Toyota Prius sets Guinness World Record with 93 MPG coast-to-coast drive

The Toyota Prius, long hailed for its innovative hybrid technology, has once again set a new standard for fuel efficiency. Wayne Gerdes, a hypermiler who specializes in maximizing fuel economy, recently achieved the Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption during a coast-to-coast drive across the U.S.

Starting in Los Angeles and ending in New York City, Gerdes completed his journey in a 2023 Prius LE, averaging an astonishing 93.158 miles per gallon (MPG).

This record shatters the previous one, which was in the mid-70s MPG.

A new era of hybrid excellence

The Prius made its global debut over two decades ago as the first production hybrid car, revolutionizing the automotive world with its combination of an electric motor and a highly efficient engine. Since then, it has continued to evolve and impress with its fuel economy.

“The Prius has impressed us all for the past 23 years, and frankly, it continues to wow us today,” said Michael Tripp, Toyota’s Vice President of Vehicle Marketing. “The world record for the highest MPG to us is just one more proof point that the Prius truly is an engineering marvel.”

Toyota’s hybrid technology has now become a key feature of the brand’s identity. Since the Prius was introduced in the U.S. in 2000, Toyota has expanded its lineup to include a wide range of hybrid vehicles across various market segments.

This aligns with the company’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality, offering customers eco-friendly options without sacrificing performance.

A journey through tough terrain and weather

Gerdes’ record-setting drive spanned 3,211.7 miles and took him through diverse landscapes, including mountain elevations as high as 7,000 feet and the scorching Mojave Desert, where temperatures soared over 105 degrees.

In addition to steep climbs and extreme heat, Gerdes also faced strong winds coming from the Gulf of Mexico. Despite these harsh conditions, the Prius LE consistently delivered exceptional fuel efficiency throughout the trip.

“For a record attempt like this, it’s a lot of planning,” Gerdes explained . “You can’t just go sight unseen into doing this. You have to have that plan. But you also have to be able to work on the fly. So, if things change, you have to switch up your plan. Reroute. Figure out what you’re going to be able to do to achieve that goal.”

Gerdes’ successful attempt was not only a testament to his skill in hypermiling techniques but also a showcase of the Prius’ engineering. Despite the unpredictable weather and challenging terrain, the car’s hybrid system and fuel-saving features helped make this record possible.

Simple tips to improve fuel economy for all drivers

Although Gerdes employed advanced hypermiling techniques to achieve the world record, he offers some simple tips for everyday drivers who want to improve their fuel efficiency.

He advises taking off more slowly from stops to reduce energy usage and maintaining a steady pressure on the accelerator to save fuel. Gerdes also suggests easing off the accelerator well before reaching a stop, allowing the car to coast, which can significantly boost fuel economy.

The current generation of the Toyota Prius , which debuted in 2023, not only boasts remarkable fuel efficiency but also comes with a sportier design and upgraded technology. Powered by the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System and a 2.0L engine, the Prius LE delivers 194 horsepower on the front-wheel-drive model and achieves up to an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined.

This latest achievement marks the 30th major industry award for the new-generation Prius. In addition to the Guinness World Record title, the Prius has received honors such as Car and Driver’s 10Best, MotorTrend Car of the Year, North American Car of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year.