So I was at the local Lexus dealer, and took a look at the RX400h. Looking at the sticker, the fuel efficiency was 31MPG City and 27MPG Highway... This is the first time I've seen the economy better in the city... what gives?

 

almost all hybrids are better in the city.

 

Because the gas engine shuts off at red lights, stop signs etc....

 

not to mention frictional energy from the brakes.

 

i noticed that too, makes you wonder

 

Electric engines generate lot more torque than hp, so they do majority of the work in city traffic (stop and go).

 

Accord Hybrid is 29 City/37 highway
Civic Hybrid is 45 City/51 highway


although:
Ford Escape Hybrid is 36 City/31 highway
Toyota Prius is 60 City/50 highway

messed up

 

I saw a report a couple of months ago that stated that the EPA figures are actually way off from whats posted on the stickers.

 

The Civic is a "mild" hybrid-the gas engine does most of the work city and highway. The Accord is similar and designed as much for performance as fuel saving.

The Prius and Ford are closer to "full" hybrids.

 

Its because the batteries are charged when you brake, so unless you are in stop and go traffic, the batteries aren't getting charged.

 

I wonder how accurate these mpgs estimates are now... I seem to recall, maybe even it was Honda, recently came under fire for having mpg estimates that were found to be completely bogus. I think the company was forced to change the mpg numbers...

 

Keep in mind, the Toyota system.. the batteries/electric motors will drive the car around town, especially in stop n' go traffic.

The Honda system shuts off only at complete stops. Thus, the Honda system is less efficient around cities. However, it is also a FAR simpler system with cheaper components.