Barbara said:
My 2023 Sportage hybrid does the same—stays full for ages, then the gauge drops quickly.
Do you like the Sportage? I’m considering it since I need more space for my wheelchair, and the Sportage seems roomier than my current car.
I’ve learned to stretch my range by being gentle on the gas and avoiding idling. Following trucks on the highway helps too.
The range is just an estimate, using factors like your driving style and sometimes weather. To track fuel use, note how much gas you put in and the miles driven. That’ll give a more accurate picture.
Check your average fuel use. Heavy acceleration and braking could be eating up more fuel than you think.
Rowen said:
Check your average fuel use. Heavy acceleration and braking could be eating up more fuel than you think.
Good idea, thanks!
Hybrids do best in city traffic with lots of starts and stops. They aren’t as fuel-efficient on the highway.
My Sorento hybrid is pretty bad at fuel predictions too. Once it hits below 75 miles, it goes down twice as fast as actual miles driven.
Fuel efficiency depends on a lot of things—if you’re driving a manual, your gear choices, how heavy your foot is on the pedal, AC usage, and even the type of road you’re on.
Myles said:
Fuel efficiency depends on a lot of things—if you’re driving a manual, your gear choices, how heavy your foot is on the pedal, AC usage, and even the type of road you’re on.
Not a manual, and I haven’t been using the AC much, but I do have a lot of hills and curves around here. Thanks for the input!
Cold weather can lower fuel economy too.
In my old car, I was told to reset the range calculator every time I refuel. It might help keep things more accurate.
I have a Sportage too and I notice the same thing. Not a huge problem, but I try to keep an eye on my MPG instead of miles to empty.
Your range is just an estimate. Driving uphill, with AC on, or when it’s cold can lower it quickly. Lots of factors go into it.
City trips burn more fuel in hybrids than people think, especially short ones.
Just get used to ignoring it. Go by the actual MPG.
Any modifications or bigger tires on your car? They can throw off the range prediction.