After the 40K + mile check up, and the software update for the overheat recall, the dealer said I would not get more than 6 months on the original tires for my 2012 V three. A week later, I damaged the side wall of a tire, so I decided to get new tires. I had good luck with Goodyear, and Just Tires in the past so I looked at what they had. They had a "Fuel Max" model, but being in Chicago, I went with the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread because it was better in snow. The tires rode better than the original when it came to bumps and pot holes, but we saw a drop of about 5 mpg on average. On the old tires we got 40 mpg or better around town on a tank without trying hard. Now we get about 36. Even when I was hyper-miling and trying to get the numbers up, best case I got 42 mpg. (47 mpg was easy to get so long as it wasn't winter and my wife didn't drive). The new tires were inflated to 35 psi, I raised that to 38 psi but saw no difference. It seems to be a trade off of mileage for traction. It is disappointing. I just hope they are much better in snow. BTW, Did anyone have a mileage drop after the software recall?
No, and in fact, based on the first three tanks after the upgrade, from appearances, it may have increased slightly.
Tires are a BIG factor in your MPG. Don't blame the software update for this. Many folks choose to keep a second set of tires for winter-only use. Now you know why.
There were some regular Prius Owners here reporting significant mpg drop, post inverter software update. My hunch would be the tires though. It'd help to know: what were your original tires? Or not: chances are very good they were picked by Toyota for LRR.
I would say that drop is about normal, going from LRR to what you have, now. Good news is that after a couple thousand miles of break-in, you may get 1 or 2mpg back.
Your tires might require a break in of several thousand miles to settle in the mileage. We did not see any mileage drop after the software update. Here in south Texas I run my tires 44/42, a little harsh, but we have no snow.
