I have 153,000 miles on my 2011 RX450h. The car has been a true warrior. Still looks like new. I’ve noticed a pretty significant drop in mpg the last two years. While I can average 27-30 on the highway, my around town driving is more like 19-21. No codes and continues to run smoothly. Any ideas? Deteriorating battery?

May not be related but my hill ascent hold control (pressing extra hard on brake pedal to activate hold) now only holds for a few seconds before clicking off… could be compression problem.

Great car!

 

Your engine may just need new spark plugs, fresh engine oil and a fresh air filter. Even though it is a hybrid you still have to perform maintenance on the gasoline engine.

 

Thanks. It IS due for service so we’ll see if that helps.

 

Any updates? What helped you get better MPG? Did you have to replace the hybrid battery?

 

Not really. Took my car in a few months ago for 150,000 mile service. Still getting 21-22 around town (too low for an hybrid) and 27-29 highway. Guessing it needs a new hybrid battery but not interested in making that investment. Runs fine otherwise. Life goes on…

 

Sounds about on par.

 

Quick way to assess the Hybrid battery is to evaluate how well it backs up.
The hybrid "Synergy Drive" drivetrain does not have a mechanical reverse gear
so, backing up is purely electric. When the hybrid battery is weak, you may notice
that reversing has less power.