My large 2-ton AWD is getting a very satisfactory 26+ mpg @ 80 mph. 2016 CX-9. I don't monitor non-highway driving...it's too variable. The roof crossbars take off about 1-1/2 mpg, so I keep them off when I don't need them. I haven't monitored the mpg with the roof cargo box installed.

 

Those fairly low profile OEM cross bars crew enough drag to influence fuel economy that much? Find that hard to believe. When I put my Thule box on top I guess I'll be getting about 8 mpg....

 

I have the AWD vision and am getting around 22-24 in the city. I have not taken it on the highway yet.

 

Interesting the variable reports on this car. It does appear that the EPA estimates were a little on the heavy side. Their "average" estimate of 23 mpg might be tough if your applying much throttle and your highway speeds are more like 75 than 65. One would hope that a 4 cylinder engine in this car would have given better fuel economy than the Highlander but that's not the case. Would the CX-9 be better with a similar V6 to the one that Toyota has? Not sure but I know the driving experience is far better in the Mazda. I'll be interesting to see what Toyota does with the new Highlander when they re-do it.

 

So, after 2000 miles, I am getting about 23 MPG (22.7). This is calculated by gallons used and miles driven. The MPG has been getting better in each tank as well. 21 in the first tank and 24 in the last tank. All city driving so far.

 

I'm only about 1200 miles deep on my 2018 CX-9 GT AWD and the computer is telling me we are averaging 21.4 MPG with a solid mix of suburban and interstate driving at speeds of 70-75. I'll start doing proper tests with the next fill up I'm but wondering if people notice that the computer is low compared to real world mileage tests? I'd like to see a couple more combined MPG's. There should be a noticeable benefit to a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder over the V-6's out there in this class.

 

I have found the computer at the moment is reporting a few tenths of MPG higher. That is, on my last fill up, I have 23.9 calculated and the computer was at 24.3. Honestly, this is not a big of a deal but each tank has been consistent. With my CX-5, the computer and manual mode calculation were always within 0.1 MPG when looking at two tanks. Right now, on the CX-9, my real mileage is lower by 0.4.

My gas is also from Costco. Where we are located, premium is 2.19 a gallon and I can't beat that price!

 

$2.19 for premium?! You must live in Texas..