Aerodynamics and MPG

[Shadow Catcher]

We are back from Boogie In The Hills (about two hours south of us) and had a good lesson in how important aerodynamics are to gas mileage. We acquired a new to us 2012 Subaru Outback with the six cylinder (H6) 3.6L engine to replace our 2001 3L H6. I had great hopes that there would be an increase in MPG with the new vehicle. It gets about 30MPG on the highway and averages about 24MPG over all, the predecessor used premium gas and got 22 to24 MPG at best on the highway.
Towing, the 01 got at best about 16 to 17MPG with premium gas, with the new one this last weekend we got 16.5 to 18MPG with regular gas. We did have a high cross wind which translates in to a quartering wind at 65 MPH which did hurt us both coming and going.
Compass Rose is wider than the Subaru and this appears to be the biggest actor in aerodynamics with its Grasshopper profile.
We are headed North of Lake Superior next Monday about a ten hour drive, it will be interesting to see what we get.

[DrCrash]

we are heading up there on monday . Nice seeing you again at Boogie In The Hills .

[S. Heisley]

My Jeep is older (2009) and normally gets 19 MPG on the highway. Towing MyAway, it gets around 15, MPG, which is the same as the Jeep gets in the city. MyAway trailer is the exact same width as the tow vehicle but about 6 inches taller, because of the lifting roof. I suspect that the perfect quarter circle front on that lifting roof helps a lot, aerodynamically.....Once again, Andrew Gibbons (Angib), Thanks for your advice.

[Gary and Cheri]

We have 2009 Diesel Jetta Sportwagon which is rated at 41 highway and 28 city. It has a 6 speed manual transmission. We drove 7,000 miles out to IRG and back with an average of 29 mpg for the trip. Drove mainly in 5th, not 6th gear and at 60 mph. 60 mph seems to be the cars sweet spot. Only used 6th gear when it was flat as a pancake. You have to learn your car and be patient enough to use it to the best advantage. I go faster if I feel I am getting in other peoples way or if I feel a slower more economical speed could be dangerous.

Gary