2011 Equinox poor mpg hwy!

The advertising for the Equinox hwy mpg is absolute fabrication! They are basing it on "controlled environment testing" and 48 mph hwy is considered "average speed"! Normally one can get within 2mpg of a hwy estimate on most vehicles. ( ie: Subaru outback 28 and you can get 26-27 mpg going 65-70 mph.). Chevy advertises 32 hwy and my drive is 38 miles hwy with 10 miles paved rural roads @ 40-50 mph. Im getting 24.6-25 mpg at best!@ 70 mph max hwy.They have given me run around and "I would know that its an estimate" if he was buying. I get good mileage with other cars. This is a FWD 4 cyl! Its outrageous. I bought new, its only 4 months old with 5400 miles. What can be done? Dealer looked at it and basically : tough luck. NEVER buy one! Even my rural roads get about 19-20 mpg not even the estimated 22 city! outrageous lies!

The advertising for the Equinox hwy mpg is absolute fabrication! They are basing it on "controlled environment testing" and 48 mph hwy is considered "average speed"! Normally one can get within 2mpg of a hwy estimate on most vehicles. ( ie: Subaru outback 28 and you can get 26-27 mpg going 65-70 mph.). Chevy advertises 32 hwy and my drive is 38 miles hwy with 10 miles paved rural roads @ 40-50 mph. Im getting 24.6-25 mpg at best!@ 70 mph max hwy.They have given me run around and "I would know that its an estimate" if he was buying. I get good mileage with other cars. This is a FWD 4 cyl! Its outrageous. I bought new, its only 4 months old with 5400 miles. What can be done? Dealer looked at it and basically : tough luck. NEVER buy one! Even my rural roads get about 19-20 mpg not even the estimated 22 city! outrageous lies!

Are you actually calculating fuel economy or are you just going off of the DIC indicated avg economy? With our 2007 Equinox, I've found that the DIC indication can vary by as much as 2 MPG, but usually varies by +/-.5 MPG when compared to actual calculations.

The advertised fuel economy ratings are calculated in the most optimal conditions which are seldom observed in real-world driving.

There are many factors that can affect fuel economy. The way you are ranting about this implies that you are either A) unaware of this or B) refuse to accept this as a legitimate reason for your less-then-expected fuel economy. All vehicles are subject to these variables, but some are affected more than others by nature.

Driving habits: three things that dramatically decrease fuel economy are
1)leaving the engine warm-up or leaving the engine idle to warm up the vehicle before leaving for your commute.
2)hard acceleration such as flooring the gas pedal to accelerate from a stop
3) "cold" short trips - short trips that don't give the engine a chance to warm up to it's normal operating temp.

Unless you are in extremely cold temps (like -40*F, windchill doesn't count), modern gas-powered fuel injected engines don't need to run for more than a few seconds before you begin your commute. Just don't drive it hard until the temp gauge begins to rise and you'll be fine.

Weather: cooler temps decrease fuel economy because the engine takes longer to warm up and most engine management systems are programmed to enrich the fuel mixture (because it is necessary) until normal operating temperature is reached. Consequently, more gas is burned during the longer warm-up process. Driving against the wind decreases fuel economy. Bigger vehicles are obviously more affected by the wind.

What fuel you are using? Ethanol can decrease fuel economy by up to 10%. Winter gasoline additive formulations also decrease fuel economy.

The terrain you are driving on is also a big factor. The more hilly the roads are the more it impacts your fuel economy.

yes Darlin'
I'M aware of ALL of your circumstances! I have driven my 38 mi route ( 28 hwy 10 rural of 40-50 mph) for 11 yrs. in various cars. I am aware that its estimated under best conditions. but ALL other car manufacturers estimate within 2 mpg of what you can actually get! I am VERY cautious with no pre- heating but 3mins, to pen up dogs. I do not accelerate fast or brake hard. I get 30-32 mpg for my miata which they predict 28 hwy! so I "know how to drive!" that's my complaint. I've tried all I can. if I zero it out on FLAT hwy no hills and no passing an d no acceleration I got 29 mpg at 65. that's absurd. GM told me that "contr4olled circumstances are ok and that the Feds allow for it besides the Feds establish that 48 mph is "average" hwy speed! thats ridiculous! I used to get 25 winter and 26-27 hwy on my subaru outback with this same route going 70 mph! they advertise 28 THATS my complaint I'M arguing with GM now.. they have inflated or "bast case scenario" they mpg too much! flat hwy with no accelerating to get ON the ex-way is not Ave! It IS false advertising. The Ford Edge advertises 26 they get it,. Subaru outback 28 they get 27 at 7 mph! Honda crv 27 they get ti. Again these are AWD and I have a 4 cyl FWD!!! this is robbery,. So yes I'M ranting but GM has given me run around on this and justifiable their tests and advertising for 4 months now. its WRONG> unfair practice. I never would have bought it. They told me finally. well "I": ( they") woudl have KNOW N the millage was estimated. I fully knew that and expected to get 30 maybe 28,. 24.6-25 at 65 is not the same! I am knowledgeable in autos , in my 50's and have driven this rout3e with 3 other cars getting better or within 2 mpg of estiumated speed. I cant get32 let alone 30 mpg with this car on my route, ever. It's wrong of GM to advertise as such. way too far off.

yes Darlin'
I'M aware of ALL of your circumstances! I have driven my 38 mi route ( 28 hwy 10 rural of 40-50 mph) for 11 yrs. in various cars. I am aware that its estimated under best conditions. but ALL other car manufacturers estimate within 2 mpg of what you can actually get! I am VERY cautious with no pre- heating but 3mins, to pen up dogs. I do not accelerate fast or brake hard. I get 30-32 mpg for my miata which they predict 28 hwy! so I "know how to drive!" that's my complaint. I've tried all I can. if I zero it out on FLAT hwy no hills and no passing an d no acceleration I got 29 mpg at 65. that's absurd. GM told me that "contr4olled circumstances are ok and that the Feds allow for it besides the Feds establish that 48 mph is "average" hwy speed! thats ridiculous! I used to get 25 winter and 26-27 hwy on my subaru outback with this same route going 70 mph! they advertise 28 THATS my complaint I'M arguing with GM now.. they have inflated or "bast case scenario" they mpg too much! flat hwy with no accelerating to get ON the ex-way is not Ave! It IS false advertising. The Ford Edge advertises 26 they get it,. Subaru outback 28 they get 27 at 7 mph! Honda crv 27 they get ti. Again these are AWD and I have a 4 cyl FWD!!! this is robbery,. So yes I'M ranting but GM has given me run around on this and justifiable their tests and advertising for 4 months now. its WRONG> unfair practice. I never would have bought it. They told me finally. well "I": ( they") woudl have KNOW N the millage was estimated. I fully knew that and expected to get 30 maybe 28,. 24.6-25 at 65 is not the same! I am knowledgeable in autos , in my 50's and have driven this rout3e with 3 other cars getting better or within 2 mpg of estiumated speed. I cant get32 let alone 30 mpg with this car on my route, ever. It's wrong of GM to advertise as such. way too far off.

After doing some reading it seems you are not alone. I am not defending GM, but they are using a 182 HP (172 Ft-Ibs torque) four cylinder to lug around ~3750 Ibs. Of course it's not going to achieve the EPA fuel economy ratings in the real world. The two biggest things - wind resistance and weight - are not accounted for in the tests that produce these ratings.

I don't blame you for being upset, but quite frankly you are barking up the wrong tree since there is very little traffic here.

A few suggestions I would try: using regular 87 unleaded gasoline, not letting it run for the three minutes, and checking your tire pressure. If your sticker calls for 30 PSI in your tires like it does on our 2007 Equinox then put 35 PSI in them.

yes I agree. My dad always told me to keep tires inflated This thing comes with a brain! it shows me all tires have 33-34 # pressure. Yes there are others complaining. Im actually goign to fight GM on this. I didnt realize I could have gotten a full refund at 30 days ( they dont tell you that a friend did)I complained within 2 weeks. I bought the car for its estimated mpg. They all look alike or similar otherwise! I've filed a complaint with BBB and will talk to Attorney general this week. Its been very frustrating. I also ran into a GM engineer in a parking lot.. we were both filling up washer fluid.. and he asked how I liked the car.. I said dont get me started then I told him my compliant. He said no this car wont get 32, they are advertising it like tha? I said yes. He said Im a retired GM engineer,m this car wont get it. see the front? Its built like a bill board.. to flat..etc.. He commiserated with me. so yes I knwo the testing if false.. and I know enough to realize it woudl not get 32. .but figured like most cars, it woudl get closer to 2-3 mpg off. I could live with 28 even!
thanks for yoru imput.. The sad thing is, Ima tacher, not a large salary. this is my last "new car"! I plan to retire in 4 yrs wtih it,. not sure I will now. I woudl like to find more people ( to document) who are complaining Im sure its not just me!) any ideas?

When I saw the claimed 22/32 at the Noxes' intro, I laughed. This year, look at the more powerful and more economical (24/35) '11 Sonata (with a direct-injected 2.4L). The Nox has less power and less fuel economy. Why? 1) GM under-developed this engine, 2) the Sonata is much lighter, and 3) the Sonata is way more aerodynamic. But also consider other mid-size 4-cylinder sedans that get a claimed 22/32. They're all much lighter and more aerodynamic. No way would a new Nox get 22/32, except under highly atypical conditions.

BTW, since most of us can't afford a new vehicle under the current economic conditions (why used car sales are through the roof), your whining is not about to get much (or any) sympathy in here.

I teach, live on a farm and 38 miles from work. I need a vehicle large enough to hold 400# of feed and at times 2 golden retrievers.. yet be safe on exway. I sold puppies, and stock (inherited) to buy it! Im retiring in 4 yrs. .this was to be my last (2nd) new car ever!!!) I put too many miles on to buy used. 30-33,000 a year!
Im not just whining. Im tryign to find others.Im filing complaint with GM for false advertising. I filed with BBB last week. This is serious. I researched for months before buying and told them they all look alike, I want this for mpg. They had an obligation to even hint that it is estimated over. Normal "estimation is about 2 mpg off. .not 7!
thanks,, Deb

Has any body taken into account cold winter weather can drop mileage no matter how conservative we drive, yes the road testers for the mags have complained the listed mpg is not accurate, but i see the a 2 mpg difference in both my cars during the winter months in upstate ny.

yes of course. I've told them if I had 30 in fall and 28 mpg now? I woudl not complain. Yes I agree there is often 2mpg less in winter.. the gas and warming car, et,,c,

Is it awd? Interested here as I have been contemplating a 6 awd since I pull a boat.

NO!!!! Thats my complaint! I chose the FWD and 4 cyl to get better mpg. I had a subaru outback that got similar mpg but was AWD and much better traction. I really miss it now.Thats why Im so mad. Im getting mpg of an AWD but dont have it@!

....I didnt realize I could have gotten a full refund at 30 days ( they dont tell you that a friend did)I complained within 2 weeks....
.. I researched for months before buying...
thanks, Deb

What exactly did you research for months? Talked to other owners about their mpg? Dealers don't talk about the 30 day exchange program but your friend knew anyway? (although I'm wary of that program because the unhappy buyer has no negotiating leverage at exchange time). Became persuaded that a 4 cylinder was the right match for the truck? What I'm reading in your several posts is that GM advertised the mileage as being such and such, that you believed it, but your experience does not bear that out. IMHO your purchase was not based on research Deb, but on reading an ad and wanting it to be true. I'm not trying to be a smart ass, just wondering where/how you did your months of research.

In any case, I'm afraid the horse is out of the barn, not much point in closing the door now.

A wiser person than I once said that EXPERIENCE is a hard teacher, because she give the test first and the lesson afterwards.

yes I guess you are right . What I did was read up on all similar cars, Ford, Edge, subaru...etc.. I asked a few people in parking lots how they liked their Nox... they loved them, and I dated a man whose ex had one..again he rallied on t he handling et.c. But they all said :"its the older model and doesn't get the new mpg". So I figured it was a "new engine"./ Fool I am. But I teach, divorced, live real and 38 mile drive to work. Wheels spinning in this snow ( my subaru did not have trouble). so its m,pg way off. I knew better than to expect 32, I figured 30 and 28 in winter. 22-25 ( best only when REALLY snowy out and cant go over 60). So not being that used to having to dig deeper? I just got so upset I googled this and found this site! Im not a guy so I dont haunt car sites! Im a teacher. Did my best but they simply fabricated tests or went with best case.I have had several cars and never got worse than 2 under posted mpg. So I cased it all on those experiences. When I started to complain to dealer? He simply said oh you need to get past break in period.. 1500 miles, ten 3000 miles then 5000 m iles. I have 6200 now. Its been a horrible learning experience but its not safe enough for my terrain and drive. so its 2 issues.

Right, I hear you. There is interesting reading at the EPA site, start with www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/index.htm and browse from there.

As well, a blurb at http://iguida.com/2011-chevrolet-equinox contends that the 4-cylinder Equinox remains among the most fuel-efficient mid-size crossover on the market. What does that say about mid-size cross-overs I wonder?

In any case, I think you can still do something though, if you want. Let's say you drive 25,000 miles/year. Let's say your mileage is 22 mpg instead of 30 mpg. Let's say gas costs $4.00/gallon. Now your annual unexpected costs are $1,200/year, or $100/month. Year after year, month after month. You have to decide if this is worth standing up for or not.
If it is, try writing a reasonable letter to GM, copy to the dealer principal, copy to the dealer sales manager. State your case, outline your concern, list dealer's comments about break-in period and whatever (but don't call them liars) clearly, precisely and firmly. Do it better than you did in the above posts w.r.t. grammar and spelling mistakes. Tell GM you want to return the vehicle, or exchange it, or whatever it is you want to do. GM will send you a return letter with a copy to the the dealer. The dealer should contact you. Begin negotiations, don't get mad or show frustration. Be clear, precise, firm, but not unrealistic, and see what happens.

PS: There may be, just may be, something wrong with your particular vehicle that is not usual to all other Equinoxes.

Thanks Johnny
Yes Im working on it. Im a teacher , yet a horrible typist and when I write Gm of course will use spell check. I figured this was an online thing... But yes I've spoken to the regional district Rep form GM re: this.He was rude and basically made excuses for the tests: "The Fed's ok'd this". Controlled environment and hwy ave = 48 mph. I looked at a site. Yes, that's true. But no other auto maker is off by 6-8 mpg! So I was totally believing I woudl get 2 in summer and 4 less in winter. so 28-30 hwy. I will loose so much on this its overwhelming. Iv;e field with BBB its a fraud case and they don't cover Fraud. I have now filed with MI Attorney General's office. Pending. But yes I should write GM. But being divorced, I have my hands full with the rest of my life. Its extremely disappointing. Oh yes Dealer ship tested it over Xmas break. nothing wrong. fixed the recall on seat belt buckle. But they did similar tests. on hwy at speed resetting the mpg thing, it came up with 29 at 65. But again not overall. including stops, and some side streets? 24.7 exactly what I m getting. Thats not even the 26 overall they say. My drive is predominately hwy, I'm used to getting much better. and this is not AWD! Its only FWD which I feel in this snow.
thanks for your advice, its appreciated
Deb

Hi driver -
Experiencing identical poor fuel mileage in our 2011 Equinox (LS,4cyl,FWD) -
We know perfectly that it is not our doing -
Have owned many,many GM vehicles and never fail to get at least the window sticker EPA mileage -
Heck , we have a 2007 HHR with essentially the same drivetrain and consistently average 33+ mpg at a computer displayed av. of 25 mph !
Not what you would refer to as "highway driving" -
GM really needs to fix this -
Even in the "eco" mode I notice the 6 sp. transmission upshifts too lazy and then when coasting into an intersection it begins to downshift early - So early in fact that little braking is needed -
Some smart GM tech. needs to reflash the transmission controller to see if it will help the terrible fuel economy on these 2011 Equinox's.
How many 1000's/10'000's of Equinox's will be marketed before this is addressed ?
Hope this helps -

The fuel economy estimates are based on results of tests required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These tests are used to certify that vehicles meet the federal emissions and fuel economy standards. The vehicles are driven by a professional driver under controlled laboratory conditions, on an instrument similar to a treadmill. These procedures ensure that each vehicle is tested under identical conditions; therefore, the results can be compared with confidence. Please keep in mind that these ratings are estimates. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me via private message. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

Thank you Tricia
I HAVE been i n contact with service.. etc. Yes, I understand "estimates" however, ,NO OTHER automaker has such exorbitant estimates that do not come close to "reality". The best I can get is 26.6 ave on ALL hwy. going 70. That's reality not 32. Subaru advertises 28-29 and I got 27 .... etc.. a friend at work has the ford Edge, they advertise 27 and she got that exactly. So to advertise test conditions is false advertising and not appropriate for the market. change your ads! 26 hwy would be closer and 24 ave., 20 city.

Tricia from GM customer service (see above) does not answer the question. She reasserts the EPA estimates that end up being on window sticker figures that potential customers use to make a big ticket purchasing decision. The sticker goes on to mention that "your actual mileage may vary" . As stated before : our actual mileage on every single one of our last 10-12 GM vehicles varied by easily exceeded those estimates. From reading these and other posts it's apparent that virtually no one is achieving the EPA estimates ; much less exceeding them. From our past experience this is not a 5,10, or even 20% disparity. It's much more. Stop any denial and find and publish the problem.
Thanks & Later -

Not to back up Tricia or the EPA, but the mileage figures are not achieved at 70 mph number one and driving conditions are at 65-75 degrees on level roads, sure not real world, but all the GM cars I have owned have come very close or on target under similar driving conditions, but I will say anecdotal evidence based on internet chats does say the Terrain and Equinox does fall below the epa numbers by more than expected..Disappoints me because I really was considering these vehicles with 6cyl, awd. Also the poor turning circle is another issue.

The best fuel economy possible is the direct result of proper maintenance and good driving habits. Listed below are GM's recommendations to achieve the best mileage possible. The first group includes things to consider for your vehicle, while the second are tips relating to your driving habits.

1. Always keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure as shown on the vehicle placard. This not only serves to increase gas mileage but cuts down on tire wear, further decreasing your costs per mile.

2. A vehicle that has a dirty air filter can’t efficiently draw air into the engine. This restriction forces the engine to expend energy to "breathe" wasting fuel in the process. Change recommendations are found in your vehicle Owner’s Manual.

3. Always use the proper viscosity oil in your engine. Oil that has a higher than required viscosity will create more drag on the internal components of the engine causing more work for it, especially when cold. Each Owner’s Manual contains information on the proper type of oil for your vehicle. Look for the "starburst" symbol on the front of the bottle, and the SM rating on the API circle on the back label. If you are in doubt, stop by your dealer for an oil change, and any other services required. Most current GM vehicles are equipped with oil life monitors to further assist on the "when" to change your oil.

Note: GM Vehicles DO NOT require additional engine oil additives. Some additives may cause harmful effects to the internal seals and additionally void the terms of your vehicles New Car Warranty.

4. Top Tier Detergent fuels are preferable when and where available. They help to keep your fuel injectors and intake valves free of deposits. When Top Tier fuels are not available, consider a bottle of GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS, P/N# 88861011 (in Canada, #88861012), at oil change time which will remove intake system and injector deposits. GM does not recommend any other fuel system cleaner.

Note: DO NOT confuse Top Tier Fuels with Higher Octane (Plus/Premium Grade Fuel) commonly sold at most all gas stations.

5. Using higher octane fuels in a vehicle that only required regular unleaded fuel will neither increase performance nor improve gas mileage. In all cases refer to your owner’s manual and ONLY use the octane rated fuel recommended for your vehicle.

Note: In high performance GM vehicles that DO require Premium (91 octane or higher) fuel, you MUST use fuels of at least this octane.

6. Is the Check Engine/SES light on? When the computer lights the Check Engine/SES light it has lost some ability to run efficiently. This may result in increased fuel consumption, increased emissions, and/or drivability concerns.

7. Even though current GM vehicles have 100,000 mi (160,000 km) service intervals for spark plugs if your vehicle is at that point in its life, have the spark plugs changed to assure proper running and continued efficient, trouble free operation.

8. Avoid quick/full throttle acceleration from a standstill in town and high cruising speeds on the interstates. While the optimum MPG for highway cruising speed varies from vehicle to vehicle, faster is almost always worse. If your vehicle is equipped with a Driver Information Center that displays Instant Fuel Economy, select that readout and vary your cruising speed while on the highway. The display will change continuously with uphill and downhill sections but you should quickly be able to identify on level ground the speed range that your vehicle does the best in.

9. Avoid leaving unnecessary items in your trunk. It takes power to move increased weight and that means more gasoline consumption and reduced performance. While the change may be slight, multiplied by thousands of miles, it all adds up.

10. Idling wastes fuel.

11. Your vehicle uses much more fuel when the engine is cold. This is especially true in the winter months when the engine will take the longest to warm up. Combine errands or trips so that the vehicle only needs to warm up once to encompass many different stops.

If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

Tricia,
My 2011 Equinox (Oct 2 purchase) was 5 mos old or 4 mos old when I originally wrote.Its now in 2 days 6 mons th old with 10,000 miles. I JUST got the oil changed by a dealer ship! my dealership wont talk to me now and is completely rude! IN fact I suspect t hey are sending false calls to me for purchase as Im trying to sell this car! I DONT do fast acceleration, (Im older and my dad taught me well , how to drive for fuel economy! ) I check mpg EVERY tank on EVERY car I've had. Its new, 7000-10,000 miles, hwy mostly.e.tc. I drive only65 goign home. I GOT better mpg with a subaru outback with AWD! I have a 4 cyl car. this is totally ridiculous! I dont see where to respond personally but I think everyone needs to see this. You are not takings to a child! Advertising best case scenario mpg is wrong. Period. No other automaker does that. Im able to attain within 2 mpg in summer and 4 in winter. Im averaging 24-25 all winter and this car is to get 32? wrong. Im a VERY good driver. I have a MIata 6 spd that advertises 28 hwy and I get 30-32! so I DO know how to drive and yest I go 70-75 with it! Same route.

I have done a little research on this car for myself. In reading reviews for Equinox on several different car sites many owners claim that they dont come close to the mpg estimates. Considering this, I have marked the Equinox off my next car list.

yes I do both methods. I use car, then I also do the math! I teach. I'm very upset as Ive driven this route for 11 yrs with other cars.NEVER this off. ( accurate for subaru outback and 30-32 in a miata!)I know better than to idle long, I turn off car waiting in line for gas!~~ and to get mail. I have longer mostly hwy commutes, no short drives ( In country)...etc. I know about gas, and comparing same gas station to what is used prior! so all other variables are constant. IM ranting as not happy with GM. they are ONLY auto manufacturer to advertise this high if MPG and off by 5-7 mpg!!~! wrong. dead wrong. IM looking for a class action suit. ITs unfair to advertise the HIGHEST mpg and not able to get it. You have to go 50 on flat terrain ( no entrance and exit on exway ) to get it. false advertising.

I bought a 2011 V6 in January (FWD). I've filled it up about 10 times now. I was originally getting 22 mpg every tank on flat land, mostly 45-55 mph, very little highway (probably ideal conditions to achieve the best fuel economy).

On the last fill-up, I noticed the mileage 'jump' to 24 mpg. Same driving conditions exactly. Must be the warmer weather and gas formulation change for the summer.

I don't expect it to improve much at all from here on out.

But again - I've got the V6. I didn't buy the 4-cylinder because of all the complaints and my own belief that there was NO WAY that engine was going to get the advertised mileage. Heck, my '02 Impala barely gets that kind of mileage and it's WAY lighter than the overweight Equinox.

2011 Equinox LT, 4cyl FWD, I just got mine around Memorial Day and then read this and was concerened if I made a bad choice. I live in Ill. and just returned from a trip to NY. I now have just over 3000 mi. I drove most of the time with the ac on 65-70 mph. cruise set, useing reg. gas I had an avg. of 29.5 mpg. I hope yours starts getting better.
Chuck

I too purchased a 2011 Equinox LT2 in January of this year. I think the Equinox is the prettiest SUV on the road and have found it to be nimble and fun to drive. However, I have been highly disappointed in the gas mileage. Mine was in the dealer's garage for 27 days in July with a failed shift controller in the transmission. A week after I got it out I took it back for a "whine" in the transmission. I am hopeful that repairing the transmission will improve the fuel economy.

That said, this is what I have found. During the 8000 miles I have had the vehicle I have averaged 40% below the EPA estimate. I realize that the estimate is unachievable in the real world, but 40% less is ridiculous, regardless of "driving habits." To heighten my suspicion that something is wrong, my latest courtesy vehicle is a 6 cylinder GMC Terrain (a corporate twin with a bulbous grill). The Terrain has averaged 21.2 mpg for the week I've had it. The Equinox 4 cyl has averaged 19.2 for the seven months I have had it.

Discussions with both the dealer and the GM customer service rep have yielded no answers. Both said that sometimes the extreme heat causes poor fuel economy, or my driving habits are different, or it may get better. To these suggestions I ask, why was it the same before our hot summer in Oklahoma, why do my driving habits work better in the 6 cyl. than the 4, and when will it get better.

I have not finished trying to get resolution, but at this point, I'd be happy to get the 24 to 26 mpg others are getting. I'm not reaching the city average even in pure highway driving!

I bought a 2011 chevy Equinox LTZ in January 2011. The vehicle itself is great, the look as well as the room is awesome, however, I am having similiar problems with gas mileage. My wife uses the vehicle for work, furtunately, she drives approx 25.2 miles each way (all freeway), so it makes it easier to figure out gas consumption (and yes i almost on a daily basis check tire pressure and my wife has had specific instructions on driving behavior). I noticed and calculated that we were getting 22.00 mpg, however, I read many articles in which it states that the car needs to be broken in, and with the addition of miles (approx 5000), your gas mileage should approve. This is the reason I waited, because I read this on GMC's own website, as well as forums. After the 5000 mile mark (I have 6900 right now), I took it to my dealership, they conducted a mpg test. I had fill up the car and their service people test drove it 50 miles and determined that I was only getting 21 mpg on highway. They reset my computer, and they stated that it should take care of the problem. I evaluated the vehicle again for three additonal full tanks, I actually think and figured that it got worse, so I took again (too a different dealer) and they reset the computer and cleaned "something". After their test drive they were puzzeled with their results that they had bring a new Equinox and park next to mine to conduct a comparison. They said by resetting (again); "that should take care of the problem (they did not test drive it the 50 miles to determine how much gas was being consumed, they said it was not necessary). I have driven it for one gas tank since then, and I still don't see any results. I am going to wait a little longer and a few more gas tanks and complete a third service request/complaint (a required service to comply with the lemon laws) and give them the change to rectify for a third time (if it does not reticfy itself). I have spoke to a few of my attorney friends and they suggest that you follow the same lengthy process before you go any further. So I am following their advice and doing everthing possible to get it taken care of, however, they have agreed to consider representing me in a lawsuit if they do not rectify the problem. Which I would like to extend to you all with similiar problems and possibly proceed with a class action suit. However, please follow the process and give the dealership the opportunity to take care of the problem and if after three times, it does not get fixed, look at your states lemon laws and try to settle it with GMC yourself first, if that does not help, then please email me and maybe we can discuss a possible class action lawsuit. I am getting ready to conduct my third service call for same problem. I will also follow same process if it does not get fixed. The sad thing is that I love GMC products, I own a new chevy truck as well and was planning to buy a new GMC acadia at the end of this year. I hope GMC is reasonable and takes a deeper look into this problem, if they they want to keep my business (I buy two new vehicles every two/three years. Ohh yeah, KEEP ALL YOUR SERVICE DOCUMENTATION AND HAVE THEM SPECIFICALLY WRITE THE PROBLEMS YOU STATED AND THEIR RESULTS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

To all, last week I finally got my vehicle serviced for the third time. Apparently, now they are saying that their a "service call", not "re-call" on the 2011 Chevy equinox. Something about changing the cylinoid (don't know how to spell it) or something to that affect. Apparently, thier are plenty of people that have complained about the fuel comsumption. They are not ready to call it a re-call. Anyways, I had the vehicle serviced and right away, I did feel like the vehicle had a little more power and not really struggling to pick up space. As of right now, it does appear that quite possibly that will work (have to give it more time to determine). I had made my appointment a week before and apparently everyone where I am at were getting the same service done. We will see!

Put me down for the poor mpg club! 2011 Equinox, 4cyl, fwd, had it since May, best hwy mpg is 22. Normal is 21. My 2010 Ford Focus sticker shows 34 hwy mpg, same gas, same driving style, I get 35-37 highway. Shame on you GM!

I have owned a 2011 Equinox (4cyl AWD LT2) for about 5 months. I have 4,500 miles on it. It is our second car so we only drive it in town and short 30-40 mile hwy triups. I am barely getting 20mpg! (20.6) I also have a 2008 Tahoe and I average 22mpg with that! I just brought the Equinox in to my dealer and they checked it over and said there isn't anything they can do. I am exremely disappointed with this and I want to take it further. I agree that this is flat out deception by GM to advertise 32mpg and no one can even come close!

Yes, I do agree with you 100%...complete fabrication. Based on my experience with my 2011 Equinox thus far, these vehicles are complete junk!

Yup same here. I narrowed down my search fro this certain vehicle because of the gas mileage. I went with the 2011 AWD 4cyl model that claims 29 hwy. I am lucky if I even get 24, most of the time it is around 22. Had I known I would have not bought this car. Kind of a let down. I was really excited about getting rid of my gas guzzler and getting something a bit more economical. Turns out I am only getting about 3 more miles per gallon than my 02 3.7l V6 Jeep liberty that was getting around 18. -Scott

Wow, peoples mileage is all over the map here some are getting nearly 30 and others are getting less than 20. Just to make a statement G.M. is not the only manufacturer to claim better m.p.g. than you actually get. I would like to have an Equinox, they are very nice vehicles for the price but to get that much comfort, utilities, options and room something has to be sacrificed like economy and power. Plus how you drive a vehicle effects it's mileage more than anything.

Check this out:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=mpgData&vehicleID=30505&browser=true&details=on

They show 32 highway/22 city, with a combined mileage of 26.....

They show examples of 14 vehicles....only 3 of them exceed the 26 mph average....and of those 3, they show that 80-90% of the driving is highway......

Even though one person "claims " 30mpg, I tend to throw out the high and the low from a small sample.....so we are talking a range of approx 22-28 mpg......how you drive is important(leadfoot, tailgater, speeder, etc.)......the terrain is important, hilly vs flat..... time of year, a lot of people let their vehicles(especially those with remote starts) warm up in the winter.......most important, highway vs city(stop and go)....

So basically, anyone expecting 30 or more MPG with this vehicle, is deluding himself......the average is 26, driving under ideal conditions....if driving mainly on the highway, maybe 26-28......city driving, 22-26.....

Compare this to a Honda CR-V, which weighs 400# less, it has a rating of 28/21, with 24mph combined....has the same size engine......

hello this is Deb, the woman who wrote last year about my Equinox. I went thru GM, had it checked. .. ran my own tests of zeroing it out ..et.c. got 30 on FLAT hwy going 60 mph.! ( but not including getting to 60,. Otherwise got 23-26 mpg. I drive predominantly hwy with some 40-50 mph roads too. I finally got fed up filed a complaint with the BBB and Attny General in MI! got little response. but.... I sold it! at 10,000 with a $3000 loss, back in April. I'M SO HAPPY! I went back to Subaru outback, same price..... and LOVE that car! it gives me 28-29 mpg and I'M driving More at 80 mph! I teach so up early. I don't have to baby it.. same gas ( Costco) same driver, same distance same me! so they are TOTALLY lying. sell the car and get rid of it. If you want a class action suit against GM> Im in! tho Im trying to move on. Had this Subaru ( with AWD and gettign better mpg!) for 8 months. Sorry cant buy American if they don't make what we wan.t I tried. I had a 2004 outback before but got tired to getting flack for not driving Am! Its made in Indiana. ok so I paid some autoworkers. I'M more concerned with the average public worker than the owner! Good luck to you
Deb

Deb, I'm glad you are a happy camper, again.....just think......getting better gas mileage, will save you money, that you can use to pay for your speeding tickets, doing 80mph.....:rofl:

haha~ yes well IM careful and only do it where "everyone" near Detroit are doing it for about 10 mil.es The E-nox only did it for 3 miles! On way home I go back to 65-70. The hassle with Subaru is they are notorious for blowing head gaskets! I know. my 04' did.. But they have improved the antifreeze.. its a 100k miles change now. But its still an aluminum engine. Hmm maybe my 80 mph over heats it? ;) The handleing is better, no blind spot (E-nox is REALLY bad on rear, small window.) I love my car again! Lets hope it lasts past 150k with no head gasket problem! Thanks

We have owned an 2010 Equinox for 20 months now and for the most part are satisfied with the mpg's.My expectations for the car when we bought it were in the 25-27 range combined and we are consistently in that range.We,like others live in the country,so we have more hwy miles but have taken some longer trips including one of 2200 miles.I have achieved close to 32 mpgs a few times on hwy trips.Overall,we have had a good and problem free experience with our Equinox and would recommend it to others with the expectation of the more realistic mpgs.We owned a 2006 Equinox and feel this version is much improved in fit and finish,ride,mpgs,and value for the money. Our 2006 averaged around 19 but it was an AWD.

I have a 2012 Equinox and am having similar issues with mileage. I typically get 24-26 with an occasional 28 mpg average... Has anyone filed a class action suit against GM for the false advertising? I've had no help from the dealership...

The MPG is what the manufacturers reports to the government. Has nothing to do with consumers except to entice them to buy their product.

This MPG is absolute garbage! We've gotten only 27 mpg on a good day with our 2011 equinox. My wife drives lots of miles for her job and out of 3000 driven in a month routinely, 86% is freeway. We bought this car with the 32 mpg as advertised. we bought it over the Ford Escape. I've contacted Chevy early when it had less than 1000 on it. We were told about the breakin period yada-yada-yada. Ok but still no better than 26 mpg. Less than a year old and with 28000 miles on it (told you she drove alot) still no better than 26-27. Ecoboost on as was told to do by the dealership.
I recently emailed Chevy and made my complaint and something must be happening legally to Chevy because I've received emails and phone calls from them and have an appointment with the dealership to go over it with a fine tooth comb. Somethings afoot I tell ya.
We went back to chevy after we paid off our 06 cobalt. It was advertised as 32 mpg and we were getting actually 34. Same driving habits as the equinox. Certainly a bigger ride but hey, they advertised it with the 32 mpg, I didn't.
I'll keep you all posted on their findings which I'm sure will be nothing. I said in my email to them that if they had the 6 month not happy with chevy return progam they're now advertising, it would have definately gone back. class action baby...

Well kids, here's the info found by the dealership. They checked it over and couldn't find anything wrong visually or computer-wise. They reset the MPG and took it for a 30 mile round trip test drive through some city and mostly highway. The service manager who drove it took a snapshot on his smartphone of the MPG he was getting, it shown 34.8. I asked for the snapshot and he sent it to my phone, sure enough there it was. He drove, varying speeds which to me is the normal driving habit. I asked for a step by step of what he did before and during driving the car so I can try to duplicate it. Our MPG only ever got to 27.1...but I did not reset the MPG when I drove it. They said to reset the MPG everytime I fill up the car, and that's what I'll do so see how it goes for me. Perhaps the life of the vehicle with 29000 on the car and me only resetting the MPG once during that time could have given me a false reading on what I was truely getting. I'll give it a shot for a month resetting it every fillup (which is like every 3 days, lots of miles we drive i tell ya...) and monitor the deal.
Obviously GM will do nothing but at least they seemed to care about my plight. That's all folks....

There are usually different types of driving that apply to MPG. The milage of highway vs. city, type of terrain, and personal driving preference. As your wife experienced acceptable mileage before it is unlikely that her driving habits have changed much, unless there is a heavy pedal afoot ;) I will assume (hate that word) that you have not moved so the terrain is not an issue. This said I believe there may have been a different view from the government as to testing parameters that would skew the test results from year to year.

I have a 2010 that I bought in '09 that currently has 79,000 miles. I keep track of every tank of gas, and when new I would average 20-21 mpg. After about 10,000 miles I am averaging 21.5-22 mpg. Now I drive mostly highway miles at 75+ mph, so I know I could do better. I have seen it as low as 16 when pulling a trailer.
Now I will tell you that it is a V6 AWD LTZ. I am actually getting better than the 20 I thought I would get.
Is there a possibility the toe-in on these vehicles are off? Only thing else I can think of that hasn't been mentioned is if the transmission is not going into overdrive. Sometimes mine will go for a few miles without shifting into overdrive unless I go faster then let off the gas.

If the toe in was off tire wear would be evident, these transmissions will not shift to o/d if the trans fluid is cold, otherwise have the delayed upshift checked on a full scan with a trans scanner this may show some fault.