We packed the family for a day trip to the beach yesterday, 4 of us plus a couple of coolers, chairs and a few other bags. Only my second highway drive of any length. Got exactly 27 mpg on the trip to the beach averaging 80 mph on most of the trip(between 80-85 most of the drive). Ride home we saw 26 mpg but in heavy stop and go traffic until the last 30 min. of a 2 hour commute. I thought 27 mpg cruising 80 was pretty darn impressive, same for the 26 on the way home. You can't really judge the mileage of the vehicle based on only 3-4 people's posts, its just not a big enough sampling given the different ways people drive. In my experience thus far this vehicle gets exactly what the window sticker says and that is without trying to get good mileage. We only have 500 miles right now so I suspect the mileage might even get a little better as the motor breaks in.
One other thing I found, at 80mpg this engine is in its sweet spot. Cruising 80 you are just about at 2500 rpm and it just wants to pull in this range. If you feel like you want to drive 85-90 you won't even drop a gear to pass. The motor really is pretty sweet. I a little grainy/throaty if you fully stomp on it, but at the same time it's one of the better sounding 4 bangers...Subaru boxer aside(it is the best sounding 4).
rocko , wow 27mpg at 80 mph , great numbers! Very encouraging specially for AWD ! What is your millage , sounds like this thing is not even broken-in yet.
