loves2drive

I purchased 2017 RDX AWD with Advance package a little over 3 months back. I am driving mostly in the city in stop and go traffic. Currently at 1730 miles. MPG averages around 17.5. Mileage calculated by dividing gallons by miles driven is almost equal to Average fuel economy displayed in the dash. I've filled only premium unleaded 93 Octane gas from the time of purchase.

Range per tank I got varied from 228 to 265 miles. I never got above 265 miles per tank. RDX specifies 20 MPG for City driving. What could be the issue with my RDX ? Please help !

Thanks
NP

RDX-Rick

When driving on the highway for hours, there is not big difference in the way 2 different drivers would drive. You simply put your foot down until you reach the proper speed and then hold that position for hours.

Mileage in city driving can vary greatly between two different drivers, even in the same traffic. Since you may have to stop and start moving hundreds of times over during one tank of gas, the difference between jackrabbit starts and staying on the accelerator until the last possible minute before braking, versus, slow gentle starts and taking your foot off the gas 1/2 block from the stop sign can create significant differences in mileage.

Another thing you didn't mention is your geographical location. Up here in Ontario, with temperatures now dropping below freezing, we see a drop in mileage from our summer results. That drop will increase even more when the winter gas formulations are released at the pumps.

If your RDX is very new, you can also expect a small increase in mileage as the engine gets a few miles on it (i.e. "broken in").

Just to give you an idea of what to expect, I am one of those drivers who enjoys feeling the RDX's acceleration as often as possible. I probably average about 17-18 MPG during the summer. My best reading in 120 fill-ups was 28.8 on the highway, and the worst was 15.1 during winter driving in the city.

verpan

That mileage seems very low to me. I usually get around 26 to 27 mpg with mixed driving.

Carbon2008RDX

Also keep in mind new tires will always get worse mileage than when broken in. Give it a few thousand more miles. Secondly, tire inflation is very important. Maintain a minimum of 35 PSI cold (after car has been sitting for several hours or overnight). Remember, the colder it gets out the lower your PSI will go so keep an eye on it as under inflated tires rob the vehicle of mileage as well as performance.

jcross1231

That's about what I'm getting for in-town driving. At a constant 80 mph on the turnpike in Kansas, I generally get around 24-28 depending on wind. When driving across town at 60 mph, it can be as high as 32 mpg.

The mileage DID improve over the first 5000 miles or so. I'm over 20,000 now.

CanTex

21 to 23 in mixed city driving, some stop/go, some urban boulevards, some short highway stints but those are often in slow traffic. Every tankful so far, the MID shows higher mileage than actual, a bit optimistic, whereas in my now-departed TLX the MID was pessimistic with actual coming in higher. Oh, and the TLX was always 10 mpg higher than the RDX.

Just be glad you’re not driving a Tahoe in the same urban conditions.

Tech

Consistently 23 to 24 MPG (US) in the city and 27 MPG (half city & half highway at 65 MPH).

I have yet to drive a complete gas tank on the highway, but I am sure I'll get well over 30 MPGs. Note that temperatures have a huge effect on mileage.

jcross1231

So does altitude, apparently. I consistently get 2-3 mpg better when out in Colorado. Maybe less air resistance being 4000' higher?

Gadgetjq

The problem is....um, how to put this delicately....the problem is....YOU! Yes, you hotfoot The only way to hit epa city figures is to try and avoid as many stops/starts as possible and, when unavoidable, coast to a stop and accelerate very gently. Of course both will drive motorists behind you up the proverbial wall and your passengers will wonder if you're looking for a room at the retirement home. Where the RDX shines (when it comes to fuel mileage) is out on the open road where the cylinder cutout activates and you can watch the mileage soar...or at least hit the epa figure.

Just enjoy your car and, unless you're seeing the check engine light (unlikely) stop worrying.

Cheers!

auskip07

i get about 18.5 in the city with a heavy foot (atlanta traffic) and i have taller tires than normal so it registers lower mileage

dolsey01

Averaging 19.6 over the last 3 years. 90% City with a heavy right foot. Lots of short trips under 1-2 miles. Actually better than my TSX Wagon.

loves2drive

Thanks for all your responses. I love the forum ! Most of my driving is in city with heavy stop and go traffic, lots of signals. I try not to accelerate too fast or brake too hard. I'll be glad if I can get at least 20 mpg. I hope my decision to purchase AWD RDX doesn't turn out to be expensive.
I'll drive another 1000 miles or so to see if engine brake in period makes a difference in mpg.

chickdr

With that kind of driving profile a 4 cylinder may be better the next around. You won't need a 279hp V6 much in the city .

loves2drive

I bought RDX AWD to replace 2005 Toyota Sienna which had V6 engine. I own 2009 Honda Accord V6 sedan with 276 HP engine. I've been getting more than 22 mpg in Accord driving mostly in heavily stop and go city traffic. I assumed mpg rating published by Acura hold true.

chickdr

The Accord is a lighter car than the RDX so will get better mileage considering it is essentially the same motor..

tx4md

I've got 2200 miles on my 17 AWD and getting about 22 mpg in mixed driving. The MID seems fairly accurate so far. I'm hoping I get a better mpg when i take a road trip..I do miss the mpg on the TLX I had previously but I like the higher ride on the RDX.

jrasero

Sounds about right. I had a 2016 Base AWD in NYC in stop and go traffic with the average speed bellow 30 MPH it is easy to get low twenties or high teens for gas millage. I found that MPG was either a +/- 2 MPG depending on straight highway/city.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Thank god some one mentioned average speed.
Because we simply dont know what "city" looks like for strangers on the internet. it could be like Jrasero in stop and go traffic in NYC, or like my city where there's few stop lights and where I dont deal with traffic very much.

even tho we both are driving city, our average speed will be different, leading to different city fuel consumption