Quick question - Toyota Yaris Forums

StephenMenace · 01-26-2012, 07:02 PM

Hi, I'm new to these forums and I had a question about my 2012 Yaris SE.

This car is a 5-speed and i learned how to drive stick on it (I know, not too smart with a brand new car) but since I'm still new to driving stick I was wondering what RPM to shift at for the best MPG? I've seen people getting 36+ and I am stuck at 32 MPG. I Shift anywhere from 2500-3000 at every gear. I must be doing something wrong.

If anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it!

SineWave · 01-26-2012, 09:15 PM

It also depends on the terrain, ie. going up hill more than downhill, etc. I shift between 4-5000 from 1st to 2nd, 3-4000 from 2nd to 3rd, and 2500-3000 for other gear changes and I get an average of 7.5L/100km, which is around 32mpg. I get up to speed quickly and then it's just sitting at the same speed in 4th or 5th gear for a lot of the time. Don't forget to use the engine for braking when going downhill by putting it into a lower gear, instead of using the brakes. The instantaneous fuel consuption drops to zero in this situation.

daf62757 · 01-26-2012, 11:27 PM

First, I don't have a Yaris manual, but I have had sticks in the past. I would recommend skipping second and fourth gears in your climb up the gears. Also, use the sound of the engine to guide you. You will develop an understanding of what the engine sound will be when you shift.

mr9865 · 01-27-2012, 12:48 AM

Hey I just learned stick too! I shift around 2200

CrankyOldMan · 01-27-2012, 07:20 AM

There are so many variables that can/will affect your MPG. Shifting at a certain RPM helps, but only if you know where it will land on the power curve in the next gear. E.g. upshifting into second and landing on 2k RPMs while trying to corner or merge means that even if you mash the pedal, you're not going to get much acceleration.

The prevailing wisdom gets a bit muddled with the Yaris too: "stay under 3k rpm" and "peak fuel economy is at the peak torque output" are mutually exclusive for us. The stock motor makes peak torque around 4k.

That said, fuel economy is overrated. =P I've decided to make it more fun by shifting when I can land on the "sweet spot" of the power curve. Having an '09 without a tach means that I had to calculate the RPMs based on gear ratios and speed, but being able to get-up-and-go from almost any speed is way more satisfying (though juvenile) for me.

01-26-2012, 07:02 PM	#1
StephenMenace Drives: 2012 Toyota Yaris SE Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2	Quick question Hi, I'm new to these forums and I had a question about my 2012 Yaris SE. This car is a 5-speed and i learned how to drive stick on it (I know, not too smart with a brand new car) but since I'm still new to driving stick I was wondering what RPM to shift at for the best MPG? I've seen people getting 36+ and I am stuck at 32 MPG. I Shift anywhere from 2500-3000 at every gear. I must be doing something wrong. If anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it!

01-26-2012, 11:27 PM	#3
daf62757 Nothing beats a Toyota! View User's Garage Drives: 2013 Yaris 5 dr liftback Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 564	First, I don't have a Yaris manual, but I have had sticks in the past. I would recommend skipping second and fourth gears in your climb up the gears. Also, use the sound of the engine to guide you. You will develop an understanding of what the engine sound will be when you shift. __________________ Big Dave Indianapolis, IN Synthetic Oil....its in my car.....for at least 10,000 miles!

01-27-2012, 12:48 AM	#4
mr9865 $10.25/hr frying chicken View User's Garage Drives: 2012 Yaris L Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Green Bay WI Posts: 261	Hey I just learned stick too! I shift around 2200 __________________

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01-26-2012, 09:15 PM	#2
SineWave Drives: Gen3 Yaris ZR Manual Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 46	It also depends on the terrain, ie. going up hill more than downhill, etc. I shift between 4-5000 from 1st to 2nd, 3-4000 from 2nd to 3rd, and 2500-3000 for other gear changes and I get an average of 7.5L/100km, which is around 32mpg. I get up to speed quickly and then it's just sitting at the same speed in 4th or 5th gear for a lot of the time. Don't forget to use the engine for braking when going downhill by putting it into a lower gear, instead of using the brakes. The instantaneous fuel consuption drops to zero in this situation.

01-27-2012, 07:20 AM	#5
CrankyOldMan 2ZR swap. DO IT! Ask how! View User's Garage Drives: 09 Meteoric Metallic HB Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: West Michigan Posts: 2,333	There are so many variables that can/will affect your MPG. Shifting at a certain RPM helps, but only if you know where it will land on the power curve in the next gear. E.g. upshifting into second and landing on 2k RPMs while trying to corner or merge means that even if you mash the pedal, you're not going to get much acceleration. The prevailing wisdom gets a bit muddled with the Yaris too: "stay under 3k rpm" and "peak fuel economy is at the peak torque output" are mutually exclusive for us. The stock motor makes peak torque around 4k. That said, fuel economy is overrated. =P I've decided to make it more fun by shifting when I can land on the "sweet spot" of the power curve. Having an '09 without a tach means that I had to calculate the RPMs based on gear ratios and speed, but being able to get-up-and-go from almost any speed is way more satisfying (though juvenile) for me.