I’ve been seeing a big drop in MPG now that it’s gotten colder. I usually average around 23 MPG on my commute in eco mode, but ever since the temperature went below 40°F, it’s down to 19-20 MPG. Is this normal for cold weather?
This happens to me every winter with my 2022. Cold weather really hits MPG, especially on short trips. I think it’s because:
- The hybrid battery needs to warm up before it can hold a charge, so it takes longer to use electric mode.
- The engine prioritizes heating the cabin and warming the battery over electric driving.
- Winter gas has less energy since it’s made from lighter blends compared to summer gas.
@Tate
Spot on. This is my 4th winter with my ‘21 PowerBoost, and I see a similar drop in MPG every year.
Happens to every car I’ve ever owned. I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life, and I always see 3-5 MPG less in winter.
Bennett said:
Happens to every car I’ve ever owned. I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life, and I always see 3-5 MPG less in winter.
Same here. When it’s super cold, my truck barely uses electric mode. In the summer, I can get about a mile on a full hybrid battery, but in winter, it’s less than half that.
@Beck
I’ve noticed remote start helps a lot. One morning, I forgot to warm up my truck and got 13 MPG. The next day was colder, but after warming it up, I hit 20 MPG for the same drive.
I’ve got a ‘22 PowerBoost. When I’m in Colorado and it drops into the 40s, the gas mileage takes a hit. But when I’m in Arizona and it’s 60°F or warmer, the MPG jumps back up.
I’ve noticed the same thing—21-23 MPG in summer, but 19-20 in winter. If I’m towing, it’s more like 12-15 MPG.
As others have said, the cold affects both the battery and engine. Another thing to check is your tire pressure. Cold weather makes tire pressure drop, which can also lower your MPG.
I live in Edmonton, Alberta, and my commute is mostly highways. At 55 mph, my truck doesn’t go into electric mode, even downhill. In summer, I get about 20% electric miles, but in winter, it’s closer to 10%. Also, I get the same MPG in normal mode as I do in eco mode.
Your truck runs the engine more in the cold because of the heater settings. I use auto remote start to warm it up before driving. Sure, it uses some gas idling, but it helps MPG during the actual drive. In warmer weather, the truck mostly idles in electric mode, but in winter, it’s more likely to run the gas engine.
I’ve got a ‘21 XLT PowerBoost and haven’t seen any MPG reduction during winter.
Yup, it’s ‘boost season’ for sure. 
Same here. My MPG drops from 21+ in summer to 18+ in Wisconsin winters.
Electric vehicles lose about 30% efficiency in winter. The colder it gets, the worse it is.
Winter MPG drop is real, but it’s not as bad as what I experienced with my previous trucks—three Rams and a Tundra. My commute is only 1.5 miles, so my truck doesn’t even get warm by the time I arrive.