Do the Math

Over the years, those against Prius have used the EPA estimates of MPG as if they were actual expectations, rather than the ideal-condition comparison measure they were intended to be. That's just plain wrong, definitely not a sincere effort in any respect. But if they want to play the game that way... what the heck.

Vue-Hybrid combined MPG estimate: 29
Vue combined MPG estimate: 24
Vue-Hybrid offers an estimated improvement of: 20.8%

Prius combined MPG estimate: 55
Corolla combined MPG estimate: 33
Camry combined MPG estimate: 27
Camry-Hybrid combined MPG estimate: 39

Prius offers an estimated improvement over Corolla of: 66.7%
Prius offers an estimated improvement over Camry of: 103.7%
Camry-Hybrid offers an estimated improvement over Camry of: 44.4%

The estimates clearly show at least twice the efficiency gain from the "full" hybrid technology over that version of "assist" hybrid. In other words, if Saturn/GM supporters are going to continue to push numbers from the EPA rather than what real-world data actually reveals, shouldn't we?

Of course, we know quite well that the "full" hybrids thrive in real-world conditions, since that often includes lots of suburb and stop & slow driving. It's where we have a distinct advantage that the competition tries to avoid discussions about. So odds are we'll have to put up with the MPG estimates for a very long time still.

* Note that all the non-hybrid combined estimate values listed above were from the smallest size engine available for that vehicle with an automatic transmission.

 

The point is to reveal the fact that all hybrids are not the same, that credit should be given based on actual merit rather than a label.

And as you contributed, we can clearly see that the two "assist" design share little in common... quite different from the impression others lead you to believe.

Put another way, use the grade (A, B, C, D, F) system instead of just calling anything that uses electricity a "hybrid" ...especially if it isn't any cleaner.