Our 2015 Honda Accord hybrid is only getting about 36 mpg. What's up?
What is your question?
We are cautious drivers, almost never gun the engine. We drive a lot in suburban areas. The trunk is empty, there are usually one or two people in the car. The mileage varies from around 35 mpg over a few hundred miles to about 40. But mostly it's 36 or 37. EPA sticker said 47, which we never really expected, but 37 seems pretty shabby. Sometimes the engine races at stoplights, when I would think it would be just running on the battery. Our local Honda mechanics seem clueless about hybrids, they just haven't seen enough of them. Any ideas?
What makes this problem better or worse?
Nothing, it's pretty consistent
How long has your 2015 Honda Accord had this problem?
We noticed it within a few months of buying the car (new)
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Hello,
Fuel economy is a very subjective topic. It will vary for every driver, every driving condition, and more. For example, in Pennsylvania, you will experience less fuel economy then say in a hot climate state. Batteries of all kinds function far more weakly in cold temperature environments.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, you are right about the tested average of 47 MPG. However, feedback to the site enters "real world" experience at about 42.6. Yes, that's more than your 36-37, but consider environment and driving conditions. For example, the best economy will occur in local traffic -- never on the highway. You will get far better economy the more you decelerate and use brakes -- which puts power back into the hybrid battery.
How are you checking your economy? Ensure you are resetting any "average fuel economy" meters.
As far as the engine racing -- the powertrain will always serve the needs of the battery to prevent a loss of power overall. It could be that a low state of battery charge is noted when you are stopped, and the engine is functioning as a generator of sorts to restore power.
Always ensure you have a clean air filter. That's about the only thing you can do to ensure the best possible economy. And choose local roads over highways.
And one final point: Absolutely NOTHING can be done to "tune up" or improve your vehicle's performance. It literally is what it is. You can't reprogram anything, you can't adjust anything. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news on that.
(PS...I'm the service director of a Honda dealership right now -- so I am very well versed in this vehicle.)
Thank you. Sadly, I have to report that that the mileage is no better in warm weather; and that almost all our driving is city/suburban, not highway. In fact we have experienced *slightly* better mileage on highway road trips. We always get the highest "eco rating" after we turn off the engine, and I've never seen a low state of hybrid battery charge, it's always over half.
I guess I can try the clean air filter, but this is pretty depressing. Thank you again for your informed and thoughtful reply.
Thank you. Sadly, I have to report that that the mileage is no better in warm weather; and that almost all our driving is city/suburban, not highway. In fact we have experienced *slightly* better mileage on highway road trips. We always get the highest "eco rating" after we turn off the engine, and I've never seen a low state of hybrid battery charge, it's always over half. I guess I can try the clean air filter, but this is pretty depressing. Thank you again for your informed and thoughtful reply.