Quote:
Originally Posted by ben parrish
The truth though is that if the Prisus is driven head to head with a conventional automobile on the interstate(using it's gas engine), it is right on par with similar gas powered vehiclest
For those of us that do not live in urban environments, there is no benefit realized from driving this car versus another similar sized, conventional car.
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This is not correct.
If you drive a Prius 70mph on a flat freeway, you will get about 50 mpg. Drop it to 60-65 mpg, driving carefully, and you will get high-50s mpg.
You will not get similar mileage from any other vehicle, save a VW Jetta TDi or a couple other hybrids.
True, the Prius' traction battery and electric motor are not doing much under that situation. But the car is aerodynamic, the gas engine is small, so it is inherently a very economical car regardless of the hybrid feature.
If you drive a Prius in suburban/rural environments, you can get very good mileage. Because the speed of those sorts of roads (40-50 mph) is in the Prius' sweet spot, there are many opportunities for the car to glide with the gas motor turned off and to recover energy from coasting/braking, also the longer trips mean the engine is warm most of the time. Assuming not a "very" hilly area, a Prius will get high-40s or low-50s in that environment.
Again, you won't get similar mileage from any other vehicle, save Jetta TDI/a couple other hybrids.
So, I disagree that the Prius is only for "urban" dwellers. If mpg is your priority, the car works no matter where you live and drive. Obviously, if performance, towing, carrying six, etc is the priority, then the car doesn't work. Styling is personal, but I don't consider it a great looker - more a "I got used to it" look.