Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

So assume I just want to set my cruise on a speed above 40 mph on a flat road - which speed will garner the higest MPG rating? I'm thinking somewhere between 50 and 55 based on my little observations but I am sure some of you have measured it.

Thanks.

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

If memory serves me, I believe the report is that 48mph is the "perfect speed".

Also, don't use cruise control. Manually maintaining speed is more fuel efficient. If you hit an incline the cruise control will "floor it" to get back to speed as quickly as possible. It is better to keep a foot on the accelerator and hold the speed yourself. On hills I focus on maintaining RPM uphill even if my speed slows a little bit. I can make up the speed part on the downhill. Also, driving manually will allow you to release the pedal for a split second to let the CVT adjust to a "lower gear" which is more efficient. The lower the RPM the better. I try to keep it around 2000 or less.

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

In my 2005 FWD I get 48 MPG at 48 MPH. Easy to remember. If that's not the sweet spot, it's dang close.
:shade:

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

Do you achieve 48 MPG at 48 MPH with straight-forward regular-person type driving, or using all the hyper-mileage tricks that have been described elsewhere?

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

Those of you with the newer 2.5L engine found in the 09 and newer versions should report on your findings. I would expect a higher average at any speed when compared to the 05 thru 08 version that featured the 2.3L engine and older software.

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

Ok, on my'09 FEH, I have my mpg on my 2nd thru 7th gas fillups so far. Here are my mpgs for each fillup:
2) 31.7 ... 80% city, 20% highway
3) 30.1 ... ditto
4) 35.2 ... ditto, but using Ethanol-free gas (hard to find), 87 octaine
5) 29.8 ... I-70 mountain passes, car loaded up
6) 29.3 ... mountains 8,000 to 10,800 feet elevation
7) 31.4 ... 80% city, 20% highway ... and filled up with the Ethanol-free gas again (yippie!)
total miles so far, up to the last fillup 1,652

Another fellow I met last week at the car dealer New Owner Clinic said he was getting around 29 mpg so far with his '09 FEH AWD in the city.

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

Let me restate the question: Those of you with a 2009 or newer FEH can provide some data by posting your "immediate" fuel mileage at the following speeds and rpms:


1500 rpm 1750 rpm 2000 rpm
[*]45mph=
[*]47 mph=
[*]50mph=
[/LIST]this would be on level ground and without a significant tailwind. Photos of your Ford Navigational display or Scanguage units are desired.

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

On really flat terrain I disagree. CC prevents "Speed up" and keeps the RPMs low, there are several areas where I can't beat the CC on level ground for miles at a time. With even mild hills, I switch off the CC (Well, cancel really) and do it manually as I'm far better, as mentioned.

I believe the engineer at the Ford Escape Hybrid experience said himself it's 47 1/2 MPH as the optimal speed. :P

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

I don't remember that specifically from my session, but real world has borne this out to be true in mt FEH at least.

BTW, just came back from Chicago and the CTA ( Traffic Authority ) is useing FEH's.
:shade:

Re: Speed above 40 MPH for highest MPG
 

My brother-in-law, working under contract for the US Forest Service, was given a FEH to drive from Idaho to Washington state, fighting a fire.

Also Littleton Colorado is using FEH's as traffic control / ticket vehicles.