Mileage Challenge 5.2: Avenues and Interstates

All four cars had trip computers with gas-mileage readouts, which we reset to start each leg. Our varied route gave us a chance to see how each one did, especially given their EPA ratings. The Prius and Milan Hybrid are rated higher in the city, while the Insight and Jetta TDI are rated higher on the highway. Comparing two extremes — 38 miles of urban gridlock during Leg 1, with average speeds around 20 mph, versus 71 miles of interstate driving for Leg 2 at average speeds of 59 mph. Here’s what each car’s trip computer reported:

• Insight: 52.5 mpg urban, 54.0 mpg highway
• Milan Hybrid: 45.1 mpg urban, 43.9 mpg highway
• Prius: 67.0 mpg urban, 60.5 mpg highway
• Jetta TDI: 38.5 mpg urban, 48.3 mpg highway

The results aren’t too surprising: The Milan Hybrid and Prius did better in the city — the Prius by a wide margin. The Insight did slightly worse in the city, and the Jetta TDI’s split was larger. It also goes to show where each car excels. And on the highway, diesels can keep up with hybrids.

We won’t spill the beans yet, but there’s more to the story. Suffice it to say the fill-ups at day’s end yielded some unexpected results. Stay tuned for more.

Previously: Mileage Drive 5.1: Hybrids vs. Diesel

2010|Honda|Insight

2010|Mercury|Milan Hybrid

2010|Toyota|Prius

2010|Volkswagen|Jetta