mpg new prius

I'd say that's about right given your conditions and commute. Your short two mile drives in cold weather will kill your mileage. You could benefit from grille blocking, inflating your tires above the door sticker values and an engine block heater. #1 is very cheap, #2 is free and #3 is a not so cheap.

If you have some expectations based on EPA numbers, please read http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...uth-about-epa-city-highway-mpg-estimates.html.

Most fuel-efficient cars is what Consumer Reports got.

 

i agree with cwerdna. and search the mpg threads here for even more fuel saving tips. all the best and welcome to pc!

 

On the longer trip I imagine you could get a little higher - on the highway next time set it on cruise control to see what the car gets on its own. It's not technically the most efficient way to drive, but it will give you a good baseline off which to compare future rides. If you drove over the speed limit, keep it right at the speed limit and see what happens. Have fun with the new car.

 

heater use

One more tip, that should help a little w/cold weather mileage involves heater use.

Since I doubt you have means of monitoring the coolant temp, essentially, when the ICE (internal combustion engine) is cold and you're stopped or at low speeds (say <41 mph), I wouldn't use auto on the HVAC and I would leave the fan speed at off (but temp anywhere above LO is ok), to prevent the ICE from running to provide cabin heat and use ECO mode.

Once you need higher speeds or harder acceleration that would start the ICE, turn the fan back on, since the ICE has to run anyway. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-car-in-history-in-winter-14.html#post1249224 mentions "The new ECO mode allows the engine to remain off all the way down to a coolant temperture of 114°F."

On my 2nd gen, if coolant temp <=145 F, temp = HI and fan is on, the ICE will run to provide cabin heat.

 

Congrats on your new Prius and welcome to PriusChat.

You'll get a lot of advice on how to improve your MPGs, so give them all a try. But when the temps warm up to something more reasonable, you'll see big improvements in your MPGs. You didn't say whether your trips to Columbus was just you, or if your car was weighed down with people and/or luggage.

Happy Motoring,

Tom

 

Sounds good to me considering its winter. Double check your tire pressures too - the correct pressures are shown on the inside of the drivers door. Some drivers keep the pressures a couple psi over these pressures which gives better economy at the expense of a slightly harsher ride.

Enjoy your new ride

 

I'm in Columbus and got a combined 44mpg on our first tank.
But this is a new driving style to me, and I'm sure I could
do better. But were not too far off from each other.
Welcome!

 

cwerdna = See? We're DNA.

OMG. I just got it.