EPA shows new lower mileage ratings

Federal agency adjusts its fuel economy estimates, with most vehicles, from hybrids to guzzlers, seeing mileage figures trimmed.

…The Toyota Prius, the nation’s best-selling hybrid model and the most fuel-efficient, is estimated to see its mileage rating drop 20 percent to 48 mpg in the city from the old estimate of 60 mpg. Its estimated highway mileage should fall almost 12 percent to 45 mpg from the current 51 mpg. The combined mileage estimate will fall about 16 percent to 46 mpg.

The Prius will remain the best-mileage car in the country even with the new formula. The big drop is not a surprise; Toyota has been saying publicly for years that it believed the EPA estimates were too high for hybrids.


Toyota officials said Friday they’re not concerned about the drop in the Prius’s estimated mileage because almost all other vehicles’ are dropping as well.

In fact, the Prius will appear to save more fuel, compared to the average vehicle, than it does now.

Using current mileage figures, the Prius uses 326 gallons less fuel over 15,000 miles than the average car, which is now estimated to get 25 mpg. Using the new figures, the Prius uses 346 gallons less than the average car, which is estimated to get 22 miles per gallon.

CNN