Featured Hybrid MPG Ratings Look Great Until Real-World Driving Gets Involved

I know mine were much higher than the sticker. not sure why that doesn't translate to the test

 

Back in my Prius days, I could get EPA numbers in my benchmarks by holding a cruise control speed of 63-64 mph after warm-up. Since then, I don’t worry about it with my cars.

My favorite technique is to benchmark +10 miles at:

• 30 mph
• 55-60 mph
• 75 mph

Put these three points into a graphing spreadsheet and plot a trend line using a second order polynomial curve. This will generate an accurate (enough) curve of the MPG vs mph.

There is another advanced technique using EPA benchmark, roll down coefficients but quite beyond a short answer.

Bob Wilson

 

I really haven't noticed much difference between my Avalon hybrid and my 1985 VW Golf and 1993 Mazda 323. Any of those cars could get over 40 mpg. The Golf diesel could get as much as 60 mpg (of course diesel has more energy, so not exactly a fair comparison).

The one thing that kind of bums me out with owning a hybrid now is having to change the HV battery. The Avalon is showing signs that it's on its last leg. Also, just a couple days ago I finally got the red triangle in the Prius when starting it up and moving it like I do every couple of weeks or so. An OEM battery for the Avalon is more than $2,500, or about 530 gallons of gasoline at current prices here. That makes it go from just around an average of 40mpg to closer to the cost of a 36mpg vehicle.

 

considering the size of the Avalon, that's a pretty good testament to hybrid mpg's. but if anyone thinks hybrids save money, they're seriously deluded.
best you can hope is that your investment is better for the environment

 

I'd be more inclined to get something small again. 40 mpg and no battery would seem to be better for the environment than 40mpg and a battery full of chemicals extracted from the earth. Then again, maybe a car that's both small and hybrid would be best for the environment. But then again, where did the Yaris go?

But balancing between saving the environment, saving my pocketbook and safety all seem like they're at odds with each other. Do I pour potentially some $4,000 or $5,000 into the Avalon? Or do I buy a $5,000 small car that gets just as good fuel mileage without the hybrid system? Or do I "protect my family" from the dangers on the road and buy a Ford Expedition?