Fuel Economy results on the new TCH

Further to my post below I've noticed some interesting aspects in the actual results reported by first time drivers.

1. The EPA values on the TCH

On the first 3 HSD vehicle there was approximately a 15% difference between City and Hwy EPA values; e.g. 60 / 51 on the Prius II. On the TCH this difference has been reduced to about 5% at 40 / 38. Hmmm curious. Why?

There has been a firestorm of press and individual reports about how 'the hybrids never reach EPA estimates in FE'. In fact if one is able to drive according to EPA criteria one will get the same values as does the EPA. It's just not realistic to drive this way in today's world.

Factors such as weather and highspeed driving are not taken into account presently in EPA testing. Both of these factors seriously impact FE in in every vehicle. When gas is $1.50/gal and the average FE of an SUV is 14 mpg who gives a hoot about winter or highspeed driving. However when fuel is $3.00+/gal and a vehicle is touted to get 55 mpg combined now many do give a HOOT when it actually only gets 45 mpg combined @ 70 miles per hour in winter.

As noted elsewhere by nbalthaser the FE testing is actually done by the automakers and is verified and certified by the EPA. As long as the testing is done accurately a manufacturer could report lower values if it felt these were realistic. ( The EPA will be will be changing it's own testing procedures for the 2008 MY ).

2.) The initial reports of drivers is that the TCH is seems to be attaining its EPA values.

Subject to individual weighted averages on combined driving it seems that the new TCH is often right at the EPA numbers - even when being driven at 70 miles per hour!! This is unique and seems to fly in the face of the laws of physics. At 70 miles per hour there is significantly more drag on every vehicle but reports seems to show 38 mpg being attained quite often. The database is small now so more points have to be entered but this is 'interesting' lets say.

Hypothesis: The Camry is the flagship of Toyota here. Taking care of it's image is vitally important. With the knowledge gained from the Prius' and the HH, I believe that Toyota has made sure that the EPA values for FE are realistic and attainable by nearly every driver under normal conditions.

The database herein will verify my supposition.

Lifetime fuel usage: 2.1 GPC ( 1.99 recent )