2011 Equinox poor mpg hwy!

[kaczara13]

The advertising for the Equinox hwy mpg is absolute fabrication! They are basing it on "controlled environment testing" and 48 mph hwy is considered "average speed"! Normally one can get within 2mpg of a hwy estimate on most vehicles. ( ie: Subaru outback 28 and you can get 26-27 mpg going 65-70 mph.). Chevy advertises 32 hwy and my drive is 38 miles hwy with 10 miles paved rural roads @ 40-50 mph. Im getting 24.6-25 mpg at best!@ 70 mph max hwy.They have given me run around and "I would know that its an estimate" if he was buying. I get good mileage with other cars. This is a FWD 4 cyl! Its outrageous. I bought new, its only 4 months old with 5400 miles. What can be done? Dealer looked at it and basically : tough luck. NEVER buy one! Even my rural roads get about 19-20 mpg not even the estimated 22 city! outrageous lies!

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by kaczara13

The advertising for the Equinox hwy mpg is absolute fabrication! They are basing it on "controlled environment testing" and 48 mph hwy is considered "average speed"! Normally one can get within 2mpg of a hwy estimate on most vehicles. ( ie: Subaru outback 28 and you can get 26-27 mpg going 65-70 mph.). Chevy advertises 32 hwy and my drive is 38 miles hwy with 10 miles paved rural roads @ 40-50 mph. Im getting 24.6-25 mpg at best!@ 70 mph max hwy.They have given me run around and "I would know that its an estimate" if he was buying. I get good mileage with other cars. This is a FWD 4 cyl! Its outrageous. I bought new, its only 4 months old with 5400 miles. What can be done? Dealer looked at it and basically : tough luck. NEVER buy one! Even my rural roads get about 19-20 mpg not even the estimated 22 city! outrageous lies!

Are you actually calculating fuel economy or are you just going off of the DIC indicated avg economy? With our 2007 Equinox, I've found that the DIC indication can vary by as much as 2 MPG, but usually varies by +/-.5 MPG when compared to actual calculations.

The advertised fuel economy ratings are calculated in the most optimal conditions which are seldom observed in real-world driving.

There are many factors that can affect fuel economy. The way you are ranting about this implies that you are either A) unaware of this or B) refuse to accept this as a legitimate reason for your less-then-expected fuel economy. All vehicles are subject to these variables, but some are affected more than others by nature.

Driving habits: three things that dramatically decrease fuel economy are
1)leaving the engine warm-up or leaving the engine idle to warm up the vehicle before leaving for your commute.
2)hard acceleration such as flooring the gas pedal to accelerate from a stop
3) "cold" short trips - short trips that don't give the engine a chance to warm up to it's normal operating temp.

Unless you are in extremely cold temps (like -40*F, windchill doesn't count), modern gas-powered fuel injected engines don't need to run for more than a few seconds before you begin your commute. Just don't drive it hard until the temp gauge begins to rise and you'll be fine.

Weather: cooler temps decrease fuel economy because the engine takes longer to warm up and most engine management systems are programmed to enrich the fuel mixture (because it is necessary) until normal operating temperature is reached. Consequently, more gas is burned during the longer warm-up process. Driving against the wind decreases fuel economy. Bigger vehicles are obviously more affected by the wind.

What fuel you are using? Ethanol can decrease fuel economy by up to 10%. Winter gasoline additive formulations also decrease fuel economy.

The terrain you are driving on is also a big factor. The more hilly the roads are the more it impacts your fuel economy.

[kaczara13]

yes Darlin'
I'M aware of ALL of your circumstances! I have driven my 38 mi route ( 28 hwy 10 rural of 40-50 mph) for 11 yrs. in various cars. I am aware that its estimated under best conditions. but ALL other car manufacturers estimate within 2 mpg of what you can actually get! I am VERY cautious with no pre- heating but 3mins, to pen up dogs. I do not accelerate fast or brake hard. I get 30-32 mpg for my miata which they predict 28 hwy! so I "know how to drive!" that's my complaint. I've tried all I can. if I zero it out on FLAT hwy no hills and no passing an d no acceleration I got 29 mpg at 65. that's absurd. GM told me that "contr4olled circumstances are ok and that the Feds allow for it besides the Feds establish that 48 mph is "average" hwy speed! thats ridiculous! I used to get 25 winter and 26-27 hwy on my subaru outback with this same route going 70 mph! they advertise 28 THATS my complaint I'M arguing with GM now.. they have inflated or "bast case scenario" they mpg too much! flat hwy with no accelerating to get ON the ex-way is not Ave! It IS false advertising. The Ford Edge advertises 26 they get it,. Subaru outback 28 they get 27 at 7 mph! Honda crv 27 they get ti. Again these are AWD and I have a 4 cyl FWD!!! this is robbery,. So yes I'M ranting but GM has given me run around on this and justifiable their tests and advertising for 4 months now. its WRONG> unfair practice. I never would have bought it. They told me finally. well "I": ( they") woudl have KNOW N the millage was estimated. I fully knew that and expected to get 30 maybe 28,. 24.6-25 at 65 is not the same! I am knowledgeable in autos , in my 50's and have driven this rout3e with 3 other cars getting better or within 2 mpg of estiumated speed. I cant get32 let alone 30 mpg with this car on my route, ever. It's wrong of GM to advertise as such. way too far off.

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by kaczara13

yes Darlin'
I'M aware of ALL of your circumstances! I have driven my 38 mi route ( 28 hwy 10 rural of 40-50 mph) for 11 yrs. in various cars. I am aware that its estimated under best conditions. but ALL other car manufacturers estimate within 2 mpg of what you can actually get! I am VERY cautious with no pre- heating but 3mins, to pen up dogs. I do not accelerate fast or brake hard. I get 30-32 mpg for my miata which they predict 28 hwy! so I "know how to drive!" that's my complaint. I've tried all I can. if I zero it out on FLAT hwy no hills and no passing an d no acceleration I got 29 mpg at 65. that's absurd. GM told me that "contr4olled circumstances are ok and that the Feds allow for it besides the Feds establish that 48 mph is "average" hwy speed! thats ridiculous! I used to get 25 winter and 26-27 hwy on my subaru outback with this same route going 70 mph! they advertise 28 THATS my complaint I'M arguing with GM now.. they have inflated or "bast case scenario" they mpg too much! flat hwy with no accelerating to get ON the ex-way is not Ave! It IS false advertising. The Ford Edge advertises 26 they get it,. Subaru outback 28 they get 27 at 7 mph! Honda crv 27 they get ti. Again these are AWD and I have a 4 cyl FWD!!! this is robbery,. So yes I'M ranting but GM has given me run around on this and justifiable their tests and advertising for 4 months now. its WRONG> unfair practice. I never would have bought it. They told me finally. well "I": ( they") woudl have KNOW N the millage was estimated. I fully knew that and expected to get 30 maybe 28,. 24.6-25 at 65 is not the same! I am knowledgeable in autos , in my 50's and have driven this rout3e with 3 other cars getting better or within 2 mpg of estiumated speed. I cant get32 let alone 30 mpg with this car on my route, ever. It's wrong of GM to advertise as such. way too far off.

After doing some reading it seems you are not alone. I am not defending GM, but they are using a 182 HP (172 Ft-Ibs torque) four cylinder to lug around ~3750 Ibs. Of course it's not going to achieve the EPA fuel economy ratings in the real world. The two biggest things - wind resistance and weight - are not accounted for in the tests that produce these ratings.

I don't blame you for being upset, but quite frankly you are barking up the wrong tree since there is very little traffic here.

A few suggestions I would try: using regular 87 unleaded gasoline, not letting it run for the three minutes, and checking your tire pressure. If your sticker calls for 30 PSI in your tires like it does on our 2007 Equinox then put 35 PSI in them.

[kaczara13]

yes I agree. My dad always told me to keep tires inflated This thing comes with a brain! it shows me all tires have 33-34 # pressure. Yes there are others complaining. Im actually goign to fight GM on this. I didnt realize I could have gotten a full refund at 30 days ( they dont tell you that a friend did)I complained within 2 weeks. I bought the car for its estimated mpg. They all look alike or similar otherwise! I've filed a complaint with BBB and will talk to Attorney general this week. Its been very frustrating. I also ran into a GM engineer in a parking lot.. we were both filling up washer fluid.. and he asked how I liked the car.. I said dont get me started then I told him my compliant. He said no this car wont get 32, they are advertising it like tha? I said yes. He said Im a retired GM engineer,m this car wont get it. see the front? Its built like a bill board.. to flat..etc.. He commiserated with me. so yes I knwo the testing if false.. and I know enough to realize it woudl not get 32. .but figured like most cars, it woudl get closer to 2-3 mpg off. I could live with 28 even!
thanks for yoru imput.. The sad thing is, Ima tacher, not a large salary. this is my last "new car"! I plan to retire in 4 yrs wtih it,. not sure I will now. I woudl like to find more people ( to document) who are complaining Im sure its not just me!) any ideas?

[wpbharry]

When I saw the claimed 22/32 at the Noxes' intro, I laughed. This year, look at the more powerful and more economical (24/35) '11 Sonata (with a direct-injected 2.4L). The Nox has less power and less fuel economy. Why? 1) GM under-developed this engine, 2) the Sonata is much lighter, and 3) the Sonata is way more aerodynamic. But also consider other mid-size 4-cylinder sedans that get a claimed 22/32. They're all much lighter and more aerodynamic. No way would a new Nox get 22/32, except under highly atypical conditions.

BTW, since most of us can't afford a new vehicle under the current economic conditions (why used car sales are through the roof), your whining is not about to get much (or any) sympathy in here.

[kaczara13]

I teach, live on a farm and 38 miles from work. I need a vehicle large enough to hold 400# of feed and at times 2 golden retrievers.. yet be safe on exway. I sold puppies, and stock (inherited) to buy it! Im retiring in 4 yrs. .this was to be my last (2nd) new car ever!!!) I put too many miles on to buy used. 30-33,000 a year!
Im not just whining. Im tryign to find others.Im filing complaint with GM for false advertising. I filed with BBB last week. This is serious. I researched for months before buying and told them they all look alike, I want this for mpg. They had an obligation to even hint that it is estimated over. Normal "estimation is about 2 mpg off. .not 7!
thanks,, Deb

[maxwedge]

Has any body taken into account cold winter weather can drop mileage no matter how conservative we drive, yes the road testers for the mags have complained the listed mpg is not accurate, but i see the a 2 mpg difference in both my cars during the winter months in upstate ny.

[kaczara13]

yes of course. I've told them if I had 30 in fall and 28 mpg now? I woudl not complain. Yes I agree there is often 2mpg less in winter.. the gas and warming car, et,,c,

[maxwedge]

Is it awd? Interested here as I have been contemplating a 6 awd since I pull a boat.

[kaczara13]

NO!!!! Thats my complaint! I chose the FWD and 4 cyl to get better mpg. I had a subaru outback that got similar mpg but was AWD and much better traction. I really miss it now.Thats why Im so mad. Im getting mpg of an AWD but dont have it@!

[Johnny R]

Originally Posted by kaczara13

....I didnt realize I could have gotten a full refund at 30 days ( they dont tell you that a friend did)I complained within 2 weeks....
.. I researched for months before buying...
thanks, Deb

What exactly did you research for months? Talked to other owners about their mpg? Dealers don't talk about the 30 day exchange program but your friend knew anyway? (although I'm wary of that program because the unhappy buyer has no negotiating leverage at exchange time). Became persuaded that a 4 cylinder was the right match for the truck? What I'm reading in your several posts is that GM advertised the mileage as being such and such, that you believed it, but your experience does not bear that out. IMHO your purchase was not based on research Deb, but on reading an ad and wanting it to be true. I'm not trying to be a smart ass, just wondering where/how you did your months of research.

In any case, I'm afraid the horse is out of the barn, not much point in closing the door now.

A wiser person than I once said that EXPERIENCE is a hard teacher, because she give the test first and the lesson afterwards.

[kaczara13]

yes I guess you are right . What I did was read up on all similar cars, Ford, Edge, subaru...etc.. I asked a few people in parking lots how they liked their Nox... they loved them, and I dated a man whose ex had one..again he rallied on t he handling et.c. But they all said :"its the older model and doesn't get the new mpg". So I figured it was a "new engine"./ Fool I am. But I teach, divorced, live real and 38 mile drive to work. Wheels spinning in this snow ( my subaru did not have trouble). so its m,pg way off. I knew better than to expect 32, I figured 30 and 28 in winter. 22-25 ( best only when REALLY snowy out and cant go over 60). So not being that used to having to dig deeper? I just got so upset I googled this and found this site! Im not a guy so I dont haunt car sites! Im a teacher. Did my best but they simply fabricated tests or went with best case.I have had several cars and never got worse than 2 under posted mpg. So I cased it all on those experiences. When I started to complain to dealer? He simply said oh you need to get past break in period.. 1500 miles, ten 3000 miles then 5000 m iles. I have 6200 now. Its been a horrible learning experience but its not safe enough for my terrain and drive. so its 2 issues.

[Johnny R]

Right, I hear you. There is interesting reading at the EPA site, start with www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/index.htm and browse from there.

As well, a blurb at http://iguida.com/2011-chevrolet-equinox contends that the 4-cylinder Equinox remains among the most fuel-efficient mid-size crossover on the market. What does that say about mid-size cross-overs I wonder?

In any case, I think you can still do something though, if you want. Let's say you drive 25,000 miles/year. Let's say your mileage is 22 mpg instead of 30 mpg. Let's say gas costs $4.00/gallon. Now your annual unexpected costs are $1,200/year, or $100/month. Year after year, month after month. You have to decide if this is worth standing up for or not.
If it is, try writing a reasonable letter to GM, copy to the dealer principal, copy to the dealer sales manager. State your case, outline your concern, list dealer's comments about break-in period and whatever (but don't call them liars) clearly, precisely and firmly. Do it better than you did in the above posts w.r.t. grammar and spelling mistakes. Tell GM you want to return the vehicle, or exchange it, or whatever it is you want to do. GM will send you a return letter with a copy to the the dealer. The dealer should contact you. Begin negotiations, don't get mad or show frustration. Be clear, precise, firm, but not unrealistic, and see what happens.

PS: There may be, just may be, something wrong with your particular vehicle that is not usual to all other Equinoxes.

[kaczara13]

Thanks Johnny
Yes Im working on it. Im a teacher , yet a horrible typist and when I write Gm of course will use spell check. I figured this was an online thing... But yes I've spoken to the regional district Rep form GM re: this.He was rude and basically made excuses for the tests: "The Fed's ok'd this". Controlled environment and hwy ave = 48 mph. I looked at a site. Yes, that's true. But no other auto maker is off by 6-8 mpg! So I was totally believing I woudl get 2 in summer and 4 less in winter. so 28-30 hwy. I will loose so much on this its overwhelming. Iv;e field with BBB its a fraud case and they don't cover Fraud. I have now filed with MI Attorney General's office. Pending. But yes I should write GM. But being divorced, I have my hands full with the rest of my life. Its extremely disappointing. Oh yes Dealer ship tested it over Xmas break. nothing wrong. fixed the recall on seat belt buckle. But they did similar tests. on hwy at speed resetting the mpg thing, it came up with 29 at 65. But again not overall. including stops, and some side streets? 24.7 exactly what I m getting. Thats not even the 26 overall they say. My drive is predominately hwy, I'm used to getting much better. and this is not AWD! Its only FWD which I feel in this snow.
thanks for your advice, its appreciated
Deb