Quote Originally Posted by cudarunner View Post
Here's an interesting article by Car and Driver.

https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...mpg-estimates/

Amongst the information is this----

"One last fuel-economy tidbit: Don’t even think of comparing EPA figures with standardized fuel-economy tests from other countries because the test cycles are very different. For example, the European highway rating, called “extra urban,” is higher than the EPA’s by about 30 percent, so a rating on that cycle of, say, 60 mpg, would be closer to 40 in this country. The mainstream press, not realizing the difference, often complains that automakers refuse to bring efficient models here when, in fact, they may not be all that efficient when measured by U.S. standards".
Yes, there are so many things the effect you actual fuel economy compared to what your vehicle is rated for. To get close you need to have a light foot and stay under 90 mph/100 kph in my experience. There are too many other variables that you have no control over that will reduce your fuel economy that simply cannot be replicated in government testing. It's the old saying "close enough for government work" as far as fuel government economy ratings go. It's the best that can be done under the circumstances.

Not surprisingly the EPA and Government of Canada ratings are identical.

https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/...Forester.shtml

https://fcr-ccc.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/en

You are also seeing more vehicles being equipped with auto start stop in order to reduce pollution emissions in urban traffic. As the name implies it automatically stops the engine when you stop in traffic and restarts the engine when you are ready to go if only for a few feet. It helps the Corporate pollution numbers and increases the fuel economy in urban driving.

One of the reasons you are seeing more vehicles with smaller turbo engines is they pack more air in on the combustion cycle making them cleaner burning reducing Corporate pollution numbers.

The same goes for direct fuel injection as opposed to port fuel injection https://www.counterman.com/direct-in...intake%20ports.

If you normally get close to what your vehicle is rated barring any unusual external conditions then you are doing well.

Bob