Toyota Yaris and hybrid Toyota Prius

We all know the hybrid Toyota Prius is top of the line when it comes to getting superior gas mileage. It’s been embraced by consumers and remains the best performing hybrid on the market. For most people, their daily driving needs and commute make the Prius a brilliant choice at keeping their gas costs low.

But what about people who drive long distances on a regular basis? Maybe you live in St. Louis but commute regularly to Kansas City once a week for business. Perhaps your significant other is located out of town and you visit them every weekend. If you’re driving several hundred mile stretches several times a month, we’ve got a shocker for you: the Toyota Yaris with a manual transmission may actually trump the hybrid Toyota Prius for great mileage.

Basically, mileage correlates to how frequently the gas engine is running. For lots of stop-and-go traffic, the hybrid Toyota Prius is your friend because it rarely has to allow the gas engine to kick in. On a long stretch, however, the Yaris can get up to 41 miles per gallon – that’s just a little short of the 48 miles per gallon the hybrid Toyota Prius got on the same route!

The Yaris is rated by the EPA at 29 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway, but Green Car Reports took it for a test drive and got the higher figures above with careful manipulation of a stick shift for optimal gas mileage.

But wait – the Prius still bested the Yaris for mileage on long drives. Why is the Yaris a better option?

The Yaris is simply much lower priced. With a difference that minimal in gas mileage, it may be worth while for many drivers with long commutes to get a slightly lower mileage for a much lower price tag. In town, the Prius pays for itself in low gas costs – on long stretches, the Yaris may be a smarter choice for some drivers.

Check out the Toyota Yaris and the hybrid Toyota Prius at your local St. Louis Toyota dealer. We’ll help you figure out which one will give you the most for your money.