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Getting 32-38 MPG

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Roadie_, Jun 17, 2024 at 11:33 AM.

  1. Roadie_

    Roadie_ Junior Member

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    I have a 2013 Prius 2 model. I've owned it about 2.5 years now and Its MPG seems to be going down for some strange reason. I have been running tests to see what could be the contributing factor but seem to be stuck as all have been negligent in change. The car has 97k miles and I test the Hybrid battery health every few months. Each time tests come back great. No issues, battery at 85% health.

    A few factors in consideration below.
    • PO lift installed at right after purchase - lift did NOT affect MPG
    • Larger 205/70/15 All Season tires installed. Always kept just below Max PSI - Did affect MPG, decrease of about 7 on both highway/city
    • Roof rails & loaded basket installed - reduced average MPG by another 7-10
    I have tried the following to help increase MPG:
    • Removing roof basket/unloading it - little change
    • Removing roof rails & basket completely - increased by 3-5
    • Driving in Eco mode, and at or below speed limit/hypermiling - I have always done this
    • Intake/cabin filters brand new
    • Did EGR/Intake & Cooler cleaning at 90k miles - no change
    • Weather - car is kept in climate controlled garage. Cold winters are a bit rough, but change is quite negligible unless trips are short. Same with summer.
    I need the roof rack/basket for long haul bi-montly trips. I'd absolutely love to remove it, but I need extra cargo space. Seeing as this only seems to reduce my highway MPG slightly, I'm not sure if it's a major contributing factor as explained below.

    Is there any other factors I could be looking into? Even after multiple tests, with this car completely stock (aside from slightly larger tires) It only gets at best 38-40 MPG city and 33-35 MPG at 70 MPH, and obviously worse with the rack attached.

    Appreciate any insight or recommendations!
     
  2. Eddie25

    Eddie25 Active Member

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    I'd want to see long term and short term fuel trim numbers.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    clean the throttle body and maf, raise the tyres pressure, load test the 12 volt.
     
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  4. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Would a hitch mount carrier, behind the vehicle out of the wind, be a possibility?
    upload_2024-6-18_16-45-55.png
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    These will have less revolutions per distance, misinforming the car about distance travelled. In other words: you’re going further than what’s displayed on the odometer. Are you considering that as well?

    from this site:

    Tire Size Comparison

    IMG_4512.jpeg

    considering 767 versus 808 revolutions per mile, that alone is 5% odometer error, on the low side.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Jun 19, 2024 at 8:50 AM
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2024 at 8:59 AM
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  6. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    Why do u think something's wrong? Sounds normal given what u did to the car
     
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What is "PO lift"? Also, if it was done "right after purchase", maybe difficult judge mpg impact?

    Summarizing:

    1. Lift of some sort, details and amount unspecified
    2. Oversized/heavier tires, which will increase rolling resistance and under-report distance travelled
    3. Roof rack
    4. Cargo, unspecified weight
     
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  8. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    In other words the mpg is normal given the mods and likely driving style.
     
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  9. MultiPrius

    MultiPrius New Member

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    Though 32MPG sounds low. The upper end of what you stated (37-38 MPG) doesn't sound too low, especially with mods. My 2010 (completely stock) with 219k miles can average as low as 38MPG depending on the speed/temperature over a 150 mile trip.
     
  10. Roadie_

    Roadie_ Junior Member

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    I'm planning on installing a 2" receiver hitch later this summer and will definitely try this! My only concern is garage parking. Depending on how far it sticks out while folded, I might have to remove until I have to use it for trips. a little annoying, but would be much easier than removing the rack, that's for sure.
     
  11. Roadie_

    Roadie_ Junior Member

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    PO lift is the Prius offroad lift. I installed it and new larger tires at the same time, roughly 1k miles after purchase. I did not take in account for size comparison revolutions, so that makes sense! Cargo is lightweight (<50lbs) but require bins that are larger in size.

    I guess my concern was even after removing everything for a 1500 mile test, I was still receiving pretty low MPGs. I guess the tires alone are the major contributor.