Hello everyone!
New owner of a gently used 2016 RAV4 Hybrid XLE:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3zM78Thf9gxwaQmJ8
I've been a long time hypermiler in various gasoline cars (nothing special, just high PSI and driving techniques) but this is my first hybrid and also my first SUV.
With that said I've been researching techniques, basically watching YT videos of Prius owners. Here is what I noticed after 3 days of ownership:
- Can run in EV mode up to ~40mph if on a flat surface, but acceleration from a stop or staying in EV mode up a slight incline is borderline "you're gotta get a honked at."
- There is no sweet spot of just coasting like I've seen in Prius videos from throttle play, or at least that I can tell. Either you are charging the battery, using the battery, or using the engine which in turn charges the battery. Only way to free wheel is by shifting to Neutral which I am hesitant. I was also taught not to do that with an automatic or you'll break it, but no idea of a CVT, let alone a CVT in a Toyota Hybrid works.
- Pulse & Glide does not seem to beat out maintaining a constant speed on the highway. I only tried this once on a very hilly commute home, but the combination of unaerodynamic vehicle with some weight just had my speeds falling like a rock once I used the engine to accelerate to desired speed quickly and anything over say 45MPH has the engine kicking in unless you're on a decent decline. I haven't had a chance to P & G at slower speeds.
- My tiny tire inflator just doesn't cut it with these SUV tires. I was able to raise the PSI from ~30-43PSI cold on 2.5 tires before it shut off due to heat. I can't imagine if I were trying to inflate from a flat:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7GPDz92dJpfBPQE18
Good thing I have the big boy ready!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/99QGCuHBrxMpP9zz8
- I miss the rear time tire PSI readings from my now sold 2015 MINI Cooper. I mistakenly thought all vehicles after a certain year were required to give real time readouts, not just low tire pressure warnings. I was wrong! But I was running 45-46 PSI hot and I am considering a scan gauge or reconnecting my ODB2 Bluetooth/Torque app to see if that can monitor. Open to other solutions here.
- Why the RAV4 Hybrid? I plan to retire shortly and live fulltime out of it traveling US/Canada. I wanted a vehicle that was A) better on gas than a van. B) had decent ground clearance for forest roads and BLM land. C) Genuine A/C, not just a roof fan.
Like the subject of my post says, I am a newbie, so if anyone else has figured out optimal driving techniques for this car, please let me know!