Toyota wasn't BS'ing !

Eco Mode, 45-50mph and slow acceleration are the only ways to achieve those miles. If you put the main screen in "home" mode you will see your acceleration, so only press lightly. This is something you can only do in the middle of the night or when you are alone, because people will yell at your slow acceleration.

I can get 65mpg in Michigan with any temperature following these tips.

The highway estimate is only possible when you are following other vehicles, otherwise it is 45-47 but only at 70. Anything over, mileage goes down. If you want even better mileage use 185-195mm tires, instead of the 215mm stock size. (the Gen 3 versions had 185 tires) However if you run 235's for looks, like me, your mileage will drop by by about 5-6 mpg. You might as well install the roof racks which take off 12 mpg.

It is hard to get sympathy from your friends when you tell them you're only getting 37-39 mpg going 90 miles per hour.

Remember: Snow tires are the best insurance policy in Winter!

 

Not so sure...

 

of course, there are always hypermiling techniques

 

No, not even empty racks. That is, unless you are figuring from a 20 MPG FSP (fuel sucking pig), where the American mpg math better hides the significant fuel cost.

 

I think the OP is right.
With my 2013 Prius, I had weeks, with lower than EPA MPG, and weeks with higher than EPA MPG, but on an overall average from a monthly basis, I was very happy that the Prius DID return the 50 mpg mark, much more often than it underachieved it.

And I also agree that it's somewhat rare.
What I had forgotten is that yes, with regular vehicles often the estimated MPG is overestimated.

My Honda Fit is "suppose" to get 33 city, 41 highway, but I'd say that is overly optimistic.
In mixed driving I feel I've had a good tank, if I get above 30+ MPG.

Still good by a lot of comparative vehicles standards, BUT.....
I miss the MPG of the Prius.