lower than advertised mpg |Model\package vs mpg

[elmo2274]

I've seen the explanation of the V getting a few less mpg due to tire size and such I'm curious about the base weight of each model and if there is any type of trend from drivers getting lower mpg on certain models.

I drive a IV with solar and have been getting about 44-46 mpg driving completely in eco no AC, Cruise control at 69 during highway driving. I try to coast to a stop or slow down so I don't have to stop. I'm sure I'm no where near the best at that but the fact that I do try really hard makes me wonder. (this is over almost 5k)

I have read a bunch of other reports of similar mpg from other users. Wondering if there is a pattern to the model or package and the mpg issues.

One interesting thing for me is that I had a need recently to disconnect and reconnect the 12V battery (not change) and after that was done I did manage to reach 50 (onboard not sure about real). We'll see if that continues but I don't think we should have to try so hard just to touch the 'normal' mpg.

[Felt]

Sorry to hear you numbers are a bit low. I own a IV, G3, but without a sunroof; 4800 miles. My overage for the distance is 53.9 mpg. Needless to say I am well satisfied.

I drive normal ... (I am not a hypermiler), but I try to drive consistent, accelerate normally, but glide to a stop when possible. I suppose traffic in Raleigh could be a factor ... I have learned that you really must be able to drive 35-45 mph for a portion of the tank to achieve the greater numbers. Here in N. Utah, I do get that opportunity. Plus, I am retired, and not fighting commuter traffic.

Consumer Reports came today, and they did a piece on the G3. Their city mileage is pretty consistent with your experience. Fortunately, mine is better that CR reports.

I hope it gets better, but I suspect everyone will not do quite as well with Winter coming ... longer warm-ups, and the Winter blend of gasoline.

[ALS]

You want better mileage? Slow down to 60 mph on the highway.
I've got a III with 1,500 miles and I'm averaging just over 56 mpg on the first two tanks. Any highway I do is at 55 mph with the cruise control on.

Bob Wilson put up this chart that should help you out in getting the best fuel mileage on the highway. It looks like an 8-9 mpg difference between 60 mph and 69 mph.

[dogllama]

Originally Posted by elmo2274

I drive a IV with solar and have been getting about 44-46 mpg driving completely in eco no AC, Cruise control at 69 during highway driving. I try to coast to a stop or slow down so I don't have to stop. I'm sure I'm no where near the best at that but the fact that I do try really hard makes me wonder.

I am in the same boat. I found that over-inflating my tires (48/46) and really focusing on hypermiling is the only way to consistently hit 50 mpg for me.

At first I thought it was because of my location, but now I wonder if its a quality/consistency issue with Prius.

[DrJon]

I also drive a IV w/solar and I'm getting just shy of 60 calculated, not computer. Course, like someone else says, I don't think I've ever had it up to 69 mph. The MPG really falls off the faster you go above 60.

[JimboPalmer]

The EPA runs a battery of tests*, whatever the results of those tests, that is the only MPG the manufacturer can ever mention. When the EPA tests made out that a Prius was able to get 60 MPG, Toyota was not able to show lower numbers. Now that the EPA tests make out that a Prius is able to get 50 MPG, Toyota is not able to show lower numbers. What Toyota CAN say is "Your mileage may vary."

*Or the manufacturer runs them to the EPA's specification.

[reginaever]

Hmm... that's really strange. I drive a IV w/solar and I have been consistently getting the mileage in the low 50's. I drive in the power mode all the time and drive about 5 - 9 mph above the speed limit. Almost 10 mph above the speed limit on the highway, which would be 65 - 70 mph. One thing I do notice is when I take my wife to work, which is about 2 miles away, the mpg does seem to drop 1 - 3 mpg, but when I drive 10 + min. the mileage goes right back up to 50's. I've driven about 2500 miles and the mpg is 51.2.

[G3priusV]

Originally Posted by elmo2274

I've seen the explanation of the V getting a few less mpg due to tire size and such I'm curious about the base weight of each model and if there is any type of trend from drivers getting lower mpg on certain models.

I drive a IV with solar and have been getting about 44-46 mpg driving completely in eco no AC, Cruise control at 69 during highway driving. I try to coast to a stop or slow down so I don't have to stop. I'm sure I'm no where near the best at that but the fact that I do try really hard makes me wonder. (this is over almost 5k)

I have read a bunch of other reports of similar mpg from other users. Wondering if there is a pattern to the model or package and the mpg issues.

One interesting thing for me is that I had a need recently to disconnect and reconnect the 12V battery (not change) and after that was done I did manage to reach 50 (onboard not sure about real). We'll see if that continues but I don't think we should have to try so hard just to touch the 'normal' mpg.

I have a V and about 4500 miles and average cons. is now 49.6 and increasing by .1 just about everyday.

[G3priusV]

Originally Posted by reginaever

Hmm... that's really strange. I drive a IV w/solar and I have been consistently getting the mileage in the low 50's. I drive in the power mode all the time and drive about 5 - 9 mph above the speed limit. Almost 10 mph above the speed limit on the highway, which would be 65 - 70 mph. One thing I do notice is when I take my wife to work, which is about 2 miles away, the mpg does seem to drop 1 - 3 mpg, but when I drive 10 + min. the mileage goes right back up to 50's. I've driven about 2500 miles and the mpg is 51.2.

it is strange but seems to do better on PWR mode than on ECO as I get better mpg on PWR mode!

[1 mad scientist]

50 to 51 highway at 70 mph. 42-44 city and getting less every week. There does appear to be a large number of posts from people getting low 40's city. 4,700 miles on the V with AT.