Featured Hybrid MPG Ratings Look Great Until Real-World Driving Gets Involved

I know mine were much higher than the sticker. not sure why that doesn't translate to the test

 

Back in my Prius days, I could get EPA numbers in my benchmarks by holding a cruise control speed of 63-64 mph after warm-up. Since then, I don’t worry about it with my cars.

My favorite technique is to benchmark +10 miles at:

• 30 mph
• 55-60 mph
• 75 mph

Put these three points into a graphing spreadsheet and plot a trend line using a second order polynomial curve. This will generate an accurate (enough) curve of the MPG vs mph.

There is another advanced technique using EPA benchmark, roll down coefficients but quite beyond a short answer.

Bob Wilson

 

I really haven't noticed much difference between my Avalon hybrid and my 1985 VW Golf and 1993 Mazda 323. Any of those cars could get over 40 mpg. The Golf diesel could get as much as 60 mpg (of course diesel has more energy, so not exactly a fair comparison).

The one thing that kind of bums me out with owning a hybrid now is having to change the HV battery. The Avalon is showing signs that it's on its last leg. Also, just a couple days ago I finally got the red triangle in the Prius when starting it up and moving it like I do every couple of weeks or so. An OEM battery for the Avalon is more than $2,500, or about 530 gallons of gasoline at current prices here. That makes it go from just around an average of 40mpg to closer to the cost of a 36mpg vehicle.

 

considering the size of the Avalon, that's a pretty good testament to hybrid mpg's. but if anyone thinks hybrids save money, they're seriously deluded.
best you can hope is that your investment is better for the environment

 

I'd be more inclined to get something small again. 40 mpg and no battery would seem to be better for the environment than 40mpg and a battery full of chemicals extracted from the earth. Then again, maybe a car that's both small and hybrid would be best for the environment. But then again, where did the Yaris go?

But balancing between saving the environment, saving my pocketbook and safety all seem like they're at odds with each other. Do I pour potentially some $4,000 or $5,000 into the Avalon? Or do I buy a $5,000 small car that gets just as good fuel mileage without the hybrid system? Or do I "protect my family" from the dangers on the road and buy a Ford Expedition?

 

FWIW; I've never had an issue achieving the OEM mpg on long road trips exceeding the speed limit and NOT plugging-in. In my last cross country road trip; I averaged 65mpg between 75-80 mph. Only plugged in on the first day; leaving home.

Your going to be hard pressed to find a reliable ICE only car that's going to get you a solid 40 mpg for 5K or less. If you trim expectations back to 30-35 mpg; that may be doable. Your probably better off fixing the Avalon - the devil you know.....
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5Y2SM63805Z443561


YMMV

 

I'm getting about 35mpg at present with the Avalon. There seems to be a noticeable drop in fuel economy and I believe it's because the HV battery is about to go. The car definitely has it's pros and cons. It's roomy, it's nice and smooth, and I know who's been fixing and maintaining everything he can in it for the past 8 years. There's not too much to complain about other than issues with the radio not working, those uncomfortable leatherette seats, and I kind of miss driving something with a stick.

I must admit that the fuel mileage in the Mazda 323 and VW Golf were what I calculated on road trips. So they likely got worse than that overall. But the Mazda also cost me only $250 and lasted 7 years (and am still kicking myself in the rear for selling it still in running condition) and the Golf cost me $600 and lasted me another 7 years (and I am still kicking myself in the rear for selling that one still in running condition too). And both were fun to drive and didn't have these hot-n-sticky or freeze-your-butt-off leatherette seats. (I really should get some seat covers for the Avalon, the leatherette stuff is terrible and is all cracking and flaking off now.)

Now don't tempt me with a Pontiac Vibe or a Matrix. I'd love driving a stick again, and I'd be looking for one with the 2ZZ-GE, high revving engine that was also in the Lotus Elise.

 

even mrs lead foot is getting the spa or better in her hycam. if someone isn't, idk what to say

 

Not everyone can afford spa membership.

 

A spa that fits in a hycam is a little different.

 

and difficult to achieve in real world conditions

 

not everyone can afford a used Prime either, I swear the local dealers are smoking crack (only 2 used primes under 150 miles away)

 

I really wished I had gotten a Prime when they first came out and there were all sorts of incentives. In theory, I could have gotten one as cheap as the used Leaf which I basically traded for the used Avalon a year later. The Leaf was dirt cheap to drive because electricity is so much cheaper than gasoline here where I live. But it didn't go as far as we were going once or twice a week. So we looked at some Prii, a Prius V and the Avalon hybrid and the Avalon was the same price as the others (or even less) but had better engine braking options and an actual engine temp gauge (although it's designed to stick in the middle from 140 °F to about 220 °F, so it's kind of useless).