Nissan Altima Actual FE Results

ScottR@vianet.on.ca · #1 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 12:43 PM

I've just completed my first month with a 2007 Nisssan Altima Hybrid that I picked up Feb. 2008. It was a demo and had 23,000 km when I bought it, and I've added another 9,000 km (6,000 miles) in the first month. A summary of results:

Overall F/E = 28.5 mpg (8.3 l/100km)
Best tank = 32.2 mpg (7.3 l/100km) - during a week in North Carolina where the temp averaged 65F
Worst tank = 26 mpg (9.1 l/100km) - mix of short city driving where the car never got warm and hwy at around 75 mph

Cold weather seems to make a big difference. I live 2 hrs north of Toronto, so the trip to NC was the only time I've experienced warm weather. There's a good article at Carpages.ca - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid Road Test
where they tested the hybrid in winter and had similar results. The good news is that they averaged 6.7l/100km (35 mpg) in a test the previous summer.

Speed is also an significant factor, as I'm sure is true for any vehicle - I've just never paid such close attention before. This weekend we spent 4 hrs driving at 115 km/h (71 mph) and 4 hrs driving at 120 kph (75 mph) and watched our average FE (according to the trip computer) drop from 30.4 mpg to 29.8 mpg

Overall I'm a bit disappointed - I was hoping to see the 33-35 mpg that most test drives articles have reported. The good news is that I can expect better in warm weather - the bad news is that summer is a short season around here.

I'd be interested in other people's results, and especially in any modifications or other techniques people may have to improve this. I've been using the one obvious techniques - shutting off the climate control whenever I'm at a stop.

Tideland Prius · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 04:40 PM

Sounds good, thanks for the update! There aren't very many NAH owners (heck I've only seen one here in the Canadian capital of hybrids lol.... or second capital... if you ask a Victorian)

GripperDon · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 01:05 AM

first year.
NO AC Cool ambient, Urban driving, short distances 33.2mpg
AC YES, Same except 100+ outside 23.8 mpg
Heat cold for Arizona 50 F outside 31 mpg

Best way to run the AC is turn off the rear outlets, direct the vent directly on to yourself, Turn auto fan control off, set fan to 3 or 4 dots and recirculat to ON keep repunching on, Set temperature to 81F. Saves about 3mpg. and you stay cool.