Ford Hybrids Not Achieving EPA MPG Ratings: Report

[vh_supra26]

After the recent debacle with Hyundai and Kia over their inaccurate MPG claims, Ford may now be under the spotlight as fuel economy numbers for its new hybrid models don’t seem to be living up to expectations.

Media and real-world results of Ford’s two newest hybrid models, the C-Max and Fusion Hybrid, have turned in disappointing mpg figures despite their EPA-estimated 47-mpg ratings. Many C-Max Hybrid testers and owners have reported barely achieving 40 mpg in their vehicles, while the Fusion Hybrid is reporting much less, struggling to even hit 40 mpg.

In AutoGuide‘s own first drive of the 2013 Ford Fusion we noted that during a brief drive we achieved a 40 mpg rating. To give that number context, it is better than we achieved in the Camry Hybrid, with an as-tested 39 mpg. However, the claimed mpg rating for the Camry Hybrid is just 40 mpg (a one mpg difference) compared to the seven mpg difference we saw in the Fusion Hybrid.

Though it’s still too early to draw any conclusions, these initial reports could point to a larger issue at a time when consumers are focused on real-world fuel economy after the recent news of incorrect claims by Hyundai and Kia.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...gs-report.html

[Justin.b]

The EPA test isn't real world.

Manufacturers are probably just tuning their cars to maximize mpg on the EPA test cycle.

-Justin

[dem00n]

Who cares, Fusion looks amazing.
Go buy one.

[Justin.b]

I agree on the looks. IMHO, very Aston Martin in the front.

-Justin

[ScionRacer]

Does anyone see a trend here?.First it was the Prius and Insight,then the Hyundai and Kia's. There is not one hybrid out there getting close to advertised mpg.

The manufacturers were forced to produce cars with better fuel economy,but the reality is the "gasoline" engine has hit its limits of efficiency.Instead of building an pushing diesel technology,Auto makers would rather lie about what their vehicles are getting and send the product out to save their asses.

I read reports of VW diesel owners getting anywhere from 700-1000 on full tanks
Close to 70 mpg highway and automakers are still parading this "hybrid" technology.

[ZDan]

The b.s. regarding the *alleged* mileage of diesels is getting a bit out of hand...

70mpg hwy? Bull, F-ing, S.

I never had any trouble getting the rated fuel economy in my father's Prius, btw. 46 was nothing. Even got 37mpg on a trip where I averaged ~85mph, and spent about 1/4 of the time with the cruise set at 92.

[ScionRacer]

I can't see them getting 70mpg.But diesel has come a way since my brother had his 96' TDI and could get to Boston (700mi)on one tank with miles to spare.He was getting 55 back then on the 1.9L engine.

[serialk11r]

lol, diesel paraders. Stop getting brainwashed by Europeans.

A Prius will do 80mpg+ if you keep the speed down (on low speed limit roads some hypermilers are able to get 100mpg or more on a stock Prius). If you get 46mpg on the highway, you're driving over the speed limit for sure.

In Europe they do not regulate NOx emissions as tightly so diesels can easily get higher efficiency. If you let gasoline engines put out NOx the way diesels do they can gain 10% efficiency *easy*, and the engines cost much less to build. Diesel fuel has higher energy per unit volume anyways, so 70mpg is not the same as 70mpg on gasoline.

On a stock manual FRS you should be able to get 50mpg if you just roll along at 45-50mph, and the gearing isn't even that great. I'm pretty sure that's how fast those 70mpg diesels are going. You can't blast down the highway at 80mph like most people do and expect great fuel economy, that's not how it works.

[Dimman]

What did Ford do to piss off American media?

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Dimman

What did Ford do to piss off American media?

I guess it takes a non-American to notice these things quickly lol.

[Dave-ROR]

Some lady sued Honda because her Civic Hybrid didn't meet the EPA mileage with her driving method.

The lady won. Luckily some other judge had enough of a brain to reverse the decision.

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

I guess it takes a non-American to notice these things quickly lol.

Take any car, drive like a retard, see shittier than ESTIMATED rating. How is this news?

Toyota was kicking GM's ass, hence the blown out of proportion acceleration BS in the shittily reported news. Then Hyundai.

So looks like a media issue to me.

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by Dimman

Take any car, drive like a retard, see shittier than ESTIMATED rating. How is this news?

Toyota was kicking GM's ass, hence the blown out of proportion acceleration BS in the shittily reported news. Then Hyundai.

So looks like a media issue to me.

Exactly why Honda underrates their MPG. Most American don't drive efficiently.

Ford seems to be spot on from what I've seen. No more no less but not much room for error if somebody drives like a ****.

[S2kphile]

Don't people ever read the small text when looking at EPA MPG Ratings?!?!



If you're getting between the advertise city/highway MPG then you're doing pretty good with mileage and anything over that is superb.

I cannot understand people's stupidity and common sense or lack there of.