Jun 12

The Prius Lies

Toyota Prius vs Jeep Patriot: the great MPG test: Apparently the onboard computer in the Prius lies through its teeth. These folks did a test between a Prius and a Jeep Patriot. At the end, the Prius claimed 57 mpg. Then they checked actual fuel levels to see how much had been used:

The result was astonishing: both cars had used nearly identical amounts of fuel. The Jeep had averaged 38.9 mpg - only 3.1 mpg less than its computer had recorded. However, the computer of the Prius appeared to be telling whoppers: it actually achieved just 39.9 mpg - a massive 17.1 mpg less than it had claimed.

I maintain that the Prius is something of a crock. Though it did get us all thinking green, this thing isn’t close to as wonderful as they all claim.

Update: This article claims that this test is flawed. Due to the type of fuel tank used by the Prius, the method they used to calculate real-world mileage is invalid, the article claims.

by Deane   June 12, 2008 12:13 PM   |
  tags: 
Prius

Comments

by Dave,   June 12, 2008 2:03 PM  

I wonder how many Prius owners actually check the accuracy of the onboard computer's fuel efficiency calculations. I bet everybody who reads that article will be doing that now.

by Tim Malloroy,   June 12, 2008 2:37 PM  

I have been looking at hybrids and always wondered about the Prius numbers.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid states 35 MPG city, 30+ highway and a friend who has one gets nearly those numbers with careful driving. The Prius and the Altima Hybrid have similar weights I believe so I wondered if the Prius was inflating the numbers.

by Aaron,   June 12, 2008 10:23 PM  

I hope they don't lie. The Pulp Prius says 37mpg on a good day.

by Carl,   June 17, 2008 6:43 AM  

The testers couldn't select drive let alone operate the computer. Not too confident how they would handle a calculator either. Well they probably did not reset the mpg after fillup or they reset it before fillup. The mpg is no longer reset automatically at fillup btw. If that does not make sense to you then you could be one of the many who winge about the computer being inaccurate when it is operator error to blame.

by David,   June 18, 2008 10:54 AM  

Not sure why you keep knocking the Prius... I have one, and it gets the gas mileage it claims. It is a great deal, under $30K for a fully loaded and VERY comfortable car. I switched from a Mercedes E55, and am glad I did. I average 45MPG with it, and I have verified this between fill ups. I live in Silicon Valley, where the gas is currently averaging $4.60/gal for regular. Maybe it is cheaper where you live? I'll take a Prius any day over anything else!

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