When the latest Toyota Prius hit the market in 2023, it grabbed our attention for two standout reasons. The sleek design was genuinely appealing, and a quick press of the accelerator delivered unexpectedly powerful acceleration. It was almost enough to make us overlook its impressive fuel efficiency. Now, its efficiency is back in the spotlight with a new coast-to-coast record.
No, the Prius didn't achieve a Cannonball Run-style speed record. Instead, Wayne Gerdes drove from Los Angeles to New York City, averaging an impressive 93.1 mpg. This feat officially earned him a Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption across the US, surpassing the previous record of 76.6 mpg set by a Kia Niro in 2016.
Gerdes, a renowned hypermiler, covered 3,211.7 miles in his base-model LE Prius, which drives only the front wheels. This trim is the most fuel-efficient in the Prius lineup, with EPA ratings of 57 city, 56 highway, and 57 combined. Gerdes exceeded these ratings using hypermiling techniques such as very gentle acceleration and braking, though his methods likely went beyond these basic strategies. He also planned a route designed for efficient driving, despite having to navigate mountains and city traffic.
Using simple calculations, we estimate Gerdes consumed just 34.5 gallons of gasoline for the entire trip. With a 11.3-gallon fuel tank, this translates to approximately 3.05 fuel stops. While the exact number of stops isn't disclosed, if Gerdes managed to slightly overfill the tank, it could have been a two-stop journey. Regardless of your views on the Prius or fuel economy, this achievement is truly remarkable.
Now, let's see if someone can drive a Prius Prime from the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan to the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach. We suspect such a journey might not be as efficient, but it would undoubtedly be far more exhilarating.
