Mpg sez who?

Perhaps there is something to the OP’s info. From the USA Today (todays “biz” section) it is reported that the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox with the 2.4L engine and a 6 speed transmission the EPA says 22/32 (note that 32). The USA Today staff reported an observable mpg of 27.7mpg. Lots of SUV stats in todays paper.

The really large numbers they put on the window sticker is the average for city and highway that they observed in their tests.
If you look below that number, you’ll see it says “expected range for most drivers between X and Y” then says “Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle”

example here:
http://www.inventory.ford.com/services/inventory/WindowSticker.pdf?vin=3FADP4FJ1BM144926&refid=DC&hash=53acd7a35b22dfd3c8659243ad13787&pacode=02892&modelid=192