That is an excellent question. If you have read my previous posts I have offered tips, tricks and documentation on my mpgs. Here is my analytical answer from my nearly 40,000 miles of driving the Saturn Vue Hybrid.

The temperatures in Maryland do not get as cold as Canada. I have found that as soon as the temps got above 55 degrees F - I was able to get 2 mpg better without a change in driving style. I average 32.6mpg from March 1 - October 31 and 30.7mpg from November 1 - February 28.

I also have a good setup to my commute. My Hybrid is garaged so it starts out warmer than if it was on the street. Probably adds about .5 to 1 mpg.

My commute route itself seems to be ideal for maximizing mpgs. I have 5 miles of stop and go at 30-40 miles per hour. Then I am on the highway at 65mph for about 30 miles and then have 5 miles of stop and go (depends upon traffic) followed but 3 miles of lights. Reverse the commute and it is almost the same. However, on the return trip I finish with 8 miles of rolling hills. I take the back roads which are more scenic to home. If you have shorter trips and the Hybrid does not warm up - you are probably losing at least 3-4 mpgs.

Being a granny is good but my driving style is to get charge/assist gauge to move. My goal is to coast and have it charge or put my foot on the gas and have it assist. I routinely get the assist to kick in with the green Eco light on while going up hill at 55mph and increasing my overall speed. (Try doing all three next time the conditions allow.) The key is to find the sweet spot on the gas pedal. It has become second nature to me. By the way, I also drive the speed limit or 5 miles per hour faster. Getting good mpgs does not mean you have to drive slow. My style easily gives me a 2-3 mpg advantage over a regular driver.

My Lifetime 31.839mpg – less 2 mpg for colder weather – less 1 mpg for no garage – less 3.5 mpgs for short commutes – less 2.5 mpgs for a different driving style = 22.839 mpg or about what the typical driver Saturn Hybrid owner is getting.

I also do not use the heater and/or a/c fans passed the first level under normal driving conditions. However, if I need to defrost the windows or make the wife comfortable in the passengers seat - I will put it as high as needed. Good MPGS are not worth saftey sacrifices or the wife being mad at you.

Granted some Saturn Vue Hybrids seem worse than others. However, by anaylzing these factors mention above you should be able predict your mpgs. I have said this before, I am very confident that I could get most of the Saturn Vue Hybrids to average above 30mpgs if I drove them for a week with my commute.

Anybody want to give it a try?