While some folks have complained that their hybrid cars’ gas mileage falls short of the stated numbers, we found quite the opposite to be true. We were able to meet or beat the estimates with every hybrid we tested.

But here’s the rub …

Hybrid gas mileage depends largely on technique. If a driver fails to use the tools at their disposal and drives in an inefficient manner, they’ll struggle to hit the numbers.

Truth be told, it can take some effort to beat the official gas mileage estimates, no matter what you’re driving.

This is amplified with a hybrid car or SUV, where the right techniques can pay off with eye-popping numbers under the right conditions.

To achieve the best gas mileage in a hybrid, you’ll want to use the data provided by the dashboard to alter your driving technique.

When you minimize the pressure put on the pedals and maximize the use of inertia, you’re light footing.

The accompanying video shows the dashboards of three hybrid cars that deliver the highest gas mileage results: the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Honda Insight.

Each manufacturer takes a different approach when displaying real-time fuel efficiency.

The 2010 Toyota Prius tops the charts with an estimated 51 city / 48
highway miles per gallon (MPG).

Although the center-mounted real-time fuel-efficiency display in the Prius can draw the eye away from the road to a degree, our 55.1 MPG combined results – calculated from tank fills – proved the capabilities of a conscientiously driven Prius.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid official ratings of 41 city / 36 highway provide a hint of the car’s potential.

Using the configurable (although somewhat distracting) Smart Gauge dashboard display, we were able to easily trounce the estimates in the Fusion Hybrid, scoring an average of 44.5 MPG combined. The Smart Gauge display is an excellent training aid for light footed driving.

We found the 2010 Honda Insight to be conservatively rated at 40 city / 43 highway, and were able to easily trump the numbers with an average of
46.5 MPG combined.

The Insight’s subtle glowing ambient meter surrounds the speedometer allowing the eyes to maintain focus on traffic conditions. With a change in color from green to blue, the driver instantly senses fuel efficiency, without the need to draw attention away from the road.

Hybrids have been traditionally touted as shining over conventional vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. But the benefits clearly carry through to more open roads, when driven appropriately.

The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to cruise under electric power at speeds up to 47 miles per hour is a case-in-point. If you can adapt not just your driving technique, but also the route traveled, you can achieve remarkable results.

Although road conditions can prevent you from getting the optimum gas mileage at all times, the more in tune you are with your vehicle, the better the results.

Stay tuned for more videos on techniques and tactics that you can use to dial up your fuel efficiency.

2010 Hybrid Gas Mileage Ratings

Surfrider’s CNG Camry Hybrid rolls on 20-inch rims wrapped with Toyo Proxy 4 tires. Ride height has been dropped with an adjustable coil over suspension. The custom front bumper features tweaked grilles, while the rear bumper hides the exhaust system. Dual CNG tanks are mounted under the trunk floor. Toyota tapped Metal Crafters to handle the CNG conversion, with Street Image tackling the cosmetic work.

The 2010 Prius features an upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a DOHC 1.8 liter 16-valve VVT-i four cylinder engine and permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The gasoline engine produces 98 horsepower (HP) and 105 foot pounds of torque, while the electric motor adds 80 HP and 153 foot pounds of torque. The engine in the 2010 Prius is significantly larger than the 1.5 liter engine used in earlier models.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2010 Toyota Prius are 51 city/48 highway miles per gallon (MPG), a slight improvement over earlier models, despite the increase in displacement.

We travelled more than 750 hundred miles on our Blue Ribbon Metallic 2010 Prius and dismissed the official fuel economy estimates, landing an average of 59.2 MPG on the highway, and 55.1 MPG combined. With those numbers, the 11.9 gallon gas tank provides a generous cruising range.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, ECO mode, windows up (1-inch gap): 56.5 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, ECO mode, windows up (1-inch gap): 61.9 MPG

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the seventies to eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the seventy degree range.

Even with the added 3/10ths of a liter, the 2010 Prius covers the 0-60 sprint in the same ballpark as its predecessor.

The ride and handling, however, have improved significantly over earlier models.

The 2010 Prius comes configured with one of four trim levels for consumers (there’s a base model that’s intended specifically for fleets).

The interior of the 2010 Prius is more hospitable, as well, although its travels further into the spaceship realm of design. We appreciate the Prius IV’s leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and power lumbar support.

Our Prius IV test unit was fitted with the Solar Roof Package, which includes a tilt/slide sunroof and interior fan to ventilate a parked car on hot sunny days with power from rooftop solar cells. The $3,600 option package also includes a voice-activated DVD touchscreen navigation system and an integrated backup camera.

The backup camera is especially welcome, as rearward visibility in the Prius is somewhat compromised by the car’s aerodynamic design.

The Prius IV features an eight-speaker JBL sound system along with hands-free Bluetooth and Bluetooth music streaming. While there is a auxiliary audio input jack in the center console as standard issue, the Prius oddly lacks provisions for USB iPod hookup is an added-cost option. Steering wheel controls are well thought out.

The rear seat of the Prius provides a respectable amount of headroom and leg room. Cargo flexibility is a highlight and the Prius can handle those Costco runs with ease. 60/40 rear seats fold flat and provide 21.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Scoring higher fuel economy marks with the Prius is simply a matter of diligence. Once you learn how to drive with a light foot and max out the hybrid system’s potential, you’ll find that 60 or 70 MPG segments are easy to achieve, under the right conditions.

The transmission provides Eco, Power, and EV modes. (We performed the majority of our testing in Eco mode.) EV mode is appropriate only for short-term low speed crawling, in the absence of significant grades.

All 2010 Prius are fitted with P195/65R15 tires, with the exception of the Prius V, which is fitted with larger P215/45R17 tires. Integrated regenerative braking and anti-lock brakes are standard, with power-assisted ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. We found the regenerative brakes to operate smoothly.

All-in-all, the third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius delivers a significant step up from the previous edition, with a more comfortable interior, a smoother ride, and higher fuel efficiency. Although the car’s design might be polarizing, there’s no denying the technical achievement. When driven properly and under the right conditions, conscientious Prius drivers can achieve positively remarkable mileage results.

Under the hood, the 2009 Yaris Five-Door Liftback is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 106 horsepower (HP) and 104 foot pounds of torque. The inline four is exclusively mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

If you have your heart set on a manual transmission-equipped Yaris, you’ll have to settle for the three-door Lift back or four-door sedan.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Toyota Yaris Five-Door Liftback are 29 city / 35 highway miles per gallon (MPG). This is the second Yaris we’ve had the chance to test and we found the official estimates on both vehicles to be quite conservative.

It’s clear that our 2008 Yaris Sedan test was no fluke.

We logged six hundred miles in our 2009 Meteorite Metallic five-door Yaris S review unit and flew past the official mileage estimates for the Toyota Yaris, with an average of 43 MPG highway and 38.1 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged through the seventies.

While our standard operating procedure is to set a baseline with the cruise set on 68 MPH, we were not able to do so, as our five-door hatchback was not equipped with cruise control (which is available as a standalone option).

We ran four cycles on the highway circuit, all with the windows up. The driver’s window and rear passenger window were open less than 2 inches a piece to provide cross-ventilation.

47.2 MPG, 55-60 MPH, A/C off.
45.3 MPG, 60-66 MPH, A/C off.
41.1 MPG, 65-72 MPH, A/C off.
38.3 MPG, 65-72 MPH, A/C on.

Although the Yaris responds remarkably well to conscientious driving, Toyota once again failed to include an instant fuel economy gauge as either standard or optional equipment for the 2009 model year. Whether an oversight or by design, this is easily remedied by plugging an aftermarket gauge into the Yaris’ OBDII port.

We used a ScanGaugeII when we tested the 2008 Toyota Yaris Sedan. This time out, we popped an Auto Meter Ecometer into the 2009 Yaris Liftback’s OBDII port. Both the ScanGaugeII and Ecometer provide the feedback necessary to achieve a higher level of fuel efficiency when using a light-footed driving technique.

While the Yaris might not be fast in a conventional sense, it’s surprisingly fun to toss around. (A bolt-on dealer-installed TRD turbo kit sure would be nifty.) This little critter is clearly made for tight spaces, with a eye-opening 30.8 foot turning radius that handily beats the Honda Fit’s 34.4, the Nissan Versa’s 34.2, and the Chevy Aveo’s 33.0. In fact, the Yaris’s turning radius is so tight, it falls just inches short of the tiny Euro-spec Fiat 500 (9.28 meters = approximately 30.5 feet).

The Yaris S package proclaims its largely sporting intentions, with features that include leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, cloth front sport bucket seats, upgraded instrumentation, auxiliary audio jack and USB iPod input, fog lights, rocker panels, and front and rear spoilers.

15-inch alloy wheels are included with the Power option package, which also includes power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors, and a 60/40 split rear seat that reclines, slides, and folds flat.

The backseat has sufficient leg, head, and hip room for two adult passengers, or three little ones.

The Yaris five-door liftback provides 9.3 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear seat up and 25.7 cubic feet of cargo area when the rear seat is folded down.

All-in-all, we found the five-door Toyota Yaris S Liftback to deliver remarkable real world fuel economy in a uniquely styled and fun-to-drive package. While the Yaris’ design may be polarizing, the value and thrift is undeniable. As such, the Yaris remains a top pick in this category.

Notes:

• There is one 12-volt outlet at the base of the dash.
• There are no steering wheel audio controls.
• Hands-free Bluetooth is a dealer-installed option.

If you’re looking at the Yaris Five-Door, you might also consider: the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Mazda3, Kia Spectra5, and Chevrolet Aveo5.

Under the hood, the Tacoma Double Cab is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine which produces 236 horsepower (HP) and 266 foot pounds of torque. The V6 can be mated to five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The official mileage estimates for the automatic-equipped 2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 are 16 city / 20 highway miles per gallon (MPG), and 17/20 when fitted with the manual transmission.

We rolled up over five hundred miles on our automatic-equipped Timberland Mica review unit. As always, we drove conscientiously with a light foot. We were able to fly past the Tacoma’s official estimates, with an average of 24.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 19.5 MPG combined with no load. Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through the seventies.

The Tacoma does not provide an instant fuel economy gauge. We recommend adding an aftermarket unit to provide the feedback you need to achieve the best possible gas mileage.

Our Tacoma was equipped with the TRD Sport package, which includes a sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, 17-inch alloy wheels, 265/65R17 tires, and that way cool (and easily made functional) hood scoop. It was also was equipped with the 6,500 pound-rated V6 Towing package, which includes a Class 4 hitch, transmission and supplementary oil coolers, 130A alternator, and a heavy-duty battery.

While the V6 delivers adequate power to hustle the Tacoma along, a dealer-installed factory-supported supercharger is available for folks who just can’t get enough.

The Tacoma 4×4 provides four-wheel-drive on demand, with a part-time 4WD system and 2-speed transfer case, A front skid plate is standard. Options included with the TRD Off-Road package include: Hill Start Assist, Downhill Assist, Active Traction Control, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, and an engine skid plate.

4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard equipment.

The Double Cab’s versatile short bed includes a composite inner bed, along with Toyota’s handy rail-based adjustable tie-down cleans, and a pair of cubbies. A 115V/400W power outlet is included with the TRD package.

The bed might be short, but the cabin is long on comfort and convenience, with steering wheel audio controls, two power outlets at the base of the dash, and an auxiliary audio input along with manual driver seat lumbar support (with the TRD package’s Sport bucket seats).

Unfortunately, we found that the standard six speaker audio system lacked oomph. While a beefed up JBL audio system with a subwoofer, XM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth is available as part of the TRD Extra Value Packages, we were not able to test it.

The various TRD packages include a host of sweet features, including a rear view mirror with a built-in small video screen, fog lamps, and a sliding rear window. The rear view camera’s diminutive and stealthy display eases the chore of backing up.

All-in-all, our week long test drive found the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4×4 to be highly accommodating for both driver and passengers, both front and rear, as it delivers decidedly car-like ride and comfort, along with reasonable fuel economy and all the utility of a mid-size 4×4 pickup.

The steering wheel provides audio and handsfree Bluetooth controls. Bluetooth sync is simple to accomplish and the system in our test unit performed without a hitch.

While the 2008 Tundras CrewMax Limited is fitted with a basic audio input jack, USB input is available on 2009 models. The 12-speaker JBL audio system pumps out the tunes and is standard with the Limited.

There are plenty of power outlets inside the cabin, with two at the base of the dash, one inside the massive center console, and one at the back of the console, in-between the rear HVAC vents. The climate control system is dual zone.

No doubt about it … this is is a different kind of work truck. The center console is a veritable file cabinet, with places for business cards, writing utensils, and even room for hanging files. Duel gloveboxes provide plenty of additional storage space.

Optional tube steps along with well-positioned grab handles ease access into the cabin.

As comfortable as the front seats are, the second row is the real treat. The 60/40 slide and recline rear seats provide a remarkable amount of room, with 44-1/2 inches of legroom.

The Tundra CrewMax delivers a wonderful open air driving experience when you open the optional power tilt and slide moonroof and roll down the standard rear sliding window.

Moving a big truck around in tight spaces can be a chore. The optional DVD Navigation system includes a handy backup monitor. The standard Sonar system provides a sensor on each corner of the truck, fore and aft, port and starboard.

No doubt about it, the Tundra CrewMax rewards a good day of hard work … or play, with a massive towing capacity and plenty of room to haul the gang.

Previous: Toyota Tundra CrewMax Review – Part I

The Toyota Tundra competes with the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Nissan Titan in the highly competitive full-size pickup truck market.

Under the hood, the short bed Tundra CrewMax is equipped with a 4.6 or 5.7-liter V8 engine. Our top-of-the-line 2008 CrewMax 4×4 Limited review unit was equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, which produces a generous 381 horsepower (HP) and 401 foot pounds of torque. The big V8 is mated to six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and tow/haul mode.

The official mileage estimates for the 2008 Toyota Tundra 4X4 CrewMax 5.7L Limited are 13 city / 17 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We rolled up hundreds of miles on our Pyrite Mica review unit. By driving conscientiously with a light foot, we were able to exceed the official gas mileage estimates for the Toyota Tundra, with an average of 19.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 16.8 MPG combined with no load. Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through the seventies.

Keep your foot out of it and the Tundra CrewMax Limited will hit its numbers. Dip into all that power a little too often and you’ll feel the pinch at the pump.

Unlike the nearly all of the vehicles we’ve tested, the Tundra CrewMax 5.7L Limited’s Interstate highway testing showed little advantage between driving with and without cruise control.

All 2009 4×4 5.7L V8 Tundras are Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) that can use E85, gasoline or a combination of both. We performed our tests with conventional unleaded regular gasoline. Fuel economy results while running E85 are likely to be significantly lower than with conventional gasoline.

The CrewMax Limited includes a multi-information display with average and current MPG, range, average speed, and trip timer. Unfortunately, lesser Tundras may not provide this display, even as an option. The use of a current (a.k.a.: instant) fuel economy gauge is key to achieving better mileage. If you opt for anything other than the Tundra Limited, we’d recommend adding an aftermarket fuel economy display.

The Tundra CrewMax is appropriately named and remarkably spacious, with 42.5 inches of leg room up front and 44.5 inches of leg room in the back seat. Big folks will appreciate all that room.

While the interior is all about comfort, the cargo bed is all about convenience. Tailgate assist eases loading chores, while the deck rail system makes it a breeze to fit your tie downs. The optional bed liner makes it easy to slide cargo around and goes a long way to protecting the sheet metal.

All-in-all, the Toyota Tundra CrewMax 5.7 Limited provides a whopping amount of power, towing capacity and interior space. If you have people to move, stuff to haul, and rough terrain to cover, this one just might be your ticket.

One caveat? Avoid the beige carpet …

GVWR: 7200 lbs.
Payload: 1495
Towing Capacity: 10,100 lbs.

Final Assembly Point:
Princeton, Indiana

Next: Toyota Tundra CrewMax Interior Review

Our MPGomatic Toyota RAV4 review shows why this popular sport utility does so well in a highly competitive market. With our standard week-long review time frame, we were able to put hundreds of miles on the RAV4 to get a solid reading on fuel efficiency and overall driveability. It’s easy to see why the RAV4 is such a success. When called upon, the V6 in our test unit delivered the rare combination of both excellent acceleration and good mileage (when driven conscientiously, of course).

When considering the purchase of a new vehicle, we always recommend checking out a wide range of resources. While our test drives might miss some of the less obvious features, the goal with our MPGomatic reviews is to deliver a real world review from the driver’s seat. This is clearly a different approach, but one that provides many benefits. Rather than focusing on a checklist of features in our review, we’ve scoured the Web to craft a mashup of RAV4 reviews that paint a complete picture …

Kelly Blue Book’s Toyota RAV4 review provides a thorough run through the RAV4’s standard and optional features, as well as its trim levels and pricing. KBB most often does a great job of hitting all the key points in this manner, and their RAV4 effort is no exception.

Edmunds’ Volkswagen Tiguan vs Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 review puts it all in perspective, pitting the RAV4 against a pair of its most formidable competitors. The review is quite thorough in its comparison of performance specifications including 0-60 times, slalom speed, and braking distance.

From the eyecandy from overseas department (with a teaser we can’t have here in the States … a mention of the diesel engine), the Motors TV RAV4 review features witty commentary and excellent camera work.

And for a bit of pure frivolity and SUV love (may death do us part), we proudly present the infamous RAV4 Happy Together commercial …

With the aid of a gracious Toyota rep, we crawled all over the CNG Yaris to bring back this video for your viewing pleasure. Highlights include the under mirror door popper buttons, power clam shell, hidden CNG tank, low key CNG dash button control, Rotora brakes, and gargantuan DPE rims clad in Nitto rubber.

The Toyota RAV4 competes with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Jeep Liberty, among many others in the five seat SUV market.

Our 2008 RAV4 Limited test unit was fitted with the 3.5 liter DOHC VVT-i V6 engine, which produces 269 horsepower (HP) and 246 foot pounds of torque. A more economical 2.5 liter inline 4 is available.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2008 AWD V6 RAV4 Limited are 19 city/26 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with the 5-speed automatic transmission.

In hundreds of miles of driving, we eased past the official estimates for our Pacific Blue Metallic RAV4 Limited, scoring a very respectable average of 29.7 MPG on the highway, with 24.3 MPG combined. If you keep your foot out of it, you’ll be rewarded with good mileage. When you put your foot in it, the VVT-i V6 makes the merge.

The RAV4 rides and handles well, both in and out of town, with a less truck-like feel then some of competition.

The somewhat space age cockpit offers an interesting mix of design touches, with a double glove box, happy robot center dash, nothing but the business gauges, and reassuringly unfettered steering wheel.

iPod integration consists of a center console mounted audio jack. There are two power outlets up front, and one in the rear.

The RAV4 is roomy and comfortable for five, with reclining rear seats. While a third row seat is available, it’s strictly for the wee ones.

The fold flat rear seats allow for a remarkably large cargo capacity of 73 square feet.

For many folks, the tailgate will be what sells the RAV4. The wide opening allows for easy loading — as long as you don’t need to load from the curbside while parallel parked, as the tailgate swings to the right– and the RAV4 gets props for passing the crucial test of accommodating four-foot-wide building materials. (There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get in the Home Depot parking lot after you’ve rolled out a cart of lumber, only to find that it won’t fit in the back of your brand new SUV.) While you won’t fit a full 4×8 foot sheet of plywood inside the RAV4’s cabin, you’ll have no problem handling four foot squares.

All-in-all, we found that the RAV4 offers a solid value. When outfitted with the more powerful V6, the RAV4’s drivability, comfort, cargo capacity, and reasonable fuel economy add up to a winning combination.