RAV4 Hybrid: I'm not averaging 40 mpg

[LDR48]

I have a 2019 RAV4 XLE Hybrid with 102,000 miles which I bought used in March 2023. I calculate miles per gallon on actual miles registered divided by actual fuel pumped and that has averaged 32-34 mpg over the last 7,000 miles since purchase. At 79, I consider myself a conservative driver and always keep my vehicles well maintained. I live in Manhattan, Kansas (population about 50,000) and do little driving around town. Most of my driving is on Interstate highways at speeds of 75 mph. I'm aware that optimal mpg obtains at lower speeds. Does my mpg seem out of line with similar owners who drive at similar speeds?

[Jay2TheRescue]

I'd say mostly highway at 75MPH, with the air conditioner on, and E10 fuel, you're about where you're supposed to be. You'd probably get a decent bump just slowing down to 65. Also, you may want to try a couple tanks of ethanol free fuel, you may see a bump in economy from that too.

[LDB]

+1 on driving slower. The wind resistance due to speed is not a straight line increase it is logarithmic so dropping from 75 to 65 isn't just a short slide down the scale it is a large jump down.

[JockoT]

Twice the speed, four times the drag. It is a square law scale.

[LDB]

Chart on bottom of this page shows figures at 5mph intervals. Increasing from 65 to 75 requires almost 50% more horsepower and that takes a fair bit more fuel.

https://ecomodder.com/forum/tool-aer...resistance.php



Using this calculator and converting 65/75 to kph also shows almost 50% more power required all else being equal.

Bottom line, the speed is the problem.

[ezshift5]

Interesting. Not real sure of E10 in CA RON 87........but my '17 Jetta 1.4 is calculating close to Jay's Harley.

(Being old school in this arena (clutch, synchros, all petroleum et al) - - - a hybrid over the EV would be logical to me)

best to all,

ez