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Test Drive today! Compared Gen 3 to new Gen 4

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Supertone07, Jul 27, 2016.

  1. Supertone07

    Supertone07 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2016
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    Location:
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Hey Gang,

    Took some time today as I had been wanting to try out the new 2016 Prius. Went to the dealer near me and wanted to compare a similar model to my 2013 Prius level 5. The closest was a Level 3 Touring as they didn't have any level 4's with electric and heated seats. I had planned to run a specific route that is about 12 miles to see just how the new ride stacks up. First the temperature was 95 degrees + so the A/C was cranked for these trips. The salesman went for the test drive with me, so there was extra weight on board. I setup all the info on the dash before we left so I could do a decent job of monitoring the trip. I love the colors and "Star Trek" look to things, but found it a bit of an undertaking to get everything the way I like, much easier in the 2013 Level 5 Prius. The Level 3 Touring had a great many extras like lane departure and radar assisted cruise control, very nice stuff. So we did the route and got back to the dealer and I couldn't wait to shut off the car to see how great the mileage was. Turned out to be 34.7mpg! The instant readout bars were all at 50MPG or much higher for the 12.2 mile trip. I thanked him and proceeded to take my Prius Level 5 out on the same route, same setting, ECO on, A/C full blast, one bar down due to ECO mode. Got back and I had 54.2mpg showing on the dash. When the weather is nice and no A/C I've been able to pull off 71.2 mpg +/- all the time. So I went back inside and asked if I could possible try another model for comparison, This time I was Shown a Level 3 non-touring and said that I would like to take it out on the same route as before. This time the sales man stayed at the dealership, great! Took my time adjusting everything, easier as this model didn't have all the bells and whistles. Set off in ECO mode with the A/C as before. Got back and shut it off to the tune of 46.7 mpg. I did my best to keep the test as even as I could. I suppose there is the fact that the 2016's are new and not broken in and the tire pressure might not be where I keep mine, but for now I think I will hang onto my Level 5 2013. Of note, I am 6'6" and fit very well in the 2016 models, the ride was smooth and I do think a good deal quieter than the 2013.

    Best always.....
     
    bisco likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    boston
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    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    welcome! those are surprising numbers, compared to what is being documented by new owners.
     
  3. jm64

    jm64 Junior Member

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    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    Your car would have been relatively warmed up already though from when you drove to the dealer right? If the '16 hadn't been driven recently that day, it would spend a longer time doing it's warm up cycle and eating into the MPG's. Granted this doesn't explain the difference between the two '16's you drove, unless the second one had been driven recently.
     
    Redpoint5 likes this.
  4. booke02

    booke02 Active Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Yes, quite noticeable
     
  5. GasperG

    GasperG Senior Member

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    Slovenia
    Vehicle:
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    12 miles is way to short, warm up will show effect. I did test drive with 60 miles and Gen 4 on 17" wheels showed 3.3 l/100 km against 3.9 l/100 km in Gen 3 on 15" wheels.
     
    Redpoint5 likes this.
  6. ZeroTX

    ZeroTX Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2016
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    Location:
    Houston, TEXAS
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    You may be underestimating the impact of traction battery charge. A new car sitting on the lot surely didn't have much, especially if people have been sitting in it in "READY" mode with A/C on and playing with buttons. I'm quite sure that the '16 can match and beat our 3rd gens in mileage.