Hi all. First post and question. I've had my '08 MMH since September and have about 2,500 miles on it. I've read everything on the forum about MPG, as well as threads at other sites about hypermiling. I have tried all of the different techiques people have talked about and nothing seems to make any difference in my MPG. Since getting the Mariner, my MPG history has been 26.1, 25.6, 27.9, 25.2, 26.7, 26.4, and 26.2.

The 27.9 was an anomoly since I did not top off the tank, which I usually do. I always calculate MPG manually as it is more reliable. The MPG displayed on the nav system always seems to vary from true MPG by 2 to 5 MPG.

I can baby an entire tankful of gas, using pulse and glide, coasting in neutral, false shifts, etc. or I can drive an entire tankful like I used to drive my previous SUV. Regardless of the technique I use, the MPG comes out at 26 MPG every time. It is very frustrating to be following all of the advice and getting no results while reading the incredible MPG success stories here.

Have I just not allowed enough break-in time? Am I doing these techniques all wrong -- are they that tricky? Is my vehicle not working properly? I don't have a clue. Any advice or other things to try would be appreciated. Has anyone else had the same experience as me?

Some background on my car and driving style.
o '08 MMH 4WD with the nav system package
o I drive about 60% local suburban roads at 25 to 50 mph and 40%
highway at an average of 65mph
o I usually drive the speed limit up to 5mph over
o I coast when at speed and try to keep RPM under 2000
o I always have the a/c or heater in economy mode. I turn the
defroster on only when needed and turn it off once the windshield
is clear
o Have not increased air pressure in tires since taking delivery
-- i.e., running stock pressure
o I live in the north Seattle area so the terrain is rolling hills.
o Behavior of when ICE kicks in seems consistent with what other people
report. Usually see ICE start at 12 to 20 MPH. Starts sooner under
load, like going up a slight incline. Starting out downhill, I can keep it in
EV mode until 30-35mph, sometimes 40.

Any thoughts? Am I destined to always be stuck at 26MPG? It is better than the 17MPG I got with my previous vehicle, but I want more.

Thanks,
Frank