Does anyone actually get the posted 22/24 mpg?

[Kevin]

I just hit 2,000 miles:

• First 500 miles: 24.2 MPG
• Next 500 miles: 25.1 MPG
• Next 1,000 miles: 23.0 MPG
  • I suspect this drop has to do with winter blend fuel, cold temps and some driving on snowy roads, which happens to every car in Minnesota during the winter.

This is on a 1958 with stock 18" Yokohama 245/70R18 tires and no roof rack. Mostly easy highway commuting miles. I've been taking it easy with the new engine, but not hypermiling.

 

[ultane]

I just hit 2,000 miles:

• First 500 miles: 24.2 MPG
• Next 500 miles: 25.1 MPG
• Next 1,000 miles: 23.0 MPG
  • I suspect this drop has to do with winter blend fuel, cold temps and some driving on snowy roads, which happens to every car in Minnesota during the winter.

This is on a 1958 with stock 18" Yokohama 245/70R18 tires and no roof rack. Mostly easy highway commuting miles. I've been taking it easy with the new engine, but not hypermiling.

Probably the biggest advantage to the 245/70R18 tires.. improved fuel economy.. but I don’t think I will downsize Miss Daisy’s Michelins.

 

[rjmh]

Probably the biggest advantage to the 245/70R18 tires.. improved fuel economy.. but I don’t think I will downsize Miss Daisy’s Michelins.

Interesting, Why do you think that - lighter weight?

 

[PACruiser]

Yes, but there is definitely a technique to it. As a driver, you need to take advantage of the hybrid system to gently bring it up to speed, stay in the target zone of 1,500 rpms, and slow down using the regenerative braking, and start/stop engine pausing. The vehicle provides many aids to help you do this including the dash gauges, your drive pulse app rating, and the Battlestar Galactica sound effects.

But let's be honest. The LC hybrid is a blast to drive through town, in traffic, and around suburban obstacles. Its driving position, visibility, manueverability, and zippy fun factor create a constant tempation to suck that average MPH from 23 down to 18.

 

[LCSpecial]

never gotten over 19-21 mpg since day 1 August, 2024. Mostly 18/19mpg

 

[Winchester44]

I got a slight decrease adding to 275 tires in a pretty significant jump up after the first oil change at 2000 miles. Now at 6000 miles and I’m probably 75% low speed Highway traffic and 25% in town with a daily 44 mile commute. I currently average 20.1 mpg. If it’s flat, I can easily get 23-24keeping it at 68 mph. If you push that to 80 drops to 17-18.

 

[ultane]

Interesting, Why do you think that - lighter weight?

That, and a smaller diameter tire is easier to ‘spin up’, or so I have heard.

 

[Winchester44]

That, and a smaller diameter tire is easier to ‘spin up’, or so I have heard.

Less rolling resistance

That, and a smaller diameter tire is easier to ‘spin up’, or so I have heard.

1. lighter weight

2. Less mass requiring less inertia

3. less friction due to smaller contact patch

4. better aerodynamics if narrower.

However there is definitely a point where tires get too small and things go the other way where the gearing pushes engine rpm higher to maintain the same speed and mpg actually decreases

 

[talbertford]

I’ve got 7500 miles on my LC LC and I average about 21 mpg with 50/50 city/highway. Almost always Eco mode. Regular gas mostly.

 

[dtxlcfe]

Has anyone tested and noted the difference between driving in Eco vs Normal?

ie: the exact same commute/driving style for an entire tank in both modes, hand-calculating MPG?

I did a full tank on normal then a full tank on eco. Both turned up a 17.2 average. I suspect the eco would've been slightly better maybe around 17.5 but the weather was colder on eco mode. If I pay attention to it I can get around 18. I am almost all city miles. commute to work is just under 5 miles with only 2-3 of those on stop and go hwy. I was getting 12 MPG in my 2020 ram rebel 5.7 that advertised 19 mpg combined. I also test drove the GX550 and tried to do a usual mix of driving, also turned up 12 mpg.

Given that most cars now implementing turbos with a 4 or 6 cylinder, I am very happy with my ~17.5 mpg on my LC. If i went from my 87 octane truck to a GX getting the same 12 MPG AND having to use premium... that would've been a double gut punch.

*This is with front wheel well air dams removed, ditch lights and side lights on roof rack.

 

[sailcalifornia]

I have decided you all drive like maniacs. This is generally all down hill from Ontario, CA to the beach, socal commute traffic, not bad but cant drive 80 . I usually get in the low 20's on my way to the office, but keep forgetting to take a picture

 

[TrailWhale]

I have decided you all drive like maniacs. This is generally all down hill from Ontario, CA to the beach, socal commute traffic, not bad but cant drive 80 . I usually get in the low 20's on my way to the office, but keep forgetting to take a picture

Looks like you unlocked your true MPG potential. Come join us in the real MPG discussion thread!

 

[dtxlcfe]

I have decided you all drive like maniacs. This is generally all down hill from Ontario, CA to the beach, socal commute traffic, not bad but cant drive 80 . I usually get in the low 20's on my way to the office, but keep forgetting to take a picture

yeah im gonna need a full length video of you driving this trip lol I don't believe it. Especially with the first edition roof rack which I also have. I have always thought the roof rack kept my hwy mpg on a flat surface limited to maybe 19 or 20 MPG at best (60 or 65 MPH). have taken a lot of road trips and 100+ miles is never above 20. some in city longer transits i might get 24 or 25.

 

[sailcalifornia]

yeah im gonna need a full length video of you driving this trip lol I don't believe it. Especially with the first edition roof rack which I also have. I have always thought the roof rack kept my hwy mpg on a flat surface limited to maybe 19 or 20 MPG at best (60 or 65 MPH). have taken a lot of road trips and 100+ miles is never above 20. some in city longer transits i might get 24 or 25.

Like i said, all slightly downhill, and when in 30-40 MPH traffic, if you dont jam on the gas peddle it stays in EV mode and the millage shoots up. There is generally less traffic on the way to the office, usually more like 65-70 MPH an rarely do you see it stay in EV mode.

 

[Skidaddl]

Less rolling resistance

1. lighter weight

2. Less mass requiring less inertia

3. less friction due to smaller contact patch

4. better aerodynamics if narrower.

However there is definitely a point where tires get too small and things go the other way where the gearing pushes engine rpm higher to maintain the same speed and mpg actually decreases

Interesting thing, I was googling the rolling resistance thing, and for bike tires they say a wider tire has LESS rolling resistance.

 

[Marinna]

For all turbo engine (not just Toyota) the EPA benchmark number is not a good reference.

My understanding is that EPA method does not test gas mileage as "turbo engine" so all engines are tuned in a way that during EPA testing it can be tested as "naturally aspirated engine" as much as possible.

However most of these threads people are talking about a different gas efficiency which is the real "turbo engine efficiency", depends on how one pump the gas into that 2.4l engine, you will get a variety of turbo time with your usage. This is not necessarily related to how you speed up or the speed you drive the car. My observation is that the grandma driving skills might not always minimize turbo time.

Just my experience, I think if you can hyper-miling in a more predicative way, you might actually get better MPG. This is what I would try:

1. Don't use adaptive cruising, it uses breaks. Instead to plan your driving speed to the road 1/2 to 1 mile ahead of you so you can use as little break as possible.

2. This is controversial but for the sake for saving gas I would drop my speed down as much as I am socially allowed before a down-hill, and then coast down hill freely until I have to break. I've noticed most drivers do just the opposite. They usually race to the top of the hill, and brake hard during down hill.

3. Maximize your coasting time

4. More pressure on your tires, reduce the contact of your wheel to the ground. Again this is controversial.

5. Many people will blame me for saying this but if you drive on highway at 50~55 mph, it helps your MPG "A LOT". Definitely controversial as well but it is actually closer to how EPA test the vehicle

Assuming you hypermile to the extreme level doing this, I would expect the gas efficiency can reach 25~27 MPG on the highway with stock everything. I never did these things fully. But when I want good gas mileage I will probably run 50% of these rules and I can get to around 23~24 on highway. Basically the more you drive your LC like Prius the better MPG you will get. (try 0-60 MPH in 15 seconds, your turbo will never turn on)

 

[t3lcfe]

MPG…MPG…MPG
Hundreds of conversations, discussions, and endless…
Many reports are not “complete” with all factors such as model, accessory, road condition, driving habit, etc.
Summary are 4 lifestyles, users, purposes. They are all great and provide the satisfaction, happiness:

1/ Maximum MPG 22-26: stock street rated / smallest tire size 245/70 R18, no running board/side step, no skid plates, no roof rack, no built-in drawer system on trunk, no ACC lights, no air compressor, no window open, no passengers , super light gas pedal grandpa style(last one to hit stoplights and last one to leave them)…or even fold the side mirrors while moving
LC intentional purchase: mpg, cool box, but 1980 Honda civic speed

2/ Medium-High MPG 19-22: stock street rated/medium tire size 265/70 R18, no rock rail but running board/side step, roof rail but no cross bars or roof rack, empty trunk, no other ACC stuffs, medium gas pedal/in middle or a bit behind among traffic flow

3/ Medium MPG 16-18: bigger and AT tires (SL-E rated) 275-285/70/R18, rock sides, 3/4 roof rack, minimum ACC lights, drive at normal or a bit fast speed (middle or top of fastest group in traffic flow)

4/ Low MPG 13-16: AT rated E tires 275-295/70 R18 or R17, wider stand for wheel/tire, full roof rack, all ACC lights, built-in air compressor, built-in drawer/fridge/sleeping system in the trunk, rock slide, light/steel integrates front bumper+winch. Full lifted/suspension equipped for all terrain off-road trails. First one to hit the stoplight and first one to leave it. Drive as “real muscle” LC

Which group are you belong to?
All can be happy for what we choose.
I am in group 4 hahaha and have to run fast before rocks thrown on me

Happy LC to all. Happy Holidays

 

[Marinna]

MPG…MPG…MPG
Hundreds of conversations, discussions, and endless…
Many reports are not “complete” with all factors such as model, accessory, driving habit, road condition, driving habit, etc.
Summary are 4 lifestyles, users, purposes. They are all great and provide the satisfaction, happiness:

1/ Maximum MPG 22-26: stock street rated / smallest tire size 245/70 R18, no running board/side step, no skid plates, no roof rack, no built-in drawer system on trunk, no ACC lights, no air compressor, no window open, no passengers , super light gas pedal grandpa style(last one to hit stoplights and last one to leave them)…or even fold the side mirrors while moving
LC intentional purchase: mpg, cool box, but 1980 Honda civic speed

2/ Medium-High MPG 19-22: stock street rated/medium tire size 265/70 R18, no rock rail but running board/side step, roof rail but no cross bars or roof rack, empty trunk, no other ACC stuffs, medium gas pedal/in middle or a bit behind among traffic flow

3/ Medium MPG 16-18: bigger and AT tires (SL-E rated) 275-285/70/R18, rock sides, 3/4 roof rack, minimum ACC lights, drive at normal or a bit fast speed (middle or top of fastest group in traffic flow)

4/ Low MPG 13-16: AT rated E tires 275-295/70 R18 or R17, wider stand for wheel/tire, full roof rack, all ACC lights, built-in air compressor, built-in drawer/fridge/sleeping system in the trunk, rock slide, light/steel integrates front bumper+winch. Full lifted/suspension equipped for all terrain off-road trails. First one to hit the stoplight and first one to leave it. Drive as “real muscle” LC

Which group are you belong to?
All can be happy for what we choose.
I am in group 4 hahaha and have to run fast before rocks thrown on me

Happy LC to all. Happy Holidays

I always think if Toyota try to electrify more on LC (moderately more battery and lithium please), our gas mileage can get improved even more. I want to electrify my first 2-3 seconds of acceleration instead now really just about 1/4 to 1/2 seconds. That helps people who breaks more too

I am a group 2.25 but I do have group 1 mileage. I got FE with we’ll above average payload, but light on driving.

 

[HandyMan]

My gas mileage is disappointing. I have to work to get 15/16 MPG. I have tried everything. I am in ECO mode. I have the First Edition, which has a slightly aggressive all-terrain tire. I have the First Edition roof rack. I am very disappointed with the mileage. I think Toyota exaggerated the MPG estimate on the window sticker. Typically, I get the lowest MPG advertised, and I would be happy with that. But I am getting five mpg worse than the lowest MPG advertised. That has never happened to me. Count me in if there is a class action lawsuit on this issue.

 

[Michael_Oregon]

Yes, but there is definitely a technique to it. As a driver, you need to take advantage of the hybrid system to gently bring it up to speed, stay in the target zone of 1,500 rpms, and slow down using the regenerative braking, and start/stop engine pausing. The vehicle provides many aids to help you do this including the dash gauges, your drive pulse app rating, and the Battlestar Galactica sound effects.

But let's be honest. The LC hybrid is a blast to drive through town, in traffic, and around suburban obstacles. Its driving position, visibility, manueverability, and zippy fun factor create a constant tempation to suck that average MPH from 23 down to 18.

I have been too busy so just taking it to the Toyota Service center tomorrow. I am at 4500 miles and consistently in the 17 MPG range (40/60 city/HWY).

I rarely notice the hybird system working. There is a ready light but its rare to notice the tach disappear.

I drive like a grandma and keep it in eco mode. Clearly I am doing something wrong. I did put BFG 275/60R20 on.

I love the looks and its very comfortable but it's not panning out to be the adventure wagon I hoped due to the very limited range of 260 miles per tank.

Now that I think of it, it rarely stops/starts at red lights or coffee shop drive through.

Hopefully they find something wrong.

Cheers,
Mike