Really only time one would consider using it is if you want to creep around a parking lot or in your driveway. The car will do it by it self but pressing EV (as long as the battery is sufficiently charged) will not kick you out of EV as easily as not using the button I have noticed and you don't have to watch the horizontal mfd as much it seems. It's fun every now and again to pretend you have a full EV... Lol.
We already have a RAV4 and when you work 7 minutes away I'm sure it will be just fine. . Plus why have an AWD when you burn more gas for a feature you use 20% of the time, lol. iPhone ?
the only reason to use it is to move your car around the yard/parking lot, etc., or when showing someone how the car works. otherwise, you're just wasting gas. also, it's not available unless the engine is warmer than the set parameter.
It's probably worthwhile to mention that use of EV mode for any but the most limited tasks usually leads to a drop in overall fuel economy. The immediate gain is paid back later, with interest, when the engine has to replenish the battery. At a minimum you pay conversion losses; if you are unlucky the engine operates inefficiently while recharging.
58 MPG is excellent for a new owner. Well done! If your interest in high fuel economy continues you will hit 60 MPG routinely and over 70 MPG when traffic allows, the weather is moderate, and the trip upwards of 10+ miles (or the engine is warm.)
Glad you're happy, and I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a supporter of Prius. Best of luck and enjoyment with your new ride.
Yeah, have fun joy riding with it, and break that engine in. It'll get better mpg once you hit around 7k miles on the prius, the tires I think are around 5-600 miles before they're broken in. As for snow tires, again I use the Michelin X-Ice XI3. Some others have recommended the Nokian Hakkapeliittas. Oh, and if you haven't already, register for a fuelly account. As you enter how much gas you put into the car based on the receipt when you fill up, it'll give you a record of your mpg. Here's mine for some reference. Keep in mind I'm driving a five, so I have 17 inch wheels too. I also drive at night due to working 3rd shift, so slightly less traffic to deal with, and I tend to stick to the speed limit while using hybrid driving techniques such as pulse and glide. Prius liftback (Toyota Prius) | Fuelly