It is the same. Every automaker includes idling. This comment was just bizarre.So how does that calculation compare with the hand calculated method?
Few thoughts:Thats very bizzar. There is one thing Toyota does do, they tend to run really crappy advance to dump a lot of fuel to warm up the cats quicker, but I think all you guys drive to the gas station and fill up before the test, so the cats are warm before you start.
There are a few I think unexplored MPG tests in the reviewer world.
1) The real accuarcy of the pump click test. If the amount of gas used on the run is perhaps low (under 5 gallons), that could be skewing results if theres like a varance in when the pump is clicking of a few tenths of a gallon. I do think its the best test we have at the moment but I question the accuracy when they only pumping a gallon or 2.
2) Comparing Curb weight accurately (with a scale) to see if the curb weight rather than the drive train is the mpg difference between diffrerent manufactuers. And possibly loading each truck with ballast so they are exactly the same weight.
3) Any variances due to trim level (Testing out that fancy trim trucks are heavier and thus get below their rated mpg)
4) Winter versus Summer gas. I know that winter forumlated fuels are typically 1 to 2 mpg worse for me.
5) E15 (Unleaded 88) tests
Keep in mind these mgp tests take a lot of time and money to do so I think generally what mpg test out there are done pretty good.
Oh most definitely the best way but few reviewers have that. And you are right, no one believes science anymore anyway, just what was hyped on YT or Tik-tok.The other influencing factor would be that Gering Nebraska is at nearly 4,000’ above sea level which would affect normally aspirated engines more than turbo engines. So someone living at sea level would see somewhat different fuel mileage results.
One of the reasons the EPA uses a dynamometer to determine average fuel economy is to eliminate all the weather and driver influenced variables. Is it perfect, no, but it’s more scientific than the Joe Schmo’s test drive. But who believes in science anymore.![]()