the same temp, weather, speed, season, gas formulation, traffic, mood, etc.

[N_Jay]

I bought my V on 12/2/06 and thus have driven it for almost two winters now. Even though I don't live in a really cold area, I still notice that starting in December and going through March, my gas mileage drops about 2-3 mpg in winter. I'm sure it's because it takes so much longer for the engine to warm up to its most efficient levels. Then, in the spring/summer, the mileage bounces right back up again.

Or it could be the gas formulation.

[Dawgs'n'Hondas]

Or it could be the gas formulation.

I'm about 2 hours from LA. I've only heard, but can't confirm, that we here in SoCal don't get our gas switched to winter blend like lots of the colder areas of the US do. Does anyone know for sure?

[N_Jay]

I'm about 2 hours from LA. I've only heard, but can't confirm, that we here in SoCal don't get our gas switched to winter blend like lots of the colder areas of the US do. Does anyone know for sure?

I am very sure there are formulation changes summer to winter, and there are formulation differences between brands, and there are formulation changes within brands over time.