I noticed on KBB.com that the 2008 RL has a stated MPG rating of 16/24 vs. 18/26 for prior years - 05-07.

I assume this is due to a new method for testing? not any vehicle modifications.

The 16/24 is comparable to what I get , so whatever the reasoning, it seems more accurate.

 

They didn't put a V8 in there by accident?

 

The EPA has changed their testing methods. Previous methods were far too efficient to mimic real-world driving. Among them were never applying more than 4% throttle and not exceeding 50 mph. Who drives like that? So all 2008 models will suffer from an apparent MPG drop but it's simply more accurately estimated.

 

Funny, since every Honda and Acura I've owned has gotten the EPA estimates or done better

 

www.fueleconomy.gov has the adjusted MPG for cars back to 1985 using the new 2008 standards. FYI.

 

I can top that, Ken. I've NEVER had a car that didn't either achieve or exceed the EPA estimates. (And I've had a lot of cars in my 45 years of driving!)

My RL sits at 20.1 right at this moment, and there's no highway miles on it. In fact, I usually get 20 or more in town and 26 - 26.5 on the road. A/C always on, and I drive "spiritedly".

So it puzzled me when I read the numbers were going to be reduced for almost all cars under the new testing procedure. I guess it better reflects places like NYC and L.A., where people creep along at a snail's pace all day.

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Ditto here Mike. My RL avgs 23-24 mpg / tank in my 50 / 50 city / highway driving. That puts me at the top of the EPA estimate. I have found Honda generally do better than the EPA esimates, or at least in the higher range. No complaints here.

I think where the new EPA measurements will put more pressure on light trucks and SUVs that estimate 16-19mpg and truely produce 10-14mpg. Auto companies in America are required to produce a model line up with a minimum avg mpg for the fleet. As we have seen in commercials, Honda claims the most fuel efficient fleet in America.

This thread reminds me in the 'drop' in HP a few years ago. No change in the engineering, just a change in the measurement.

 

The 07 TSX was rated at 31 mpg highway. I've always beat that. All of my customer beat it too. One customer just took his with 29 miles on a 14 hour road trip. The cruise control was set at 80mph the whole way and he got 34.9 mpg. On the way back with about 3,000 miles on the car, he got 37.8 mpg!

The TL is the same way. It's rated at 29 mpg highway, but I've never got less than 33. Same with the 07 MDX. I've taken a 600 mile road trip in one that started off with 9 miles on it. Cruise was set at 80mph and I still got 25 mpg for a car that's rated at 22.

 

Over July 4th weekend I drove to Florida from Georgia.
speed 76 mph, AC on, Cruise on, Heavy load, GAS milage = 27.2

2006 RL w/21,000 miles

 

My average is at 21.6 with 95% of my driving around town (suburbs). I always start-out in 2nd gear which might have something to do with it. I find that starting in 2nd gear gives me better acceleration under moderate throttle and it just feels like the engine doesn't work as hard to get rolling.

 

Here in the city with my heavy foot I'm getting about what the epa says of 16 and 27 on the hwy.

 

Gee, I am getting 13-14 in the 'burbs, lots of stop lights, no speed over 40, and so forth, 1-5 mile trips.

However, on the highway, I can get 28-29 at 70-75 over long distances with cruise. I suppose one day I will have to try it doing 55 to see what the aerodynamic difference is.

 

My wife does. I can't stand riding with her on the freeway as a result. Love her anyway, though!

My RL gets the new mileage, but mostly because I'm lead-footed. My wife can't stand driving with me as a result.

 

don't you think the fuel blend used in your state effects the MPG? especially in summer months. Also, wouldn't altitude play a factor? I'm sure attitude would... fast starts and first to the next red light

 

I think traffic conditions affect MPG alot. If you drive home from work in rush hour traffic, try reseting the trip meter before you start off. Watch the average MPG gauge along your route. You might start out with whatever MPG, but as soon as you come to a crawl in stop and go traffic, you can watch the MPG drop pretty consistently. Sitting in traffic is obviously horrible for your MPG. It's just interesting to physically watch it go down so quickly when you aren't even moving.

 

I never get better that 17MPG. But my right foot if very heavy

 

I got 32.2 mpg going to work yesterday in the TSX about 53 miles one way driving between 65-80 mph. In the span of 2 days it has gone down to about 30.7 mpg because I've been going 70-80mph. The highest ever got in the TSX was a stretch about 10 miles about going 75 mph on a straight expressway no turns at all and I got 38.3 mpg it said on the mpg navi indicator!

 

My avg is 21. I drive mostly in town with one long highway trip/ week. AS others here I would describe my driving as spirited. Highway milage is around 26 at speeds of 75-80.

 

YES! Both are big factors.

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funny, because my 07 gets 16.x miles a gallon, so I tend to believe they are being more truthful.