I have the 2020 Ecosport SES AWD that I got with 19.1k miles on it 20 months ago. When I hit 45k, I noticed a drop on mpg efficiency. I take the same roads and at the same times ever since I got my mini-mini SUV. I average about 80 miles a day. I remember getting 27+ mph on city/highway (70%/30%) that dipped to 24 - 25 mpg.
I thought this started after I brought my Ecosport to Ford for the regular oil change. I noticed that I lost the system menu information that gives you the fuel efficiency percentage when your driving at a certain mpg. Does this sound familiar? Could they have change my system programming that affected my car's performance? L
I also tried using Shell's MaxPower (93 grade fuel) that boasts of its ability to clean your engine fyel system related parts when my car hit 50k miles. And it seems to have improved the mpg to 26+ on my first full tank. I used the 93 grade for about two months and reverted back to 87 grade. I've been averaging around 26.6 mpg on the last three full tank fill. What do you guys think about the system menu programming change and/or the use if premium gasoline. Really appreciate your opinion on this.
First, welcome new member! I have an SES, too. The sporty model! 🏂
From what I have gathered, the SES sport suspension is simply different shocks. The springs and sway bars have the same part numbers as any 4WD EcoSport.
But, we're talking about octane. I'm glad you posted, because I've been playing with octanes in my SES recently, and I didn't update what I thought about it.
I've run 87, 89 and 93.
93 gives a noticeable bit more power. It doesn't transform the car, but you feel it. More importantly, it's better for the engine if you're stressing it with a heavy load, hauling/towing stuff, going off road, or just driving it hard, though I doubt most EcoSport owners bought it for that.
When I was a kid, 12:1 compression meant that you HAD to run premium gas. Those carbureted engines would knock or even self-destruct on lesser fuels.
Now, the 2.0 with 12.1:1 compression runs just fine on regular. It's all run by robots.
However, "For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended." - Owner's manual, p. 128
With premium, this car will give you more power and slightly better mileage. Not enough to offset the cost, but slightly better.
I love my Eco. It's the perfect winter car for me. I plan to keep it until I become too unhealthy to drive, or can no longer get gasoline, whichever comes first. I like it that much.
Premium is a dollar higher than regular where I live. If I were rich, it wouldn't matter, but I'm not rich. I hate giving money to oil companies, but I'm their slave.
As for your lower mileage, maybe it's the colder weather? I definitely get way worse mileage when it's really cold.