Prius overall MPG shows no improvement in the 3rd generation according to Consumer Reports tests

[Gokhan]

This comes as a big surprise. The third-generation Prius has boasted substantial (9%) improvement in overall fuel economy, from 46 to 50 MPG, according to the government dynamometer tests. But according to standardized realistic road tests of Consumer Reports, the overall fuel economy remains the same at 44 MPG, with the city being less and highway being more, in the third-generation Prius. This is disappointing to me, as I was expecting the Prius to raise the MPG bar with every generation. It also shows how unreliable the government MPG numbers are.

Consumer Reports mentions improvements in general, such as better seating. So, the car is improved overall from the last generation. But some of the interior features are mentioned to get cheaper.

Also, the handling, a weakness of the Prius, hasn't improved much since the last generation.

So, the bottom line is that the second- and third-generation Prii are basically the same car -- the well-known top environmentally friendly new car -- with the same MPG and similar performance and comfort.

Consumer Reports 2010 Prius First Drive:

2010 Toyota Prius: First Drive

The third generation hybrid grows up a bit

Last reviewed: August 2009







Video

While a redesign, the 2010 third generation Toyota Prius looks much like its iconic predecessor. The new Prius is slightly wider and comes with a larger 1.8-liter engine, many available high tech gizmos, and advanced safety options. Base price is enticingly low. We aimed to buy a base Prius II for $22,750, but found a Prius IV readily available for $26,550. This version adds Bluetooth connectivity, JBL stereo and leather seating.

First impressions

The new Prius comes across as more of a "grown up" kind of car than before. It feels more substantial, with improved seats and driving position and a little more oomph. So far, we've measured fuel economy at 44 mpg overall, same as the previous generation, but the car is more economical than before on the highway. In city type driving, however, the new car has gotten slightly thirstier.
The new Prius accelerates with a little less effort. The engine doesn't sound stressed when climbing a hill or merging, as did the engine in its predecessor. The car still propels itself solely on electric power at low speeds and is whisper quiet then. A new EV mode allows for electric propulsion when crawling at very low speeds such as stop and go traffic, keeping the engine shut off for as long as possible. Handling is still not sporty, but there's slightly less lean in corners and the steering has more heft, although feedback falls short. The ride is firm yet steady and compliant.
Inside, the telescopic steering wheel greatly improves the driving position. The seats are more comfortable, and the leather in our car provides decent support with a power lumbar adjustment. The switches for the newly available heated seats have an odd location, deep under the console. Some of the plastics, especially the upper-tier glove compartment lid are rather flimsy. The new center console that houses the shifter is slick looking but robs some width. It takes some getting used to scrolling through information on the new multi-function center display. Unfortunately, there is no more color touch screen, unless you get the navigation system. Access is easy and the rear seat is roomy. The split rear window remains and continues to compromise rear visibility. The rear wiper only covers the upper section, which becomes apparent when it rains.

CR Take

The new Prius is very familiar to those who knew the previous generation. It doesn't seem as ground breaking as it did in 2004, but it is improved in many ways. We will see how it stacks up when we get done testing it.

[john1701a]

Owner data (several here have upgraded) contradicts that "First Drive" summer driving observation.

Improvement for winter driving should be even more impressive.

With 9 years of ownership (as of 09-09-09, cool eh?) with 3 different Prius, I'm well armed with lots of real-world data to show the MPG is improved.
.

[sshaw10]

"Thirstier in the city?" I thought city driving was where the car shined, how can it get less MPG in the city than highway, isn't that the whole point?

[PriusRos]

Originally Posted by sshaw10

"Thirstier in the city?" I thought city driving was where the car shined, how can it get less MPG in the city than highway, isn't that the whole point?

I'm on my second Prius ... I have never been able to understand why city driving is rated higher than highway. In the city, in my experience, there's a lot of stop and go driving and short trips -- this is not conducive to high fuel mileage.

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by sshaw10

"Thirstier in the city?" I thought city driving was where the car shined, how can it get less MPG in the city than highway, isn't that the whole point?

Maybe they were driving it hard off the line each time they accellerated and since the engine is now bigger it got worse city for them but did get improved highway since the bigger engine does rev lower at highway speeds... Just a thought.

I've owned a 2006 and even my 2010 Prius V w/ AT gets a little better MPG. And that is in the summer with me using the a/c most of the time since I got the car and have been calculating my MPG.

My dad has a Prius III and comparing that to my 2006, I get noticeably higher mpg. They need to continue their tests IMO, they are off base...

[PriusRos]

Originally Posted by PriusRos

I'm on my second Prius ... I have never been able to understand why city driving is rated higher than highway. In the city, in my experience, there's a lot of stop and go driving and short trips -- this is not conducive to high fuel mileage.

I should add, however, that the Prius obviously does "shine" when it comes to city fuel economy when compared to gasoline-only cars. But it isn't true that it's mainly economical in the city and not that great on the highway, which is a myth that many non-Prius drivers have bought into.

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by PriusRos

I'm on my second Prius ... I have never been able to understand why city driving is rated higher than highway. In the city, in my experience, there's a lot of stop and go driving and short trips -- this is not conducive to high fuel mileage.

Right but during city driving with the lower speeds involved there is more room for engine off, battery only operation. It depends I guess on how one drives in the city. I'm not saying have everyone behind you beeping and flipping you off, I cannot drive like that here in NYC either, but you can't accelerate off the line every time running the indicator into the red pwr area either.

Edit: I see you added a bit more above

[PriusRos]

Originally Posted by Paradox

Right but during city driving with the lower speeds involved there is more room for engine off, battery only operation. It depends I guess on how one drives in the city. I'm not saying have everyone behind you beeping and flipping you off, I cannot drive like that here in NYC either, but you can't accelerate off the line every time running the indicator into the red pwr area either.

Edit: I see you added a bit more above

True. However I think where I live there are a lot of little hills and I find myself frequently having to start from a full stop on an uphill slope and the mpg drops each time. Sometimes I think that all my commutes are uphill no matter which direction I'm going !

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by PriusRos

True. However I think where I live there are a lot of little hills and I find myself frequently having to start from a full stop on an uphill slope and the mpg drops each time. Sometimes I think that all my commutes are uphill no matter which direction I'm going !

Doesn't that just burn ya!? Like why can't they make the stop signs/lights at the top so either way we can start by coasting! lol I swear here where I live, they purposely time every few lights so if you actually do the speed limit you miss lights every so many. But if you do 10-15 above you can make it several miles... Yeah, tell me nyc cares about the environment, it's more about the green in their pocket.

[jay_man2]

Originally Posted by PriusRos

I'm on my second Prius ... I have never been able to understand why city driving is rated higher than highway. In the city, in my experience, there's a lot of stop and go driving and short trips -- this is not conducive to high fuel mileage.

You mean you haven't been caught in bumper to bumper traffic on I-270 rolling along at 20 mph or less and watched your mpg climb like I do every commute on I-66?