07 Camry hybrid claims 40 mpg 08 claims 33 mpg, Why?

Answer 1

The EPA changed the way they measure mileage. The old system was created in the 70s and used slower speeds, slower acceleration and no A/C. Everybody complained that they couldn't get the EPA mileage so they came up with a new more accurate system.

From Edmonds:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has posted new fuel economy ratings for vehicles from the 2007 model year and earlier using new calculations it says are more realistic and reflect real-world mileage.

As anticipated, many larger vehicles, such as the Hummer H3, as well as gas-electric hybrid vehicles, are seeing mileage declines under the new system. The 2007 H3 four-wheel-drive model with an automatic transmission gets new numbers of 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway versus 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway under the old system. Toyota's Prius hybrid saw a dramatic decline, too. Under the new system, the 2007 Prius gets 48 mpg in city driving and 45 mpg on the highway. Previously, the EPA said the Prius returned 60 mpg in city driving and 51 mpg on the highway. Toyota noted that mileage ratings for competing vehicles will drop, too.

Tables that list the new ratings compared with those for previous years can be found at www.fueleconomy.gov. Window stickers reflecting the new fuel economy tests will be required on 2008 models.

The EPA explains that its new system — the first change since 1984 — factors in such variables as higher speed and greater use of air-conditioning.

What this means to you: In effect, your vehicle's mileage hasn't really changed. What has changed is the way the feds calculate it.

Fang - It is the exact same car.

Answer 2

Another point to note is that the old EPA testing standards were extremely kind to all hybrids. They were run at a relatively low speed and with little or no sudden acceleration. This is what a hybrid just eats up because when run at a steady, low speed, the gas engine turns off and it runs on battery. Since the tests were run without A/C, there was no substantial load on the battery, and you got phenominal mileage out of it. Having said that, you have to remember that the EPA testing methods were created long before hybrids came to the market, and the hybrids just got lucky.

Whoever said that all vehicles lost about 20% was absolutely correct, but 20% of a Hummer that only gets 12 mpg is not very significant when compared with a a hybrid that was getting a rated 60 mpg! The Hummer is only going to lose around 2 mpg and the hybrid will lose between 12 and 15 mpg. That is why it looks as though there is a huge change, but in reality nothing changed but the method of testing.

The manufacturers are required to only quote the EPA mileage, if they quote any mileage at all - they are not allowed to make any other claims. That is why the Hummer mileage is conspicuously absent while the hybrids are more than willing to post theirs right on the sticker.

Those that whine and moan about how good the hybrid mileage is, and how poor the others look in comparison should take that up with the government, as the manufacturers ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE ANY OTHER FIGURES. To claim that any manufacturer "lied" is so patently stupid as to be beyond belief, but about what is to be expected from that vocal minority of bozos who choose to post here without knowing anything at all about the subject question.

Point of fact: I own a 2007 Camry Hybrid and have owned it since May 2006. I get a steady 36.9 mpg on my daily commute of mixed highway/city driving and the highest that I have ever seen is 42.5 mpg on a long trip in flat country, and that was only for that one tank; I have never been able to duplicate it.

The 2008 Camry Hybrid is identical to the 2007 Camry Hybrid in every way but one: the price went DOWN for 2008!

Answer 3

Manufacturers are required to post the MPG ratings from the governmental (EPA) tests.

The EPA changed the tests, beginning with the 2008 model year. Pretty much EVERY vehicle is seeing a drop in reported MPG. The EPA website has updated the listings for the pre-2008 model years to estimate what they'd get in comparison to the new 2008 tests.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ratings2008.shtml
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/how_tested.shtml
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml

All tests are done in a laboratory, old or new.

The newer tests take into account things like faster acceleration, AC usage, and colder outside temperatures. (The old tests were done at 68-86^F, and didn't go faster than 60mph, for example.)

Certain vehicles are still exempt from the federal fuel economy standards, such as motorcycles and vehicles weighing over 8500 lbs. This is why you do not see a MPG listed for the Hummer H1 & H2, for example, they're not required to take the test nor post the results to consumers.

Answer 4

lots of nice guesses, no right answers yet.

here ya go:

old system highway speeds rated at 48 miles an hour, on a treadmill, in a building.

new system outside, with wind, hills, faster starts and stops, actual highway speeds, etc.

not important if the vehicle tested is gas powered, hybrid, or rubber-band powered, ALL get the new testing.

toyota did not get 'weigh-laid' in particular. ALL manufacturers will show about a 20% loss in mpg on 2008 window stickers.

it is simply a more accurate way to show the estimated mpg of a vehicle than the out-dated system that has been in place for the last 30 years or so.

hope this helps.

Answer 5

The EPA changed the way Hybrid models are tested. The new testing method is more accurate. Few people could achieve the mileage claimed on the older models. The new testing gives more real world results.

In real driving, expect about the same mileage, the 2008 figures.

Answer 6

The answers noting the new EPA testing methods are absolutely correct. Toyota didn't "lie" about the mileage ratings any more than any other manufacturer. They ALL reported WHAT THE EPA RATED. The emission standards have NOTHING to do with it, as all Toyota Hybrids are Partial Zero Emission Vehicles, the best rating next to an all electric vehicle (Zero Emissions). I do wish those with no real idea as to the facts would refrain from posting.

Answer 7

Most likely this is due to the EPA reworking their testing system to more real life scenarios. As a result, the mpg numbers, for all cars, are a lot lower this year.

Answer 8

Reason is because of the NEW epa standards for '08. Toyota got weigh-laid across the board on their cars, '07 emission standards weren't nearly as thorough as the new '08 standards and thus has caused Toyota alot of headaches, because now they have to give real numbers, where as before they were using the loopholes to post numbers.

Answer 9

with a view to recreate authentic existence driving situations the EPA recalculated the way it determines MPG. All vehicles MPG will circulate down for 2008. however the numbers would be plenty nearer to what you get while u purchase the motor vehicle. (MPG)

Answer 10

The 08 is a bigger model the 07 model. You would think the 08 gets better MPG because technology improves every year!