Wife took our daughter to visit ailing Grandma in Arizona. Set them up in the Prius for the 300+ mile adventure. She CC'd at 70mpg and temps were 20-50° the whole time. 39.5mpg for the trip.
39.5mpg?!! Thats grotesque. Even here in Michigan when I went up to the family cabin in Northern Michigan a few weekends ago in 20 degree weather (220 miles one way), I averaged 46mpg going 75-80mph!! What are the tire pressures at?
You're preaching to the choir here about being cold and having the mileage drop Its my biggest gripe! I traveled a few weekends ago on a 450 mile round trip, 75-80mph, outside temp 18-22f degrees and still averaged 46mpg!! I bet there was a headwind or your theory of California gas is correct. In Mi. we have a sucky winter gas blend too.
I remember reading when older cars have sudden MPG drop the traction battery is losing capacity thus the ICE does more of the work which lowers MPG. Your car is not that old. Who knows maybe just cold weather and high head on winds and a lead foot and heavy luggage.
I drove from Carlsbad to Rancho Mirage and the wind was 60 MPH gusts and they had a weather warning. 3 adults in the car and luggage. Got low 40 MPG. Winter does not help. My fuelly MPG has dropped also now that is colder out. I also let my wife drive a little and she is a lead foot. Took the Eco off and had the Power button on the whole time and no regard for better mileage. Hey that's why we get along opposites attract.
I love having a car where 40 mpg is bad mileage. Sometimes I have a good laugh at myself when I get concerned about my mileage dropping to around 40. I remember the good old days when getting 36 mpg highway in a 36hp 1600 lb VW Beetle was considered amazing.
