Toyota's Prius Sets New Guinness World Record for Achieving Ultra-High MPG of 93.158 Miles Per Gallon on American Soil
In a remarkable feat of efficiency, a Toyota Prius LE has set a new record for fuel economy during a cross-country trip from Los Angeles City Hall to New York City Hall. The driver, who remains unidentified, achieved an impressive fuel economy average of 93.158 MPG combined, surpassing the previous record in the mid-70s MPG combined.
The record-breaking journey took place in the summer of 2023, showcasing the capabilities of the latest generation of Toyota Prius. This model, introduced over two decades ago as the first production hybrid car, has now evolved into an engineering marvel, featuring new and sporty exterior styling, upgraded technology, and an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined.
The latest Prius is powered by the fifth generation Toyota Hybrid System and a 2.0L engine, producing 194 horsepower on the FWD drive model. This combination of an electric motor and high-efficiency engine allows the Prius to deliver exceptional fuel economy, even under challenging driving conditions.
The driver, who was awarded the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for lowest fuel consumption driving across the U.S., emphasized the importance of planning and adaptability for record-breaking fuel efficiency drives. They also utilized basic fuel-efficient driving tips that any driver can practice, such as slower take-offs, maintaining even pressure on the accelerator, and easing off the accelerator early when approaching stops.
The world record was not just a testament to the Prius's capabilities but also to the driver's expertise in hypermiling techniques and the specific weather and driving conditions at the time. The journey included driving up mountain elevations, through deserts, and contending with strong winds and unpredictable weather.
Michael Tripp, Toyota Vehicle Marketing group vice president, praised the Prius, stating, "The Prius is an engineering marvel that continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in terms of fuel efficiency." This achievement underscores Toyota's continued commitment to industry-leading hybrid technology and its expansion into various powertrain technologies across nearly every vehicle segment.
Since its debut in the U.S. in 2000, Toyota has become synonymous with hybrid technology, winning numerous awards for the Prius. The latest generation has recently achieved 30 industry awards, including Car and Driver's 10Best, MotorTrend Car of the Year, North American Car of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year.
The fuel efficiency achieved during the record-breaking trip is not typical for everyday driving, but it serves as a testament to the potential of hybrid technology and the possibilities it offers for the future of transportation. With its latest offering, Toyota continues to lead the way in hybrid technology, providing vehicles that are not only efficient but also stylish and technologically advanced.
