Gas Mileage, exceedng EPA estimates?

[Kaibz]

I have a 2008 Prius and regularly get anywhere between 54 and 61 mpg, substantially higher than the EPA estimates. For the most part, this is attributable to learning how best to drive the Prius, i.e. pulse & glide, over inflate tires, block grill in winter, etc…

Is the same true for the Camry? I’m averaging about 57 mpg in my Prius, about 25% more than the 45 mpg EPA estimate, is it possible to do the same in the Camry, can the same increase in fuel efficiency be attained in the Hybrid by “learning” how to drive it more efficiently, i.e., 25% over EPA estimates?

[Tideland Prius]

I wouldn't be surprised but the TCH is harder to P&G. I've tried. I ended up cheating and shifting to N

[JimN]

I don't have a Camry so I don't know but inflating the tires should improve FE on any car. If the Camry's engine compartment is designed to retain sufficient heat then grill blocking won't help. The driving style will definitely help. Coasting to a stop instead of braking, driving at a slower, constant speed rather than accelerating & decelerating will benefit any car.

[Kaibz]

Originally Posted by JimN

I don't have a Camry so I don't know but inflating the tires should improve FE on any car. If the Camry's engine compartment is designed to retain sufficient heat then grill blocking won't help. The driving style will definitely help. Coasting to a stop instead of braking, driving at a slower, constant speed rather than accelerating & decelerating will benefit any car.

Not exactly sure why I’m so irritated by this post, but I am, or why I feel the need to post a reply, but I do.

“Don’t have a Camry so I don’t know…” After typing that intro did it ever occur to you that maybe you were not the right person to post a reply? Do you really think there is anyone out there who believes that over inflating tires will only help FE on a hybrid? I suppose I can take partial blame for that one by including tire pressure in the parenthetical in the original question.

Or how about this great insight, “If the Camry’s engine compartment is designed to retain sufficient heat then grill blocking won’t help.” That is really helpful, thanks! Do you think there is anyone out there who blocks their grill that doesn’t understand that concept? Did you know that if gravity didn’t apply to the Camry hybrid it would get better FE?

I suppose with 1793 total posts it’s a little difficult to hit a home run each time.

[dogfriend]

Originally Posted by Kaibz

For the most part, this is attributable to learning how best to drive the Prius, i.e. pulse & glide, over inflate tires, block grill in winter, etc…

Is the same true for the Camry?

I think Jim was answering this part of your post. I don't quite get why you are so irritated at his answer.

[Tideland Prius]

mmhmm.. I don't understand either. Not every Prius owner has a TCH.

[b777]

I have both; Prius & Camry Hybrid. I average between 38-40mpg, but when I compare the MFD mpg to what I actually put in the tank it comes out around 33MPG. Don't know why either. The best I have seen on our Prius is 50 and never have been able to do better. Maybe their just not broken in yet. Only 6,000 miles on each in a year.

[a priori]

Originally Posted by Kaibz

Not exactly sure why I’m so irritated by this post, but I am, or why I feel the need to post a reply, but I do.

I suppose we all have our bad days. I certainly have seen a couple of mine turn in to "difficult" posts.

Jim has offered many helpful insights and comments. He may even have better insight on his good days.

Please take a breather on the bad days, if possible, and detain the urge to vent like this.

BTW, I really have no idea if the Camry's gasoline engine is Atkinson or Otto-cycle, and that, combined with the design of the engine compartment, really could have a significant impact on your ability to get higher-than-EPA mileage -- particularly if you have many short trips and/or live in a more temperate climate.

All the best to you and keep posting.

[Tideland Prius]

It's on the Atkinson Cycle.

[a priori]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

It's on the Atkinson Cycle.

Learn somethin' new ever day.

So . . . Is the Camry's engine compartment designed to retain heat better than the Prius's front box?