Recently got a 08 Prius used, and that one screen is saying I'm only getting 20s in the city. Even after reset. Sometimes it'll be high, but it average down to 20s??? I break and coast often to generate but no idea if this is inaccurate
1. Make sure you reset the screen to get fresh readings. The reset is on the lower right corner of the touchscreen showing those average mpgs. 2. Don't depend on that screen. Make sure you are actually calculating your gas mileage at the pump. Miles driven divided by gallons put in. Get a real number. 3. Calculate over multiple tanks. Our cars have a rubber bladder gas tank that is notorious for holding various amounts of fuel depending on temperature, age and other factors. Only an average over time will really give you your true average. In the 20s would indicate something is wrong depending on how the car is driven, tires, tire pressure, condition of batteries, etc., etc., etc. A lot more information is needed for people here to be able to provide real help and advice. If you come back with the answers to the questions at this link Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new | PriusChat you'll get a lot of really good help
That's question #5 of the questionnaire I linked to above. That one question is pretty pointless without the rest of the information. It doesn't matter how long the trip is if it's on non-LRR tires with only 25 lbs of air pressure in them.
For an older car, and the biggest item missing on that questionnaire, check also for excessive brake drag.
I'll be sure to keep my eye on those points My trips vary. I go to school which is less than a block, and then work which is about 2 miles down a long street with lots of stop lights to brake and coast on
The 2 mile trip will really drag down MPG, it won't warm up enough to get close to the EPA ratings. The CAFE/EPA test cycle is much longer than that. If you actually drive that <1 block as a separate trip leg, MPG will be horrid. Fully able-bodied folks should try walking that segment instead. But for those who don't really have that as a reasonable option, the MPG you are seeing seems reasonable.
