This Scion Went From 35 to 70 MPG With Extreme Hypermiling Mods

Spend any time around car enthusiasts and they'll tell you that smiles per gallon are more important than miles per gallon. But what if you could have both? That's the idea behind hypermiling, a relatively niche corner of car culture that's all about maximizing fuel efficiency through mindful modifications and precise driving techniques. It's far from a snoozefest, but don't just take my word for it. Look at this 2005 Scion XA that's cracking 70 mpg—more than double the EPA rating—thanks to meticulous upgrades and crazy-careful driving inputs.

It belongs to Reggie Hosier, who's been hypermiling for years. You'll find him all over forums like Ecomodder, Hypermiling International, and more with extremely detailed posts explaining his efficiency adventures. I first saw him pop up in the Clean MPG group on Facebook and I couldn't believe the types of mods he's been making to his humble hatchback.

Have you ever seen someone install a fuel injector kill switch on their daily so they can cut the engine without turning off the ignition? Or swap the mechanical fuel and power steering pumps to electric to reduce drag on their 1.5-liter four-cylinder? What about sealing the gaps in the grille while putting floor registers in the front bumper for both aerodynamic and engine temperature benefits? Those are all mods that Hosier has performed, and the list doesn't stop there. He even added a thermostatically controlled warm air intake. That's right, a warm air intake.

"I have always had a deep desire as a DIYer to make things more efficient on a budget," Hosier told me. "Efficiency is addictive and can easily be made into a game with a high score that is always meant to be broken."