Toyota Prius creates new Guinness World Record with remarkable 93 MPG fuel efficiency

A car boasting 93 mpg! Does that pique your interest? If it does, the new Toyota Prius is sure to captivate you. Despite the Prius being officially rated at 57 mpg by the EPA, it recently achieved a remarkable milestone by undertaking a coast-to-coast journey from Los Angeles to New York City while averaging an exceptional 93.1 mpg. This 3,200-mile trek, connecting two of the United States’ largest cities on either coast, significantly surpasses standard short-distance fuel efficiency assessments and has been recognized with a Guinness World Record.


The Toyota Prius Hybrid has long been celebrated for its outstanding fuel efficiency, and the plug-in-hybrid Prius Prime continues this legacy. However, it's important to note that not all Prius Primes are created equal. The 2024 Prius Prime SE and the 2023 Prius Prime XSE, for instance, showed significantly different outcomes in fuel-economy tests.

The secret behind the Toyota Prius’ fuel efficiency

How did the Toyota Prius achieve nearly double its certified fuel efficiency? The key factor is the driving technique, and this record-setting feat is credited to Wayne Gerdes, a renowned expert in hypermiling and the founder of CleanMPG.com. Gerdes, known for his history of setting efficiency records, previously achieved 76.6 mpg in a Kia Niro hybrid and 68 mpg in a Volkswagen Passat TDI during cross-country trips.


Several factors contribute to these differences, starting with aerodynamic drag. Toyota reports that the SE has a coefficient of drag of 0.27, while the XSE's is slightly higher at 0.29. Given that both models share a similar front end, the disparity is likely due to differences in wheels and tires.

Wayne Gerdes' record-breaking efficiency with the Toyota Prius

Wayne Gerdes' knack for breaking automotive efficiency records is well-established. His choice of the current Toyota Prius, a vehicle already praised for its value, reliability, and fuel efficiency, was no surprise. However, achieving an average of 93 mpg across the U.S. is a remarkable accomplishment.


If Gerdes averaged 93.1 mpg, it’s likely he surpassed this figure for significant portions of the trip, potentially reaching over 100 mpg on long stretches. This ultimate form of hypermiling involves techniques such as minimising throttle use, reducing speed, and optimising stop light timings. Gerdes also employs more extreme measures like disabling climate control, keeping windows up for better aerodynamics, and driving on smoother road surfaces to enhance efficiency.

Practical tactics for everyday drivers

While some of the tactics may be impractical for everyday drivers, those committed to maximising fuel efficiency could see significant gains by adopting lighter throttle use and maintaining lower speeds. For those dedicated to fuel economy, the current Toyota Prius can realistically deliver close to double its EPA-rated efficiency, proving itself to be an outstanding choice for eco-conscious drivers.