I know that the Prius tank is supposed to be 11.9 gal. Last friday the fuel gauge was down to 2 bars and the distance to zero was 60 mi, so I went ahead and filled up. The pump clicked after 8 gallons and the "distance to zero" was then around 400 miles. Why so low? I am averaging 48 MPG according to the car, which multiplied by 11.9 is 571.2 miles. Does the tank not use its full capacity? I'm still getting great MPG but why can't I get more out of one tank?
The tank has a reserve of about 1.5 gallons when the fuel indicator starts to blink after the last pip drops. I have run mine down to less than 11 miles remaining and it held only 9.6 gallons when fueled up. There's a reason for that... You don't what to run a Prius out of fuel!!!
And if you do, pull over immediately, then turn it off until you have 3 gallons of gas in it. Ran out of fuel AND battery!! | Page 3 | PriusChat
No fuel tank holds the actual amount. there is about a 2 gallon reserve. Mine takes about 1 gallon per bar shown on the gas gauge. You can be brave and try to use up that 11 gallons, but you will only have yourself to blame for the extended roadside view you are going to enjoy. When it gets close to empty, just fill it up.
That makes sense. Like I said I don't mind filling up more often when it only costs $30 and I'm getting 50 MPG.
You're a lot better off than the Gen2 which has a flexible bladder gaso tank. Sometimes even empty the bladder tank only gets 8 gallons in winter, so you have improved version. Welcome to PriusChat, RichmondN.
