The EPA says the G3 is better, but do those results hold-up in the real world? It seems like the smaller engine of the G2 would give fuel economy. The reason I'm asking is because I'm shopping for a used model.
Toyota Prius MPG Reports | Fuelly Fuelly is a owner submitted mileage database. As you can see, 2010 to 2013 models get about 3 MPG better than 2004 to 2009 models. (which get about 4 MPG better than 2001 to 2003 models)
Yep you're right. Well that made-up my mind to search for G3. I wonder how much they cost used. I might have to wait until after 5 years age for the prices to truly drop. Toyota's use of a vacuum thermos to store the heated collant was really bright. The car engine can be heated-up before starting & reduce wear and tear.
+1 With 2005 I had to really work to get a 50mpg trip. My freinds have 2010-2012 and a 2008's and have no problem getting 50-55mpg tanks, big differnce. Sometimes even 60 mpg tank now and again.
The vacuum thermos bottle really didn't work that well, It only holds warm water for a few hours and in cold winter temps not very long at all. Every little bits helps I guess. Glad they do not do that any more.
Oh well. I thought maybe it was designed to hold the hot temperature overnight so it would carry-over the warmth from 1 business day to the next (and thereby reduce wear on a coldstart engine). So the G2 had the vacuum thermos but the G3 does not?
On CR's tests, the Gen 3 does better on the highway than Gen 2. See Most fuel-efficient cars (Gen 2) vs. The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars | Best Cars for Gas - Consumer Reports (Gen 3). Last page of http://web.archive.org/web/20060129105844/http://www.consumersunion.org/Oct_CR_Fuel_Economy.pdf discusses their test vs. the old EPA tests. When the Gen 3 was introduced, IIRC, Toyota said the larger engine led to higher highway FE since it could turn slower. Preliminary 2010 mph vs MPG | Page 2 | PriusChat was some discussion on this ages ago.
The purpose was to reduce warm-up time, not wear. The G3 warms up faster despite not having it. G3 uses 0W-20 oil as well, further skewing direct comparison. The plug-in model warms up (to engine-off state) even faster. As for the topic at hand, having owned both, G3 is a clear improvement over G2 for highway.
I completely agree with John. The GenIII is a significant improvement overall. I don't have to try to get over 50mpg highway. In fact, my last few 300+ mile trips were over 50mpg and that is without a charge and driving at 75mph whenever possible.
Great! Well like I said you've made-up my mind. I will buy a used G3 if I can find a decent price (<15,000) and miles (<60k). No G2 or G1 for me.
I drove both I have records for both Gen3 is better for various reason !!! larger engine larger batttery pack (I think) and even better aerodynamic
