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Toyota Camry Hybrid MPG-Real World Numbers

856 messages,  Last post on Nov 22, 2009 at 8:38 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry Hybrid, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)


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#847 of 856
Re: Poor mileage in winter [orly1] by wvgasguy
Feb 20, 2009 (5:26 pm)
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Replying to: orly1 (Feb 14, 2009 11:01 pm)

I am sure there are indeed circumstances where one has driving conditions that just won't allow them to utilize the TCH to meet EPA results.
 
In all fairness to Toyota, a handfull of people that don't get EPA results are not something that giant corporations would address. I realize there are a few people with your results but Toyota has sold thousands x thousands of hybrids. I'm sure for every legitimate complaint like yours that is still probably an environmental issue rather than a flaw that they have 100 people complain that simply do not know how to drive the TCH.
 
I believe the new EPA numbers really reflect the results of a drive run where the averages is of someone who does not maximize the advantages of the hybrid system.
 
Like all things it may not be a fit for all circumstances and your may be one.
 
I don't remember seeing it posted but what did you drive in the past in similar situations and waht milage did you achieve as compared to the EPA?
 
Cold, short trips would have easily dropped your results on your previous vehicle too.
 
My son got 32 mpg one time with a load of kids, my wife would get 35. I always would get 38+. Those differences though only amount to 10% differences
 
i just heard a line in a t.v. show making fun of people who believe in the EPA estimates, saying that "EPA is just a number to get you in the car and take a test drive" so that you will then base you purchase on more/other factors - MY BIGGEST deciding factor was a belief in EPA estimates and blogs, media and other "PRO FE" propaganda.
 
The EPA is only a "relative" number I ever used. I typically would average about 10% above the city number. The ad's today of 17 to 25 mpg are interesting but my experinece was that I would get about 19 on average with an EPA like that. The tests are accurate for the most part. They try to require a consistant test so that people can compare. However many people never get EPA on any of their cars and some average near the top consistantly.
 
I know I had an Infiniti FX45 and averaged 16 mpg and NEVER got over 17. Then as part of a maintenance service they picked up my car (nice service since I lived 100 miles away) I decided to check my car. I figured some kid would pick it up and hot rod it so I reset everything. To my surprise a nice older gentleman picked it up and when he got back I saw that he averaged 18.5 for the trip. I would have swore it was impossible to get that type of milage.
#848 of 856
FYI on EPA by acdii
Feb 22, 2009 (7:44 am)
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I have always wondered why 3/4 ton and up trucks didn't get EPA numbers, and I think it is so they don't embarrass the 1/2 ton trucks. I had an F150, it got 13 MPG, no matter how I drove it. I now have an F350 Dually Crew Cab diesel, it gets 14 on a bad day and 22 on the highway. It weighs twice as much as the F150, it twice the size, and gets much better MPG. Makes one wonder eh? I have an 08 Veracruz, it gets better than EPA rated Highway, but just below EPA city, at least in winter. The Camry averages 44 MPG Summer, but 32 winter, the Prius 51 summer 42 winter. It is all in how you drive it, where you live, and the weather conditions. The EPA is only so you will have an idea of what you may get when driving.
#849 of 856
TCH MPG by checkamte
Feb 25, 2009 (8:41 pm)
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I see many in here are having varying results with the MPG on their TCH's. I have had mine (2009 model) for about a year now; I find that the average tank I'm able to obtain is anywhere from 32-35. I think you really have to be cognitive about the way your driving these to get the MPG that's advertised. If I'm driving mine with the purpose to try and obtain the highest MPG I can probably get 35 for the tank and if I just drive it with out regard for anything I end up with 31-32. In my case I notice better MPG on HWY driving vs city; Most of my driving is around the city relatively flat and as previously mentioned get 32-34 MPG. I have taken it on a few HWY trip and received almost 40 MPG! Either way it's not bad, but I'm not sure how much better it is than the gas powered 4 cyI.
 
I'm not complaining a bit about the car as it's probably one of the best cars I have ever owned; smooth, quiet, comfortable, nice sound system, reliable etc... I don't see how you can obtain the advertised MPG numbers unless you are driving under ideal conditions with the purpose for trying to obtain the maximum MPG though. The car will always use the gas motor to accelerate so driving around a city with a lot of stop and go is not going to result in very good numbers in my opinion.
#850 of 856
Re: TCH MPG [checkamte] by acdii
Feb 26, 2009 (5:52 am)
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Replying to: checkamte (Feb 25, 2009 8:41 pm)

My winter numbers have dropped, different gas formula and the engine needs to run longer to keep the EGT's up. My summer driving I am seeing the EPA number though, and that is without gluing an eye on the MPG gauge. In City driving though, there are too many lights, and unless you can get in a groove where you hit every light just right, you are very hard pressed to get it into EV mode. I also tend to inflate my tires a bit higher than what the book says so there is less rolling resistance.
#851 of 856
Feathering seems like a no brainer to me by housestuff
Mar 04, 2009 (9:49 am)
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I got my TCH and fit right into it getting 38 on my first tank with combined driving. This was a calculated real mileage and not the one posted on the dash (I don't believe in those dash calcs.). I find it really simple to just accelerate just past the desired speed then back off the gas completely to get the electric to kick in, then just lightly touch pedal to maintain speed. Works like a champ every time. If you have your foot at all on the gas you will never get the electric to take over.
 
I considered a VW Jetta TDI diesel before buying this because I own a 125000 mile 98 Beetle TDI that I have never gotten less than 48mpg on no matter how hard I drive it. I enjoy this car but if I had it to do over I would have bought the TDI. Just too much playing around to get the good mileage with this one (my wife will never do it, lead foot you know). I now have both worlds though and can play the gas vs diesel price war games with the oil companies.
 
For all those out there that just don't have the feel for the TCH I highly recommend you condider the VW diesel, all the perks of mileage with none of the messing around. Don't worry about the engine it's clean, quiet, lasts forever, has a 10k mile maintenance interval, cheaper, tax credit, 3 years totally free maintenance.
#852 of 856
Re: Feathering seems like a no brainer to me [housestuff] by acdii
Mar 05, 2009 (6:23 am)
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Replying to: housestuff (Mar 04, 2009 9:49 am)

Hope you have done the 90K recommended timing belt change, if not, be prepared for a world of hurt when it lets go. That was one of the deciding factors against my getting a 2006 TDI when I had a chance, didn't like that written in stone change the belt along with a few other components, and have seen and heard the horror stories about cost when it does let go. The other reason I didn't get one was the financing was way too high, and the dealer wasn't willing to go down on the price, he was pretty much hung on MSRP. I wound up with a Prius instead, with 2.9% financing, and 53 MPG. BUT when I feel the need for that soothing clack clack of a diesel, I hop in my F350 and give it a go.
#853 of 856
Re: Poor mileage in winter [orly1] by cdn_tch
Apr 29, 2009 (7:02 pm)
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Replying to: orly1 (Feb 14, 2009 11:01 pm)

Orly1, what happened with the hypermiler who test drove your car?
 
Did you just need to learn so techniques or wa sthere a problem with the car?
 
Please let us know so we can all learn from your experience.
 
Thanks.
#854 of 856
re: Toyota Camry Hybrid poor gas mileage. by cdn_tch
Nov 20, 2009 (5:41 pm)
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jgallant said: I have had my 2009 TCH for about 6 weeks and have been tracking the gas consumption carefully. The web site (Canadian) says I should get 50 MPG city, combined and highway driving.
 
After 6800 KM (4225 Miles) I am getting only 40 MPG. I know that the info on the web site is an "estimate" but it shouldn't be 20% out. I don't drive with a heavy foot, in fact I try to get that little "excellent" message every time I shut the car off.
 
Has anyone experienced poor gas mileage like this?

 
I put a short answer into the 'Ask the Community' question area, but here is a longer post...
 
First a few questions.
 - What part of the country do you live in?
 - Do you use a block heater?
 - How far/how long are you average trips?
 
Some general comments:
 - The ECU is programmed to reduce emissions first, get better mileage second
 - One full throttle acceleration an on ramp easily negates 10-15 minutes of easy driving
 - After the coolant temp reaches 70oC, you have to be stopped for ~7 seconds for the car to transition to Mode 4, which will let you get into EV mode at any speed below 64kmh.
 - Until the engine reaches 80oC, having the heat on will generally keep the engine running regardless of other factors.
#855 of 856
re: Toyota Camry Hybrid poor gas mileage. [cdn_tch] by jgallant
Nov 21, 2009 (8:34 am)
Reply

Replying to: cdn_tch (Nov 20, 2009 5:41 pm)

Thanks for the info on getting into Ev mode and how the car works while warming up.
I will be testing those suggestions from now on.
I live in Vernon BC Canada. It's in the Okanagan Valley near Kelowna. It has not been that cold here yet, never below freezing. I do have the heat on now but most of the Kilometers on the car were on a trip from here to Vegas in October. I wish I had known about feathering on that trip.
My average trip now will be about 15KM or about 10 Miles. I suspect with the cold weather coming the MPG will not get any better except on longer trips.
I didn't know anything about Mode 4 so from now on I'll be trying to hit that stop light on the way to work so I can stop for the 7 seconds.
Thanks again.
#856 of 856
re: Toyota Camry Hybrid poor gas mileage. [jgallant] by cdn_tch
Nov 22, 2009 (8:38 am)
Reply

Replying to: jgallant (Nov 21, 2009 8:34 am)

There are so many nuances to getting the most out o fthe TCH it is worth reading the
new owner FAQ at GreenHybrid.com.
 
Mileage starts to go down when temps start going below 10oC. You use the defroster, heat in the cabin, winter gas, etc... Looks like Vernon also has a less than flat terrain, so that will hurt as well depending on how much you go up and down hills. Also, don't use the CC in hilly terain, that hard acceleration is really rough on mileage.
 
15km is a good distance, but I find that my 10km is not enough to reach full operating temp in the winter, even with it plugged in at home.
 
If you have questions, ask. There are some amaizingly knowledgeable people on these forums that can go down into the technical details of the TCH. I've learned a lot, but still have way more to go...

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