2020 Prius L Eco progress update!

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Billy56, Jan 1, 2026.

  1. Billy56

    Billy56 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    L Eco
    ...Am still driving about 250 miles per day delivering new cell phones for a large national company. Recently turned 470,000 miles. Still have original brake pads. Car has been perfectly flawless.....no oil burning or leaks, large battery still seems to work as new, no issues.....amazing. Lifetime MPG is down very slightly, to 80.21. I still use Mobil 1, OW-16 and Toyota filter. Always use OEM Bridgestone tires. Buy 3 get one free from the dealer. Last set went 145,000 miles and still has 3/32 remaining. Just recently got 4 new ones. I am a trained, experienced hypermiler from the Gen 1 Honda Insight days. The efficient driving techniques are habitual, as I drive 7 days per week. This car is amazing! My only significant complaint is small usable fuel capacity. After topping off tank the range only says about 810 miles. (higher in warm weather months).......
     
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  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    That is astounding. 250 miles a day sounds punishing though. Retirement in the cards?
     
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  3. Billy56

    Billy56 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    L Eco
    Hi Mendel.....happy new year to you!
    No thought to retire this car yet. Absolutely nothing is wrong with it, it's paid off, and I don't know any car that will exceed the MPG.
    Yes, I prefer the looks of the Gen 5.....but only AWD is distributed in my state of WA. Do NOT desire AWD! So I clean, wax, and continue to baby this car.....it looks nearly brand new!
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I meant your retirement. Bear with me: the day I posted that, I was also talking to guy pushing 70, and got confused, was thinking that was your situation. Regardless, that's one punishing job. Meh, I suppose that's the norm for truckers, or more.

    BTW, regarding AWD: that's all Toyota Canada officially imports. If you want a regular 5th gen, not the plug-in, it's AWD, and 19" rims only. And of course no spare, and on-and-on.

    I'm in the same camp, love my 2010, at the rate we're putting on km's (about 2k miles yearly, currently at ~65k miles...), it could well be our last car.

    Change the oil yearly (every 2k miles...), and completely cleaned the EGR system twice now. Will see how that works out in another decade. If the oil-burning starts, gets out of control (nothing so far), I'll maybe do a new short block, or just replace pistons/rings, with the revised. Basically fixing Toyota's screw ups.

    And availability? Here's what's currently on the lot at our nearby dealership, zero regular Prius:

    upload_2026-1-4_11-44-13.png

    Best wishes for the coming year to you as well. :)
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jan 4, 2026 at 2:37 PM
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2026 at 2:50 PM
  5. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    MONW, Ks.
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    L Eco
    Brother !
    This is amazing to hear ! Thanks! I just bought a '19 Eco w/ 233k miles a few weeks ago to use in a courier gig. M-F, 1400 mi/wk.
    Your route and schedule is brutal.... pace yourself. ;) But it's easy money!
    But come on,,, don't you want a 2 day weekend once in a while?

    I'm already over 241k miles.... It's great to hear how yours is holding up!
    I've changed engine and cabin filters. Cleaned a really clogged battery filter, which was easy! Got to keep that Li-ion pack happy!.
    New wipers and deep cleaning of the glass.
    Spent $50 for a spider crack on the amazing IR blocking windshield.
    And changed the oil and filter to M1 0-20w.

    I can get as a low of 39-41 mpg at mostly 81 mph true for most of the route in cold weather.
    I can see the difference with wind direction and speed for sure!
    When I'm putzing around town iI see amazing mpg on the display!

    What sort of routine maintenance has been done to your Eco?
    Engine/inverter coolants?
    Transaxle ATF fluid?
    Brake Fluid?

    I suspect my pads are worn due to the low level of the brake fluid, but the color of it looks good.
    I just need to get my face in there when I have my winter wheel set installed soon. I hope the Gen3 wheels fit on the Gen4.

    I too had a 2001 Gen 1 Insight ! (y)
    From before the EPA downgrading the numbers, mine was rated 71 hywy mpg. And that was the first car to beat my '89 Geo Metro base rated at 58 hywy mpg. I sold it (w/240k miles and only the clutch disc was replaced), in when I bought the Insight in 2003.I've always leaned towards not giving big oil my money.
     
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