The 2019 Toyota Prius Eco gets 56 MPG combined. This is a great number, a direct result of Toyota’s work to get as many miles as possible from each gallon of gas, especially for drivers who want fuel efficiency above all else.

City and highway performance

Looking at the Prius Eco’s fuel efficiency shows how well it performs in different conditions. It gets an EPA-estimated 58 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway. The higher city MPG shows the strength of the hybrid system. Regenerative braking captures energy when slowing down and happens more in stop-and-go traffic. This increases efficiency where regular cars struggle. On the highway, the Prius Eco uses its gasoline engine more. While 53 MPG is still very good, it’s not as big of a difference as in the city. Drivers who are mostly in urban areas will benefit the most.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Toyota Prius Eco at $800. This is figured by driving 15,000 miles a year, using national average fuel prices, and the car’s combined MPG rating. This $800 cost is a major benefit for Prius Eco buyers, and means big savings compared to less efficient cars. High-mileage drivers, rideshare drivers, and those with long commutes may save a lot of money. However, fuel prices change and that affects the actual cost.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good guide, but actual fuel economy depends on driving conditions, habits, and car maintenance. The Prius Eco is no different. Fast acceleration, hard braking, and long idling will lower fuel efficiency. On the other hand, driving smoothly, keeping tires properly inflated, and not carrying extra weight in the car can help you get the EPA estimates or better. Many Prius owners report getting fuel economy close to the EPA numbers for normal driving. The car’s energy monitor and driving score display can also help you get better MPG.

How it compares

The 2019 Prius Eco is a top fuel-efficient car. The Honda Insight, another popular hybrid, gets around 52 MPG combined in its most efficient models. The Hyundai Ioniq Blue, a close competitor, also aims for highest-possible mileage, with about 58 MPG combined. For Prius Eco buyers, the extra MPG matters, and they are often willing to accept the Prius’s quirks and styling for class-leading fuel economy. You can view all Toyota fuel economy data here and drill down further to view PRIUS MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to save fuel in the Prius Eco. The hybrid engine is most efficient when using the electric motor. Avoiding quick bursts of speed lets the system use electric drive and regenerative braking, which saves fuel. Try “pulse and glide,” which is gently accelerating and then letting off the gas to coast.

Tire pressure affects rolling resistance, and therefore, fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended level, which is on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Low tire pressure causes more friction, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Limit how much you use accessories like air conditioning and heating, because they load the engine. When you can, open windows or use the recirculation mode on the climate control to use less energy. Pre-cooling or pre-heating the cabin while plugged in (if a plug-in model) can also save energy and keep the battery at the right temperature.

Plan routes to avoid heavy traffic and stop-and-go conditions. Accelerating and braking constantly uses more fuel than keeping a steady speed. Navigation apps can help you avoid traffic and save fuel on long trips.