I bought a 2024 Seinna Limited and I really like the van. However, my gas mileage is usually between 31 to 34, mostly around 32. I have it set on the tank setting, but every time I fill up, it resets. I’ve taken it on several trips recently, with a lot of highway driving and city driving. The service team has looked at it twice and told me everything is fine, but I’m still not happy with the mileage. Should I get in touch with a regional service manager for help? Any ideas on what’s going on?
Your driving style plays a big role in fuel efficiency. If you’re driving faster than 65 mph, you’re likely sacrificing some of the mileage for speed. You probably won’t get much help from a service manager for just 2-5 mpg difference.
@Jean
I do drive fast, but if the sticker says 36 mpg, shouldn’t I be getting closer to that? My previous car, a 2020 Avalon, used to get 40 mpg, even on road trips. Can anyone explain how the Eco systems work? Sometimes I wish car manuals were easier to read.
@Kelley
A 6% difference isn’t a big deal. If you’re off by 2-5 mpg, it could be your driving style. Try slowing down or just accept it.
@Kelley
I’m just pointing out that your driving style is probably the main issue. If you don’t want to change how you drive, you’ll just have to accept the lower efficiency.
Jean said:
@Kelley
I’m just pointing out that your driving style is probably the main issue. If you don’t want to change how you drive, you’ll just have to accept the lower efficiency.
Buys a hybrid, drives like a race car, then expects hybrid-level mileage.
@Kelley
The EPA tests are done at 65 mph. If you’re going faster, your mileage will drop. Going 75 mph can cost you around 4 mpg. Also, in the winter, low tire pressure can make it worse.
@Kelley
If you’re not driving efficiently, you won’t get the best mileage. EPA estimates are just that—estimates. They aren’t promises.
@Kelley
Try driving slower. See if your mpg improves.
@Kelley
Look up how the EPA test process works. If you adjust your driving style to match the test cycle, you could get better results. Honestly, you have no real recourse. This is a user error issue.
@Kelley
Hybrid vehicles are very sensitive to driving conditions. The best results come from driving slowly and steadily, like in traffic jams or when rolling through city blocks. Hills and aggressive driving can really hurt your mileage. Also, consider that the Avalon is smaller than the Sienna, which makes a huge difference in fuel efficiency.
In winter, I get around 32 mpg, but in summer it’s about 39. My long-term average is 36 mpg. If you’ve only had the van for a short time, give it some time. Winter fuel blends affect mpg, and the heater uses more fuel than the AC. Without the heat, I could probably get 35 mpg in winter.
@Baylor
Thanks! Do those ECO settings really make a difference?
Kelley said:
@Baylor
Thanks! Do those ECO settings really make a difference?
Not really, no.
Kelley said:
@Baylor
Thanks! Do those ECO settings really make a difference?
I can’t speak for Toyotas, but in my Mitsubishi, eco mode cuts down some power to the electronics to make the motor more efficient. But your issue is probably your driving habits.
Kelley said:
@Baylor
Thanks! Do those ECO settings really make a difference?
Some people have different experiences with ECO settings. I use it in the winter because it makes the gas pedal less sensitive, and I live in a snowy area. It also adjusts the transmission and HVAC system. In the summer, I switch to regular mode for better performance and full HVAC. I only use sport mode for quick acceleration, like merging onto the highway or passing a car.
The heater tends to be the main fuel hog in the winter. It uses more gas to run the engine, lowering your mpg. Also, winter fuel blends don’t help.
Eden said:
The heater tends to be the main fuel hog in the winter. It uses more gas to run the engine, lowering your mpg. Also, winter fuel blends don’t help.
Cold air is denser, which also reduces efficiency.
Is it cold where you are?
Location, weather, and driving habits all matter. Can you give more details? For example, in Florida, I get 40-42 mpg driving mostly highway (but I don’t go over 75 mph) in normal mode.