Still getting bad mileage on my '12 2.5i Premium

[sbpark]

So I have about 1,200 miles on the car, posted a little while ago about my disappointing gas mileage, others suggested that I needed to break in the motor a while longer, others suggested switching to 87 octane instead of 89 (i used 89 octane in my '06 Forester 2.5X for 6 years before trading it in and would get 24-26mpg and drive it like it was stolen.) I also changed my driving style to be more conscious of my right foot on the gas pedal.

I let the low fuel light come on, filled it up with 87 octane, and believe it or not, regardless of how I drive, I am still getting 21.7-22 mpg from the onboard mileage calculator, and verified by hand calculating. I know others will say give it more time to break in, but I have read about others getting much better mileage from day 1.

FWIW, I drive about a 60/40 split between freeway and around town, commuting 35 miles each way to work three days a week, the other days driving to the gym, surfing, running errands, etc. I usually drive 70-75 on the freeway. I am starting to think the 3.6i would be a better option if I am going to continue to get such crap mileage. The engine wouldn't be working as hard and may be more efficient for my driving style perhaps? It sucks because aside from the mileage, I am happy with the car.

[Boogie3478]

Patience, grasshopper

[wutbürger]

Originally Posted by sbpark

So I have about 1,200 miles on the car, posted a little while ago about my disappointing gas mileage, others suggested that I needed to break in the motor a while longer, others suggested switching to 87 octane instead of 89 (i used 89 octane in my '06 Forester 2.5X for 6 years before trading it in and would get 24-26mpg and drive it like it was stolen.) I also changed my driving style to be more conscious of my right foot on the gas pedal.

I let the low fuel light come on, filled it up with 87 octane, and believe it or not, regardless of how I drive, I am still getting 21.7-22 mpg from the onboard mileage calculator, and verified by hand calculating. I know others will say give it more time to break in, but I have read about others getting much better mileage from day 1.

FWIW, I drive about a 60/40 split between freeway and around town, commuting 35 miles each way to work three days a week, the other days driving to the gym, surfing, running errands, etc. I usually drive 70-75 on the freeway. I am starting to think the 3.6i would be a better option if I am going to continue to get such crap mileage. The engine wouldn't be working as hard and may be more efficient for my driving style perhaps? It sucks because aside from the mileage, I am happy with the car.

This cannot be overstressed; some people have certain driving styles which are more suited to loads of low-end torque- if you're constantly revving the 2.5i, you'll never get great mileage. FWIW, I average 26-28MPG and I do roughly 80%hwy/20% city driving at 70-75mph. If I keep speeds to about 60mph or so, 30+ is EASILY achievable for me, but again, that's with mostly highway.

Gas mileage is made up of so many variables that it's hard to give you any solid, sure answer. Tire pressure, driving style, traffic, amount of stops in your commute, idling, load, winds, hills, the list goes on. If you feel there truly is an issue, take it to the dealer for diagnosis as they can do more than we can on an internet forum

[DieselOx]

We drive the same as you, and can't get below 25, 30 freeway. 4000 miles, been doing this since new.

We almost never floor it, shift around 3000 unless on a hill or on ramp.

I did set the rings properly @ 30 miles on the ODO, can't think of anything else (8 WOT runs from 2500 to 4000 RPM's in 1st through 5th gear, engine warm).

[Dzd]

How much corn are they putting in gas down in Cali these days? May be a factor.

[4wheeldog]

I got 28.8 for my first tankful (Verified). I only have 800 miles so far, second tank is around 28 even (Gauge).......I am gradually driving a bit harder to make sure the rings are in.

I would not sweat it until after the first oil change. But, whatever you do, if you have the warm-it-up habit, stop doing that. Not good for break-in, and very bad for gas mileage.

[subiesailor]

I'm in California we have a 2010 Legacy 2.5 CVT and a 2010 OB CVT. Both were returning about 21-22mpg till we hit about 10,000 miles on the clock.

Idling in stopped traffic or sitting in say a parking lot with kids in the car waiting for mom will wipe out your average mileage in just 15-30 minutes.

[sbpark]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldog

I got 28.8 for my first tankful (Verified). I only have 800 miles so far, second tank is around 28 even (Gauge).......I am gradually driving a bit harder to make sure the rings are in.

I would not sweat it until after the first oil change. But, whatever you do, if you have the warm-it-up habit, stop doing that. Not good for break-in, and very bad for gas mileage.

I get in, start it up, and go. My car is a CVT and is PZEV. I just don't get it if the CVT is supposed to be more fuel efficient and what not, and I drove my Forester much harder than this car and still got better mileage.

[foxrider68]

Originally Posted by sbpark

I get in, start it up, and go. My car is a CVT and is PZEV. I just don't get it if the CVT is supposed to be more fuel efficient and what not, and I drove my Forester much harder than this car and still got better mileage.

Watch the tach, don't let it go above 3k and see what happens.

[sbpark]

Originally Posted by foxrider68

Watch the tach, don't let it go above 3k and see what happens.

you really have to drive this car like a slug fi you don't want the tach to go over 3k. With my Forester I rarely let the tach go over 4k, same with the new OB, but 3k is just not enough when you are merging onto a freeway on a short onramp.