Lowest MPG on a full tank

New Prius owner of over a month, lately I've been noticing my mpg average between 42-44mpg after a full tank. I know I should be getting much higher mpg but my daily commute consists of driving through a stretch of hills (alta monte windmill farm in Northern California) in the mornings and early evenings


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When I run PWR mode all the time, my MPG drops so fast I feel like I'm back in my Ol` Ford. I have been running Eco for two weeks with mixed results, and am now mixed between the three based on climbing hills, S&G Traffic, etc. The car currently shows con 53.4 mpg with 250 mi on tank, and with the Beautiful Spring D.C. is having who doesn't want to go for a drive. Windows down cruising silently down Clare Barton Parkway, or out in the Virginia Hills... Now I want a Prius Convertible, anyone else?

 

Welcome Tran, I too see those exact MPG's, sometimes stretching to 48. But with all cars I also don't believe the sticker. The EPA MPG for any car I have ever owned has been calculated by the down hill in a hurricane style of ratings eg 10-15 MPG less then sticker. But yo be so close yet so far from the EPA rating on the prius well feels disheartening to me. I keep trying to employ the tactics I have read about on this site and get mixed results with everything. Not to mention some say to not let the engine turn off while others say to coast for as long as possible which shuts the engine off restarting it each time you need to Pulse.

I currently Use a style like this using all three modes: Med Hard to lead foot hard execration to near wanted speed followed by releasing pressure on the peddle to about 1/2 to 1 cm past the middle power line on the HUD. then pulsing and bringing it back to there again. until wanted speed is achieved. then I can continue the above stated regiment When I reach a decline or exit ramp I go to full glide attempting no indication on the HUD. eco for stop and go and pwr for Inclines, also Not being rushed seams to play a role in my peddle as well...
Good Luck and Welcome to the family of Gen 3 owners

 

With 2 bikes and a hitch, we've averaged 47mpg on our 300 mile trip to MA. With bikes removed we've averaged 57mpg on our 150 mile trip to NJ today.

Think 47 mpg is the lowest MPG we've gotten.

 

dobdru, I use power mode only on the on ramps. Are you just west of where the traffic on the Interstate starts to jam up & it is either Indy Qualifying Day or a crawling parking lot?

I believe in getting out of a potentially dangerous situation ASAP so I'll floor it from a stop at an intersection that doesn't offer a long view (still in Eco). Once I'm through I let up all the way & resume a "normal" acceleration rate.

Is your tp at least max. sidewall?

My opinion--do whatever you want: The lower grill can be blocked most if not all year. I'm trying to keep inverter coolant temp under 100F. I run with the top blocked through the 50's F (OAT) & try to remember to pull 4 of the 6 pieces when the temps hit the 60's F in the evening. When I forget inverter coolant temp goes to ~120F.

I'd also keep the windows up. How do you stand the buffeting?

Hills, especially steep ones will always cause a hit. On the downside you will never recover what you lose on the upside. (I did enjoy the drop from 2800' going south toward NC.)

 

My worst tank was my first. I'm sure that the dealer didn't truly fill the tank all the way & we were sitting at the dealer with the engine running for a long time as they showed us the way things worked.

40.7 mpg
299.3 miles
7.36 gallons

On 2 other tanks I had tanks in the 43 range but other then that they have never been below 45 mpg.

 

Just drove to San Antonio, TX and back. (I live in Sugar Land). Discovered they raised the speed limit to 75 mph for a good chunk of it, so I went 80 mph (according to the odometer; actually 78 mph) for a good while. Cross winds didn't help me much either. Didn't go as fast on the way back, but weather wasn't good either then. Resulted in 41.5mpg vs my usual 47-49 mpg. Still, I'm sure I did much better than other cars that go at the same speed.

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