How much do you use Power Mode?

I only use Power Mode when showing someone who has never been in a Prius that it CAN get out of its own way.

 

Mine stays in Power mode all the time. (Well, I have to push the button every time I start.) I did an experiment when I first got the car-- alternated tanks of Normal and Power mode, and I always got BETTER mileage out of Power mode (though only by 1 or 2 mpg). Something to do with my getting up to my target speed and staying there more consistently. I'm just used to it now, and it really feels sluggish when I forget to tell it on.

Someone should figure out how to hack the thing so Power mode is persistent.

 

I have had my car for a little over 2 months and 3750 miles. I like power mode on the LIE I feel I need the power it gives cutting across 4 lanes to get off the HOV lane at exit 61

I also find it usefull to keep up to traffic when expressway is moving

I try normal. ECO and Power and use all at different times of the day depends on my mode . Most time PWR as I like the feel


Sushi

 

Thank you. I drive that route every day, unless I have forewarning of the accident. (There's always an accident.) You are the only person who honors the double lines. Thanks again.

 

I use Power mode in situations where I have a short merge distance. I usually end up in Eco mode because otherwise the air conditioning freezes me out. (Note - this is a good thing. I live in Texas.)

 

Hi Everyone,

I use power for the cut and thrust of urban freeway driving, normal for regular highway driving and eco for stop and go and around town driving.

BTW I use dynamic cruise every chance I get which is anytime the speed limit is 80 KM/hr and up, regardless of traffic levels (unless stop and go obviously). I find it handles all highway scenarios elgantly except catching up to a stopped car or following a group of cars which are turning corners at normal intersections.

Cheers.

Hoffy.

 

Never use it. Just push the "GO" pedal when I need to go.

It's just pedal mapping - I can get the same effect anytime I want it.

Car does have a lot of pep, when needed.

 

I feel for you I get on exit 62 and I do need power mode to get around the trucks that see you cumming and insist on not letting you in. Also cutting across to the HOV Power mode is a must. I see very little difference in MPG's with the power mode all the time.

 

I have driven my car for extended periods using eco, normal, and power. I agree that for me, the power mode seems to allow me to get to the "stealth" (mostly electric high mileage) easier and at higher speeds than eco or normal.

I also agree with the earlier comment, I wish it was selectable on the steering wheel. I even wish there was a passing gear or downshift available when needed for passing! Too bad "B" doesn't also increase acceleration instead of just slowing you down.

Driving in heavy freeway traffic every day to work makes you appreciate the speedy side of the Prius!

 

I have had mine for three weeks and haven't tried power mode.

I can't wait to leave at lunch time and try it.

 

I continue to be amazed at the power of the GIII even if it is just mapping. Though PWR mode is a thrill, flooring it in ECO is still good, but I don't like the slight hesitation before it goes into warp drive.

 

Wow!!!! Don't tell anybody that I took a two hour lunch.

 

Power mode all the time for me. Get better feel in the car, and better gas mileage. Wish I knew how to re-program the computer to make power mode persistent.

 

Always when I'm not on the freeway (city driving), or when entering the freeway. A good 40% of the time I would say.

Doesn't bother me since I'm still getting approx 430 miles to the tank (approx 47 mpg).

 

Anyone can validate this statement? 4.1 seconds seems pretty optimistic. Suppose it would be as easy as finding level ground, no wind, and using your stopwatch to see if the 50-70 is around 4.1 seconds in PWR mode.

"The difference between Power and ECO is 4.1 seconds from 50 to 70 mph, versus 5.8 seconds."

review is from a bunch of websites, including:
http://newcartestdrive.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2010_Toyota_Prius&ReviewID=4542

 

I actually like the ECO mode, because it behaves just like my 2002 Prius. I use it for inner-city driving.

 

My use of the "modes":

• ECO - inner city driving, which I usually travel to/from work one hour each way
• Regular (no ECO) - when entering and driving on an interstate for mostly highway driving
• Power - when merging into an interstate (or if I have to get away from my ex )
• EV - when I want to seek into a drive-through at 2AM and wake up the attendant... (I did that once with my 2002 Prius a few years ago. It was really funny when it happened.)

 

Accuracy is not one of this review's finer points:

"There are three driving modes: EV, or all-electric, ...; ECO, which minimizes fuel consumption ... ; and Power for full acceleration.

... If you're in ECO and floor it, it will kick itself into Power, which is also the default mode when you start it up. So you have to set ECO mode at every stop, to get the best mileage."

"The roof is the same height, but its apex is moved back 3.9 feet, ..."