The temperature was -5 F and sometimes lower than that. But isn’t 24MPG too low compared to promised 39? It’s a brand new car after all. The temperatures are back to 30s now, so I will keep an eye out for any improvements.
Reminder - the 'promised 39' from car sticker comes from an EPA test that is often 'ideal' conditions.
EPA testing does not drive a car like how most car drivers would drive nor in different weather conditions.
The Toyota Hybrid system also has a tendency to run the engine to get it to an optimal running condition when you start it up.
From my experience with my Rav4 Hybrid, on cold days, when I start it up, the engine turns over and refuses to go into EV mode.
It will even stay on while at some stops, where it should shut down, because it is still warming up the system.
Take a moment to just have your energy showing on the Infotainment system and you will see the engine in use, even though you are not applying power to the wheels and the battery may have more than sufficient capacity. On warmer days, the engine warmup won't be as long and you will see no engine running at stops a lot sooner than during cold days.
And lastly, note your travel distance. If you are only doing short trips, your MPG will DEFINITELY go down from the 'promised 39'.
My Rav4 Hybrid's MPG went down to 30ish MPG because my commute was 2 miles. Not long enough or far enough to allow the engine to get going and be more efficient.
