2009 Mariner Hybrid

[JackDodge]

Originally Posted by qbee42

How are emissions? One of the main reasons that Prius mileage drops during a cold start is that the top priority for the Prius is low emissions. The Prius works hard to heat the engine and Cat, which hurts mileage. If you are willing to back off a bit on emission controls, you can boost the mileage during cold starts.

Tom

Good question, I don't know. The Mariner's avg mpg initially dropped first thing this morning from 41 to 37 and that's where it appears to have stabilized. We'll see after some mixed driving later today.

[JackDodge]

In mixed driving this morning, the mileage dropped to 36 and pretty much stayed there. Once I got on to the freeway, I used 'pulse and glide' and was able to improve the mileage a bit until I got off the freeway and back to 35 mph zones. By the time I got to my destination, the avg mpg was up to 37.5. I won't know for sure until I've driven all summer and in to the winter but I'm surmising that I may be able to maintain 35 without difficulty.

[ShellyT]

It's rated SULEV II.