EPA shows new lower mileage ratings

EPA shows new lower mileage ratings
Federal agency adjusts its fuel economy estimates, with most vehicles, from hybrids to guzzlers, seeing mileage figures trimmed.

The Toyota Prius, the nation's best-selling hybrid model and the most fuel-efficient, is estimated to see its mileage rating drop 20 percent to 48 mpg in the city from the old estimate of 60 mpg. Its estimated highway mileage should fall almost 12 percent to 45 mpg from the current 51 mpg. The combined mileage estimate will fall about 16 percent to 46 mpg.

The Prius will remain the best-mileage car in the country even with the new formula. The big drop is not a surprise; Toyota has been saying publicly for years that it believed the EPA estimates were too high for hybrids.

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