Hyundai, Kia lose a few miles per gallon

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News and analysis by Dan Telvock, Investigative Post's environmental reporter

The EPA has discovered that Hyundai and Kia inflated the miles per gallon on many of the 2012 and 2013 models, prompting the car maker to modify the numbers.

The cars with the inflated MPG numbers — more than 11 models — will get new window stickers that show the corrected estimates. Most vehicles  will see reductions of one and two MPGs. The biggest offender is the Kia Soul with six highway MPGs above what the EPA found in its tests.

“Consumers rely on the window sticker to help make informed choices about the cars they buy,’ said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “EPA’s investigation will help protect consumers and ensure a level playing field among automakers.”

The EPA said this is the first time this many models from a single car maker have “deviated so significantly.” In fact, only twice since 2000 have the EPA’s audits resulted in car makers re-labeling the vehicle.

Dan Telvock