Quote:
Originally Posted by scottmandue
I notice everyone throws out the worst mileage a hybrid can get... what is the best?
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I have a current gen Prius and average around 45mpg. 52mpg if mostly highway, and as low as 39mpg if mostly very short trips. Worst case for a hybrid is when the grocery store or school is only a mile or two away, because the engine turns on for a few minutes whether needed or not to warm up, so for a short trip it's on the whole way. I can get better on the highway but I tend to drive around 80mph around here, if I stayed around 65 it would be better.
I have gotten in the high 80's while "hyper-miling" on back roads. If there is a net loss in altitude, I can easily go over 100mpg. There are techniques you can use that really emphasize mileage, there are web sites devoted to it. It's actually pretty fun in a techie-geek sort of way and one of the reasons that despite being a Porsche/track day guy for life I consider the Prius a fun car to drive.