New 2026 Prius LE low MPG

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Fuel Economy & Prime EV Range' started by Tom Wassmer, Jan 15, 2026 at 8:27 PM.

  1. Tom Wassmer

    Tom Wassmer Junior Member

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    Hi everybody,

    I have a new (<150 miles) 2026 Prius LE, and it gets only about 30 MPG. Before, I had a 2017 Prius Level 2, and it got 50+ MPG - the high end of its rating. The advertised rating of the 2026 LE is 57 City/56 Hwy/57 Combined. Will my efficiency increase with more miles, or might there be an issue with the car - or does it need another driving style than what I am used from the 2017?

    Thanks in advance!

    Tom
     
    #1 Tom Wassmer, Jan 15, 2026 at 8:27 PM
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    My 2917 Prius 2, on average, exceeded the EA number of 52 combined. My 2025 Camry, which a 5th Gen hybrid, did not have its true fuel economy until after about 1300 miles. I now regularly exceed its combined 48 mpg rating.
     
    #2 Prodigyplace, Jan 15, 2026 at 8:36 PM
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how are you measuring mpg's, calculated at the pump after filling the tank? is it the first dealer tank?
    no, it won't go up if something is wrong, without correcting it.
    but if you've made a calculation error, or incorrect assumption, yes, it will go up.
     
    #3 bisco, Jan 15, 2026 at 8:40 PM
  4. Tom Wassmer

    Tom Wassmer Junior Member

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    I use what the car display shows me.
     
    #4 Tom Wassmer, Jan 15, 2026 at 9:21 PM
  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    1. it's cold up there
    2. car/engine hasn't broken-in yet
    3. it's still under warranty

    Go though a couple tanks of gas before jumping to conclusions. It is heavier, larger, with a larger engine than your 2017.

    Good Luck.....
     
    #5 BiomedO1, Jan 15, 2026 at 10:28 PM
  6. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Maybe try using real numbers.

    I always use tank averages calculated at the pump.....by ME.
    If I read the OP correctly, you do not even have ONE tank's worth of miles in this car - and you've driven a lot less than a half-tank's worth of miles in my GMC pickup.

    You should wait until the kid is out of diapers before picking a college......
     
    #6 ETC(SS), Jan 16, 2026 at 7:16 AM
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