Real gas mileage for Toyota Prius and Honda Insight?

Question

I'm thinking of buying either a Prius or an Insight, because these are the hybrids that supposedly get the best gas mileages. I know what the EPA estimates are for their gas mileage, and I also know those estimate can be very far from reality. Any one know what these cars really get for gas mileage?

Answer 1

For doing comparisons between cars, you are best to look at the governmental test data, which uses a standardized test to compare all cars.

What car are you currently driving, and what MPG do you get with your driving? Calculate the % difference from your current car's MPG to the EPA's MPG. Apply this same % difference to the EPA MPG of the car that you are looking at, to see what your own real world driving will be like. You can look up car's fuel economy ratings at: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

(For example:
20MPG EPA - 10% = 20MPG - 2MPG = 18MPG
50MPG EPA - 10% = 50MPG - 5MPG = 45MPG

As I recall, if you look at all of the Consumer Reports test results (many cars) against the same car's EPA ratings, they were all generally in the 10% off range.)

The EPA even states that "Your MPG will vary." ( http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/why_differ.shtml )

meanwhile, on the topic of published EPA ratings, I suggest reading the following article (with plenty of citations for source data):
http://www.bluewaternetwork.org/reports/rep_ca_global_fuelfalsehood2.pdf
"FUEL ECONOMY FALSEHOODS: How government misrepresentation of fuel economy hinders efforts to reduce global warming and US dependence on foreign oil" by the Bluewater Network, 2002

and "Real MPG: Putting the Truth in Your Tank" by the Environmental Working Group:
http://www.ewg.org/reports/realMPG/part1.php


As for what actual owners are reporting as their fuel economy, you can look up the database at: http://www.greenhybrid.com/
or: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList

or you could ask actual owners (and not random people here on Y!Answers) at:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/
http://www.priusonline.com/
http://www.priuschat.com/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/honda-hybrid/
http://www.insightcentral.net/forum/

Also see:
Question #6, Can I expect to get over 50 mpg in the new Prius?
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2006/prius/faq.html

Answer 2

You can expect real world milage in the high 40's to mid 50's for the Prius. Depends on your driving habits and how much stop-n-go driving you do.

The Honda Insight is no longer being made. If you happen to find on a lot, you need to make sure of something: that you can run the A/C on max cooling and the gas motor will shut off. I don't think you can with the insight. W/ the Prius, I know that you can. Also, the Prius is a lot easier to live with as it's a very roomy car that rides very nicely.

Answer 3

Our Prius gets 45-50 mpg in summer and 40-45 in winter. As long as you stay off the accelerator you will get better. I have averaged as high as between 50 and 55 mpg. Running the heater in the winter uses electricity which runs the engine more so mpg goes down (plus the winter weather conditions)

The EPA estamates are under FANTASY PERFECT driving conditions on a FLAT road with no wind, ect... for ANY car. No car gets what the EPA states.

PS: The accelration is NOT bad! It is great, better than my V6 Truck and very smooth and quick. Just ask the guy next to me at the light (see my above comment about staying off the accelerator above!) We love this car and would buy another!

Answer 4

The EPA typically over-estimates fuel mileage by at least 10% - Your mileage will vary depending on the type of driving you do as hybrids get significantly better mileage in stop and go traffic.

http://www.all-about-car-selection.com/hybridvehicles.html

Answer 5

45 or lower. My grandmother had one and hated it. Did I mention that the acceleration is baaaaaaaaaaad! I would just a a VW Lupo or somthing. The Lupo gets around 55 to 60mpg honestly. Keep shopping, you can find a desent buy. Or you can cave in like me and get a Honda scooter! 80 cc's. Expected gas milage: 70- 80MPG and I am getting 133MPG! Just rain and wind suck.

Answer 6

go to toyota.com