I know that the testing for fuel economy changed this year and all car have lower mpg as a result. I was just confused as to how the element only has 18/23. It didnt bother me at first because I looked and with a manual that is 21/25 from the mpg I am used to before 2008. However, after looking at alot of different cars, I am just confused as to why the fuel economy is not better. The civic si get 21/29 and it has a more powerful engine. Cars that are much more powerful then the si still get the same mpg: wrx, ms3, legacy gt, even the sti gets roughly the same mpg (17/23). While the element's fuel economy is definetly not bad, I just dont know how it doesnt get at least 20mpg city with the new ratings. I am going to assume that its because of its weight (3500 lbs).

Anyone know why?

Thanks

That and its a little less aerodynamic than the civic and various other sport sedans...

Because it weighs more and it is a square box which is not really aerodynamic.

John