First Road Trip Observations

I have had my SC SEL for a little of three months - all around town driving until this week. I have averaged 23.8 mpg over about 1500 miles, mostly in Normal mode, but have been in Smart mode for the last three weeks. I have installed the hood deflector and a mesh grill in the front opening below the bumper. This week, I did a road trip to my cabin in the White Mountains - about 135 miles. I go from Chandler AZ to Heber AZ - elevation around 500 feet up to 6800 feet at Heber. I have driven this route on a regular basis for the past 40 years, with:

1972 Ford F100 with 289 V8 and 3 speed manual

1986 Isuzu pickup with 4 cylinder engine and 4 speed manual

1996 Mazda B2300 with 4 cylinder engine and auto

2001 Mazda B3000 with 3 L V6 and auto

2006 Mazda B3000 with 3 L V6 and auto

On all vehicles prior to the SC, the engine strained on going up some of the steep hills. Had to shift down and increase RPMs.

The SC was a breeze - no strain (I do not have the turbo charger engine). This confirms my assertion that the standard SEL engine has more than enough power.

On the trip up to the cabin, I got 23.8 mpg. My overall mpg for trip up and trip down was 27.4 mpg (driving at 65 mph). I suspect that I could easily get 28 mpg on a flat highway. The SC is the quietest vehicle that I have ever driven (car and truck). I had to be careful with the gas pedal. I could easily be up to 80 mph if I did not watch what I was doing.

I have attached some pictures.