mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

I was just checking through the Trip Info randomly today and noticed that it stated the car have been averaging 15.1 mpg .

I'm very shocked to see this to say the least. On top of that, the GS400 have only been getting 14.6 or so mpg.

I'm surprised to see that the LX is getting better gas mileage than the GS.

Note - I've found that the car's electric mpg info is VERY accurate.

ryanp303

Mine is also 15.1 mpg with mostly city driving and I too have found the computer to be extremely accurate.

_JP_

i got 14.6 on my first tank, mostly city. i'll keep you posted.

jp

i have a roady planned in 10 days(ish) so i'll be curious to see highway.

Max707

I get 14 to 16 mpg depending and that is checked manually.

vcheng

~12 in the city, ~17 on the highway.

V8_Fan

About 15.5 city/18-19 hwy, depending on the season (19.3 in summer). Using a quality, heavier weight synthetic helps (I've tried Mobil 1 delvac 5w40, Mobil 1 0w40, Mobil 1 10w30, Shell Rotella T synthetic 5w40). I think the M1 delvac 5w40 is the best, w/ the M1 0w40 (benz/bmw approved) pretty much equivalent (fewer additives). M1 10w30 is junk, dragged my fuel economy down by 5-10% in both cars I tried it on. The Shell Rotella T synthetic gives as good mpg numbers as the D1 and 0w40, but isn't a true synthetic (highly refined mineral oil), so I don't think one should run it as long in extreme heat (I run 4.5K OCI's w/ the shell, 7.5K OCI's w/ M1).

Note that the only reason why the LX is spec'd w/ 5w30 oil is to improve the emissions numbers in the CAFE tests. Unless it's 20F outside, I would never use a 5w30 mineral oil...it's like water, can't even see it on the dipstick after changing it while the 5w40 synthetic is thick and gold colored when new. BTW, the LX470 and Landcruiser 100/Cygnus V8 in Japan and Australia are spec'd with 10w30...much better choice.

Da Hapa

We consistently avg. 14 - 15 mpg in mixed driving. That number goes up dramatically if I can find a way to keep highway speeds down (traffic in our area routinely travels at 75 mph and I've noticed that this beast really starts eating as when you get over 70).

V8_Fan

Freeway speeds here are like 75-80mph (speed limit is 75), but I still drive ~ 72mph regardless if it's CA or AZ. Just set the cruise to 2200-2400 rpm. Another thing I noticed. I think So CA gas contains less gas than AZ gas, as my fuel economy dropped over 1 mpg after gassing up in Orange County (same driving conditions as w/ the AZ gas). Also, I noticed that all of my cars get their best fuel economy during the summer time (about 10% better). This goes for both long drives on the interstate and commuting to work. My guess is that since the air is hot, it's less dense, so the EFI automatically adjusts the air fuel mixture to be compatible w/ the less dense air, namely less fuel is used for a leaner mixture. This translates to less power, but it's hard to notice since everyone slows down for the same reason and it's very gradual over the season as the temp's warm. Another possible reason is the engine warms up faster in hot weather, so it runs more efficiently at operating temperature.

_JP_

so my mileage will likely be junk if i'm averaging 80-85 up to the mtns? guess that's why i've always been disappointed with the listed mpg on our previous cars. sticker mpg is calculated at reasonable (legal) driving speeds.... interesting.

what do you guys get when driving 80-85mph on the freeway?

jp

V8_Fan

EPA highway sticker has been traditionally calculated at 55mph. Who drives 55? They are supposedly changing that (not from when) to reflect the way most people drive these days (hard acceleration from a stop, 75mph on the freeway).

Da Hapa

Hey Jim -

There's actually a lot of factors at work here but let me try and go through some of it.

AZ gas does not contain any more or any less gas than CA. However, thanks to the CARB requirments in CA, we do have different blends of gas which can (and do) affect octane, efficiency, etc. all for the sake of improving the unfortunate byproducts of burning gas.

CA has different gas blends at different times of the year. Summer gas, for example, is different than winter gas. The octane ratings are the same but the blends are different.

I'm surprised at your observation about getting better mileage in the summer. For one, cars are traditionally more efficient running during the winter months than they are in the summer. Heat is the enemy of efficiency for motors. Moreover, most people (esp. in AZ) are using their A/C quite a bit in the summer and A/C is a drain on power and efficiency.

I suspect that you're on to something about the warm up time. It's been cold as a witches boob here in S. CA and I can tell you for certain that my fuel mileage is paying the penalty as it's taking forever to warm cars (esp. my old LS400 which suffers the indignity of parking outside).

Da Hapa

Yes. While the LX is a fantastic rig, one thing it is not is aerodynamic. It's a bloody brick and I'm constantly amazed at the engineering that went into them given how quiet they are on the freeway.

Remember that altitude also robs power so if you're flying around at altitude, your gas milege will suffer.

V8_Fan

At least the LX is still more aerodynamic than a FJ cruiser or land rover.

LuvLuxury

Wow,

You guys seem to be getting some nice mileage? Could it be my heavy A** 22" Chrime rims? and too wide tires? Probably but I'm only getting like 12....maybe less?

Still love this SUV though.

Please Toyota and Lexus ----Send us a 400 HP Uber Luxury SUV!!!!

LL

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

I just happened to check out the specs on the 06+. It seems like they have 275hp. Out LX is a 2005 with 235hp.