First time out in the snow

You're experiencing what many have found re: the MFD mpg error. I always calculate mine and have discovered a constant 2.1 mpg error, weird that it's not a constant percentage. The Speedo is also 2 MPH generous. I have a Scangauge II and also GPS on my phone, both confirm the error in computation displayed.
Still, 59-60 mpg certainly not something to complain about.
A hint when it gets icy, use ECO mode, you won't be slipping and sliding from stop lights like other FWDs, nice even power.
Have a good day.

 

I find it overestimates by about 5% in mpg also.

I like this car in the snow, it's really pretty decent. traction + stability control are sweet.

 

2.1 mpg error is exactly what I get summed over 11,000 miles March 2010 build

 

Also new to Prius and I've noticed I slip less in ECO mode. Why is that? Lower Gear?

Since switching to snow tires in early December, the traction control hasn't engaged once. The Prius does much better in the snow now.

 

ECO mode increases gas pedal travel. Kind of a taller "gear" for your pedal.

 

I agree whole hearty with the OP......driving my 2010 III in the snow was really nice.......better then my previous 2003 Olds Aurora.

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

 

Prius newbie here feeling cautious in the snow and missing my mid suv with Michelins.
I'm not feeling the safe-solid grip and similar feeling of control while driving the Prius.

 

I took ours out in the snow last year and put through its paces in our quiet neighborhood on semi-hard packed snow. Easy acceleration, hard acceleration, acceleration while turning, easy braking, hard braking, braking while turning, etc. I did it all in Normal mode.

I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Was getting traction control and ABS to kick but had to force it. This was done on the OEM Yokohama Avid A/S's.

Heck, I thought it was better than our RX400h AWD on the OEM Michelin Energy MXV4 tires (those tires sucked). The RX now has Yokohama Paradas on it. They are way better in the wet and I'm confident they'll be better in the snow.

 

I'm in the snow belt of NE Ohio and I can say that since I got my Michelin X-Ice snow tires, I'm having no problems now. It's better than my 2001 Camry.

 

This comment tends to support my "winter boot theory" of Prius winter driving problems I have made over the years, and recently in another thread about winter driving difficulties.

In ECO you have to press the peddle further to get going. In a winter boot, you can feel the peddle at that much travel, but not at the level of travel for the standard operation. So, in standard operation people with winter boots on tend to press the peddle much to far, and cause the wheels to slip....

 

It actually simulates a higher gear. On a standard shift car those with experience driving in snow will often start off in second or even third gear instead of first. It allows you to push down a bit more on the accelerator without spinning the tires.

 

When we walked into our local toyota dealer and said we were interested in the Prius first thing he said is that if you get stuck in the snow or on an icy hill the car wont go and you need to get towed! I later saw it mentioned in the newbie forum also. Is this really what happens? You can't go forward as the drive wheels lock up. Will the car go in reverse? Don't have our Prius yet but this is worrisome especially if the wife is driving alone. I do believe in dedicated snows but worry this could happen before I can get them on the car.

I'm gonna try to find the thread on winter driving difficulties.

 

I average 4.05 MPG difference (or 8.9%) on my ~6000 miles.

 

What tires? OEM?

 

Thanks, Tideland. The salesman we had wasn't very knowledgable about the Prius. In fact I knew more about other aspects of the car than he did! Thanks to the knowledge on this site.

Still hoping to get ours before the months over. Gas prices are rising now so I should hurry.