AWD 3.8L V6 driving mode impact on MPG

[HyperLunatic]

One aspect of considering AWD versus RWD on the 3.8L V6 is the reduction in MPG. What impact does changing the driving mode (Normal, Sport, Snow, etc.) have on MPG for the AWD 2015 Genesis? From what I have read, Sport is a 90/10 split. Other than the extra weight and friction of the AWD drive train, this Sport mode should be close to a RWD driving experience. Does this translate to better MPG as well? What experience do owners have to share??

 

[powerslide]

Sport mode definitely hurts your mpg because it also changes the shift points of the AT. If I'm cruising on the highway in normal or eco at 2200 and switch to sport my rpm jump up over 4k. I drive a 3.8L AWD with a lead foot in mostly normal mode and i was getting around 24 mpg over the summer with mixed city and highway driving. I'm getting a little better than 22 mpg on winter gas. If i were to just sit tight on the highway at 65 mph i would expect to get closer to 30 mpg. Conversely, strictly city diving would probably yield 16-18 mpg. Eco mode will help with city driving and keep your rpm close to 1200 most of the time. I haven't worried too much about fuel economy. Some of it is offset by the ability to run regular gas, saving 30 to 45 cents per gallon.

 

[HyperLunatic]

You have a 2015?

 

[amartz]

If I'm cruising on the highway in normal or eco at 2200 and switch to sport my rpm jump up over 4k. I drive a 3.8L AWD with a lead foot...

Let's see, you're at 2200rpm, add 4000rpm, that means you're at 6200 rpm.., yep, that's what I call a lead foot, allright!! ;-)

 

[CanukV6]

I believe in SPORT mode the top two gears are locked out so you effectively have a 6-speed transmission. This helps acceleration, but definitely hurts fuel consumption. Sport also changes throttle response & steering feel. The AWD is noticeably heavier than my 2012 Gen-1 Genesis and this hurts average mpg. In my Gen-1, everyday driving gave 25.5 mpg the 2015 is closer to 23 mpg. In highway driving on long trips at about 65-75 mph, the relative numbers are 29 mpg for the 2012 and 27.5 for the 2015 in Normal mode. I haven't tried ECO very much but it seems to change into the highest gear very quickly and hold it there longer, so I would suppose that fuel consumption will be improved.

 

[kev4]

CanuckV6 you are not correct in your statement that gears 7 and 8 are locked out. I, while in sport mode use the paddle shifters and go through all 8 speeds. This same shifting happens without paddle shifters as well. Sport mode just changes the mapping of the trany to allow shifting to happen at a higher RPM, it will also hold a gear when you release acceleration which keep the RPM up and posed for a quicker re-acceleration.

 

[CanukV6]

You are right, lock-out was probably the wrong phrase. I have just noticed that if I change from NORMAL to SPORT it immediately drops down a couple of gears and at regular road speeds never automatically shifts into a higher gear. With the paddles, you can select any gear regardless of mode, unless of course you you are in danger of over-revving the engine.

 

[powerslide]

You have a 2015?

Yes, it is a 2015.

 

[powerslide]

Let's see, you're at 2200rpm, add 4000rpm, that means you're at 6200 rpm.., yep, that's what I call a lead foot, allright!! ;-)

I meant that the total rpm was above 4000, not added to 2200. That's not to argue I'm a lead foot. I see 6000 rpm daily.