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Getting 32-38 MPG

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Roadie_, Jun 17, 2024 at 11:33 AM.

  1. Roadie_

    Roadie_ Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2021
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    MO
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a 2013 Prius 2 model. I've owned it about 2.5 years now and Its MPG seems to be going down for some strange reason. I have been running tests to see what could be the contributing factor but seem to be stuck as all have been negligent in change. The car has 97k miles and I test the Hybrid battery health every few months. Each time tests come back great. No issues, battery at 85% health.

    A few factors in consideration below.
    • PO lift installed at right after purchase - lift did NOT affect MPG
    • Larger 205/70/15 All Season tires installed. Always kept just below Max PSI - Did affect MPG, decrease of about 7 on both highway/city
    • Roof rails & loaded basket installed - reduced average MPG by another 7-10
    I have tried the following to help increase MPG:
    • Removing roof basket/unloading it - little change
    • Removing roof rails & basket completely - increased by 3-5
    • Driving in Eco mode, and at or below speed limit/hypermiling - I have always done this
    • Intake/cabin filters brand new
    • Did EGR/Intake & Cooler cleaning at 90k miles - no change
    • Weather - car is kept in climate controlled garage. Cold winters are a bit rough, but change is quite negligible unless trips are short. Same with summer.
    I need the roof rack/basket for long haul bi-montly trips. I'd absolutely love to remove it, but I need extra cargo space. Seeing as this only seems to reduce my highway MPG slightly, I'm not sure if it's a major contributing factor as explained below.

    Is there any other factors I could be looking into? Even after multiple tests, with this car completely stock (aside from slightly larger tires) It only gets at best 38-40 MPG city and 33-35 MPG at 70 MPH, and obviously worse with the rack attached.

    Appreciate any insight or recommendations!
     
  2. Eddie25

    Eddie25 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2018
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I'd want to see long term and short term fuel trim numbers.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    clean the throttle body and maf, raise the tyres pressure, load test the 12 volt.
     
    priusbydefault likes this.
  4. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2016
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    Location:
    Virginia, USA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Would a hitch mount carrier, behind the vehicle out of the wind, be a possibility?
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