Filled up today for the first time. It's my wife's daily driver, so that's part of the problem. We ended up with 41.3 mpg. I could have waited longer to fill up but gas prices here jump .25-30 cents when they go up. However, compared to our old 2010 4runner the Prius has already save us $110 in gas in the two weeks that we've had it. I can't wait until it gets broken in and we learn how to really drive it.
1st tank reading is notoriously unreliable, your idea of a full tank and the dealer's idea of a full tank might be different, my guess is that your 2nd tank will show a big improvement, enjoy!
Just keep in mind that really short trips like 2 miles, then shut off, car sits for hours won't get you the big economy - the gas engine never gets warmed up much. With those trips all the time, you may only see 41 or 2 MPG. Keep tires inflated somewhat over recommended, keep roof racks off unless needed, get up to speed with flow of traffic then ease off gas to maintain speed, coast when able, you'll get big MPGs.
Picked up my new 2011 Prius IV on Saturday, March 3. Checked mileage after the second fill. Calculated 52.3 MPG. Wow was I surprised. I am now using the Trip A gauge screen and the mileage is still around 51.8 MPG. What a vehicle!
Same here!! Got only 43 mpg on my very first fuel up Hopefully this is due to the dealer's lame idea of a full tank and the big learning curve associated with hypermiling But I'm still also saving a ton of money from my former car! (it was a tuned BMW 135i--got about 20 mpg or so on that gas guzzler)
It may take a bit for the car and tires to break in before your gas mileage is maximized. Summer fuel and temperatures will also contribute to higher numbers. My car just crossed the 2,000 mile mark and my new tires crossed the 500mile mark. I had been getting 44-45mpg for the last two tank with terrible weather and terrible driving. I slowed down and took things easy today. With no rain and 48mph average indicated speed I ended my 47mile commute at 52.2mpg. I was at 57.8mpg just prior to going up the hill (200ft. to 1,200ft.). So that should put me just over 57mpg after the downhill drip home tonight. You'll get there.
How many items have you adjusted to help the mpg? Like tire pressure, ECO mode, driving techniques. ps: someone will say you can get the same mileage in any mode, but ECO mode worked for me. Picked up 2mpg right away.
I have not messed with the tire pressure yet. We have been driving in ECO mode as that's what was recommended to us by our salesman. We are still in the learning stages.
Eco mode is fine, but after the first year I started using the regular mode, as in no buttons pushed, the car just responds better and still easy to do all the tricks! Boost your tire pressure, if you have horrible roads like I do 38lbs maintains the ride quality and adds one or two MPGs, and if the roads are good 42lbs or higher will definetly help!
Although I consider myself a beginner & still learning, in the beginning, Normal & Power mode was easiest to train myself & drive in. Eventually I learned the sweet spots to maximize mpg in all 3 mode now. Really, all the modes are the same but difference being the change in sensitivity to the accelerator(how hard u have to push it). It may be best to experiment w/ the 3 modes as for now u(& your wife) might find it more effecient in other modes. In no time, you'll be at 50+ mpg.
Got 47.7 mpg on my second fuel up! (43 mpg on first) I am slowly getting used to hypermiling. Also increased tire pressure from the factory 35/33 to 40/38 on that tank. Right after that fill up I increased my tire pressure to 44/40 and the current computer readout has me at 56 mpg We'll see where I end up when I fill up next time!
The Prius has a 60/40 weight distribution between the front/rear axles, respectively. So putting slightly less pressure in the rear tires helps balance the "loading" of the tires and hopefully provide more even wear between front/rear.
I just bought a new 2012 Prius IV and I got 45.5mpg on my first tank!! I am thrilled as my last car was a 2011 Buick Enclave got only 14mpg!! I am a Very Happy Prius owner!!!
