Still trying to optimize MPG

"City", as defined by the EPA, is a MUCH different thing that what most of us would call 'city driving' in real life. The frequent stops, accelerations and sudden stops are killers for gas mileage period. A bad 'city' drive will always be harder on your mileage than highway driving.

If you're getting 56hwy then you're doing fine there. Without seeing or a much better understanding of what "Your" city driving is (distance, stops, speeds, how you anticipate stops and slow downs, how you handle hills, etc) there is no 'one article' that will help you. At this point it really comes down to either changing your route to one that's more amenable to the Prius HSD's unique benefits or to get someone in the seat with you (ok, next to you is probably better) to watch what you do an make suggestions.

I'll say that probably the A#1 thing is that, in the city, you MUST anticipate stops. If you're going to have to stop, even if it's 1/2 mile ahead, but you know you're going to have to stop, get off the gas, feather the pedal and get into your glide and coast that entire 1/2 mile if at all possible. Better yet, go even slower and don't EVER stop....just wait until that traffic starts moving and keep moving with it.

The key here is to do it in a way that doesn't completely piss off everyone behind you, but allows you to take full advantage of the ability of the ICE to shut off, minimize the use of the battery, AND still cover ground.

Absolutely make sure your tire pressure is good, AC use is minimal, don't ever speed, and once you hit 35mph get off that gas and get into a glide when possible.

 

Also, something you might want to try is to put all the seats down except the drivers seat. It helps with aerodynamics.