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Does gas mileage differ in newer Priuses?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by inframan, Oct 22, 2011.

  1. inframan

    inframan Junior Member

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    Getting ready to buy a Prius. Mostly short distance driving. Keeping 2003 Element for trips to lumber yard, dump, etc. so gas mileage is top priority.

    Did gas mileage drop off significantly with larger engine in 2010?

    TIA
     
    #1 inframan, Oct 22, 2011
  2. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    No gas mileage got better with the larger engine.
     
    #2 Britprius, Oct 22, 2011
  3. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Don't expect to get great mileage with a lot of short trips. The first 10-15 minutes of driving are the worst for the Prius as the engine and emissions system need to warm up. The Prius is better suited for longer commutes.
     
    #3 firepa63, Oct 22, 2011
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    You may want to consider the plugin Prius if you do a lot of short trips. It's pretty common to hear people complain of mpg averaging in the low 40s when their commute is less than 10 miles each day. Fortunes that is still much higher than any other non- hybrid when driven in similar circumstances.
     
    #4 F8L, Oct 22, 2011
  5. sipnfuel

    sipnfuel New Member

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    In my experience, if your 1-way commute is at least 15 miles then your mileage should easily be at 50 mpg with a light foot.

    With better technique you can still get 55 mpg even on a 7 mile one-way commute.
     
    #5 sipnfuel, Oct 22, 2011
  6. inframan

    inframan Junior Member

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    Thanks for the quick replies. I got the impression that "city" mileage was better than "highway" mileage from both Prius sticker info & consumer reports.

    Plug-in estimated price & built-in distance limits are deal-breakers for me, I'm afraid. If the newer Prius performs even close to estimates in gas mileage it will pay for itself the way I have the economics figured. :)

    Again thanks to all.
     
    #6 inframan, Oct 22, 2011
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It is better in the city BUT you have to ensure that the engine is warmed up. Like any other car, the mileage suffers in the first 5-10 mins (or first 10 miles) depending on temperature because the engine has to get up to operating temperature.

    With the 2010 and newer, it's easier to get 50mpg for the average person than it is on the 2004-2009 version. The larger engine helps get better highway mileage as well because the engine doesn't have to work as hard.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Oct 22, 2011
  8. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    I'd describe it as the 2010+ getting better mileage despite the larger engine, at least for the great majority of drivers. A Toyota rep elsewhere eventually admitted that it could have done even better if the engine was not upsized.

    The very hardcore hypermilers can do extremely well with older smaller engine. But the extra power of the larger engine significantly expands consumer acceptance.
     
    #8 fuzzy1, Oct 22, 2011
  9. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    The built in distance limit would be from the southern tip of Africa to the eastern tip of Russia, same as any car. You just add gas now and then.

    You never NEED to plug it in, it will get within 1 MPG of the 'normal' Prius if you never plug it in. It does even better if you do, but there is little downside besides price.
     
    #9 JimboPalmer, Oct 22, 2011
  10. inframan

    inframan Junior Member

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    Thanks for straightening me out on this. Will have to consider this option, if the price is right.
     
    #10 inframan, Oct 22, 2011
  11. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #11 cwerdna, Oct 23, 2011
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