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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX450H model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the RX450H. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other third generation RX models.
Just having a super run this summer so far. Just finished a third tank with excellent results. Two tanks finished at 7.6L/100km and this last one at 7.5 (~31.5mpg). Previously the best I've ever managed to get was 7.8 and that was a one off. To better it 3 times in a row is amazing for me, and it's all just my regular mix of 70% city 30% highway. Not sure why it's easier this year, while I do consciously try to get good results, I'm not obsessed by it and haven't really done anything different. The only thing that's different, I notice when my summer tires were put on they inflated them to around 38psi cold as displayed by TPMS. I never bothered to adjust them down to where I usually run them (35). I've heard stories of hypermilers setting their tire inflations at the upper end of the tire manufacturers recommended range instead of following the vehicle makers suggestion.
When my RXh was new, the Lexus Canada fuel ratings were 6.7 city/ 6.7 highway (35mpg). A totally impractical number especially considering all Canadian RX450h are AWD. Lately they publish 8.0/8.5 for the 2015 model, which is far more realistic especially considering the seasonal variations. I can now actually beat their numbers.
That's for sure. I always do. At this point,full steam ahead with the "Status Quo".
Well--- I did just what I said I would not do. That I would stick with using regular grade gasoline. I went to the higher grade and what would you expect to happen!! You would think better mpg. You would be wrong. My mpg dropped by 1.5 . Go figure--- next tank back to regular.
No more experiments.
Only one tank? I'd average it out over at least three tanks before declaring the experiment a failure. Who knows, maybe your RXh has acclimated to sipping regular gas instead of premium, LOL!
It typically takes some time for the ECU to adjust to everything including the way you drive and the octane along with other perimeters such as temps, altitude, air pressure, tire temps and pressure, etc. One tank after switching won't verify anything.
Originally Posted by snowman22
Well--- I did just what I said I would not do. That I would stick with using regular grade gasoline. I went to the higher grade and what would you expect to happen!! You would think better mpg. You would be wrong. My mpg dropped by 1.5 . Go figure--- next tank back to regular.
No more experiments.
2013 RX450h FWD
Kumho City Venture Premium Tires
4 miles of city commute in the morning
19 miles one-way in the afternoon through socal traffic
19 miles going homes at night with no traffic
35-36 psi (cold) all around
No passenger/cargo
It's only been a few days since I bought the car but the trip computer says I'm averaging 24.5mpg. We'll see how the number changes next time I'm at the pump. I drove hybrids before and always seem to hit the EPA rating. Never drove one as heavy as this through so I'll have to play around with the throttle.
Cruiter is correct. When I was experimenting with gas octanes, 87, 91 & 93 I was getting lower MPG on all them so I decided to go back to using the 93 I was getting at Sam's Club and Costco or 91 octane on the road and am now consistently getting better than 32 MPG in town and 30 MPG on long trips. Since the 93 octane at Sams and Costco is cheaper than 87 octane at other stations I see no reason to experiment any longer. The 32+ and 30 MPG are achieved even with my wife's lead foot.
Only one tank? I'd average it out over at least three tanks before declaring the experiment a failure. Who knows, maybe your RXh has acclimated to sipping regular gas instead of premium, LOL!
Now back to reg. gas. Mpg before the switch to higher octane was close to 31 -- a steady 31 mpg.
Now only 27 mpg. I'm thinking the computer has to readjust again. Seems like the same format I followed before to get up to 31 mpg. Every time I filled up it would readjust up one mpg more until settling at that 31 mpg mark. Just odd reg. was better mpg than the higher rated gas.
I went from my initial mpg of 24.5 to 26.5 by not driving it like a conventional car. With 65k already on the odometer, I'm going to pour in some fuel injector cleaner. Wouldn't expect much, but I already have so many of these bottles.
I went from my initial mpg of 24.5 to 26.5 by not driving it like a conventional car. With 65k already on the odometer, I'm going to pour in some fuel injector cleaner. Wouldn't expect much, but I already have so many of these bottles.
Please elaborate on this modified driving style. I simply try to keep thing in the eco vs power band as much as possible.
Now back to reg. gas. Mpg before the switch to higher octane was close to 31 -- a steady 31 mpg.
Now only 27 mpg. I'm thinking the computer has to readjust again. Seems like the same format I followed before to get up to 31 mpg. Every time I filled up it would readjust up one mpg more until settling at that 31 mpg mark. Just odd reg. was better mpg than the higher rated gas.
Update
Second tank of --back to---regular grade gasoline. Mpg has now returned to 29.5--30.3 in city only driving. Next tank should bring me to my goal of a steady 31 mpg city. Still can't understand why reg. gives me better mileage than higher grades. No complaint from me but WHY. I drive as a normal auto with an eye on the mpg graft. But nothing like a fanatic.
Update
Second tank of --back to---regular grade gasoline. Mpg has now returned to 29.5--30.3 in city only driving. Next tank should bring me to my goal of a steady 31 mpg city. Still can't understand why reg. gives me better mileage than higher grades. No complaint from me but WHY. I drive as a normal auto with an eye on the mpg graft. But nothing like a fanatic.
Another update. Hit 32 mpg city driving yesterday. Hard to believe. All on reg. grade. Happy beyond expectations.
07-12-15, 08:38 AM
