New to Prius. Need some advice

not everyone can. don't drive over the speed limit, research 'pulse and glide' technique, don't drive in ev purposely, pump your tyres up to 42f / 40r and check the health of your 12v battery. all the best!

 

One factor is that mileage drops in winter. Also, I don't know the terrain where you are in Michigan, but hills will also have an effect. I live in the Sierra foothills of California and also get about 46 mpg. Be happy with the improvement and don't sweat the last few mpg.

 

Welcome to PRIUSchat!!
There are many threads on getting better MPG in PRIUSchat.

Better Gas Mileage in a Toyota Prius - HybridCars.com
is also a good start.

 

If you're getting 46 MPG almost effortless, don't fret over the 4 MPG you're not getting. But, drive the speed limit or a few MPG less, and limit braking where possible, coasting to slow down or stop.

 

There are things you can do, and things you can't. Things you can would be to pump up your tires (and check them regularly), and learn about why things like pulse and glide, etc., have impacts so you can internalize them. That is, so you can do them without thinking about it. For example, that statement about not using EV mode intentionally? It is wrong some of the time, right some of the time. Learn the reasons.

I'd also check what the tires on the car are. Either you have brand new ones or are close to needing new ones. If they are new, find out what their rolling resistance is. They probably are not low rolling resistance tires, which would explain 1-2 mpg. If they are the originals, check out what places like Tire Rack have to say (or threads on Prius Chat.) There are some really good tires that will improve your mpg, get great wear, and not completely suck in handling and ride. Sorry, you can't get great wearing, great performing, LRR tires. If you could, everyone would be using the same tire.

Last thing, stay on top of the oil in the engine (0W20 for the current model, I'm not sure if that is true of the 2010) and more importantly how much is in the car. You do NOT want too much. Of course, you don't want too little, but the Prius doesn't consume any in my experience, so the key is to not overfill it. If you do, you will kill your mileage and potentially damage the engine. On the dipstick, I usually aim for the center between the marks.

Good luck and welcome. And read the manual. It isn't really needed on most cars. I think it is a must read with the Prius.

 

We are not trying to dogpile, just friendly advice. My major driving change, coast to a stop. If you want a short manual to get up to speed while you use Toyota's manual to cure insomnia, here is John's user guide John's Stuff - Toyota Prius User-Guide