Greeting's from the sunny, yet evolutionary regressive South. I've fallen hard for the C and I'm wondering how the gas mileage has been compromised by the use of the AC. Anyone living in the warmth had experience with this yet? I realize it's spring everywhere else, but I'm dying to know. ~B P.S. Sorry this isn't in the MPG sub forum
We've noticed a slight mpg hit if the AC is left on all the time. We've adopted the practice of turning on the AC when needed and turning it off when you don't. I know it all breaks down to personal preference on what is comfortable and what's not, but turning it off and on really helps to keep the AC off when not needed.
I drive a Gen II Prius, with a 1.5 Liter engine similar to the Prius c, in the deep South. In winter, I get 40 MPG, in spring and fall I get 46 MPG, in summer I get 42 MPG. I am not from the South, or I might do better in heat.
I drive about 18 miles to work in heavy traffic with AC on the whole way and it usually takes me about 40 to 45 min total drive time. I get about 55 to 60 MPG. PS I live in Miami, so yes it is hot here.
