lamebums
10-15-2008, 08:31 PM
With fuel prices as over $4.00 per gallon this past summer, these options will help ease the pain at the pump (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=155367)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/2008_Ford_Escape_Hybrid.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - October 11, 2008
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid - the most fuel-efficient SUV available on the market today and capable of 75+ in the right hands in ideal conditions as well as 50+ on a daily basis :)
With gas prices spiking to record highs this past summer fuel economy has become a major issue, affecting everyone in terms of dollars in cents, in many cases burning holes in everyone's wallets. What of all these vehicles is the cheapest in terms of not only fuel but in total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle? Although larger vehicles including 4x4's usually cannot and do not achieve the same fuel efficiency as smaller cars there are still many fuel-efficient options out there that retain the same practicality and usefulness while keeping costs to a minimum.
I have divided this into three categories and included the five most fuel-efficient vehicles offered from each category. For SUV's I will use the 4x2 version where possible and for pickup's I will include torque information with regards to towing. All vehicles are in automatic transmission unless otherwise noted due to the lack of manuals in today's market. All vehicles assume the new 2008 EPA test cycles which rate vehicles roughly 20% lower than the 2007 cycle. Fuel cost is assumed at 15,000 miles per year and $3.50 per gallon.
SUV's
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrid - This Ford vehicle and its Mercury twin were launched in 2004 and to date have provided the most-fuel efficient combination of any SUV on the market using a regenerative braking system similar to that found in the Toyota Prius. Combined with an Atkinsonized four-cylinder engine this combines the best of both worlds, offroad capability and good fuel economy.
MSRP: $29,205 -- Fuel Cost: $1640.63 -- Fuel Economy: 32 MPG combined (4x4: 28 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/08_Highlander_passenger_side_front_corner.jpgToyota Highlander Hybrid - Toyota's midsize SUV started offering a hybrid version in 2004 using the same second-generation hybrid synergy drive found in the Prius. The hybrid version however comes only in a 4x4 version and fuel economy suffers as a result. Given the immense torque of the electric motor though, this could also be a good vehicle for towing. However Toyota's website specifically says the Highlander Hybrid is not designed to be taken off road, caveat emptor.
MSRP: $39,237 -- Fuel Cost: $2019.23 -- Fuel Economy: 26 MPG combined
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Ford_Escape_non-hybrid.jpgFord Escape/Mercury Mariner - The conventional version of the Ford Escape when mated with the 5 speed manual transmission and four-cylinder engine delivers respectable fuel mileage without the hybrid premium.
MSRP: $20,100 -- Fuel Cost: $2187.50 -- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined (4x4: 21 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Toyota_RAV4_Base.jpgToyota RAV4 - Similar in fuel economy to the conventional Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner, this is an excellent alternative to the former with the Toyota brand name recognition and history of reliability.
MSRP: $21,500 -- Fuel Cost: $2187.50 -- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined (4x4: 24 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/thumbs/2008_CR-V_EX-L.jpgHonda CR-V - Honda's compact SUV has for years provided excellent in-class fuel economy out of a conventionally powered automobile and therefore without the up-front hybrid premium. For 2007 the vehicle was increased in size but still provides a reasonable and practical alternative to larger vehicles.
MSRP: $21,095 -- Fuel Cost: $2282.61 -- Fuel Economy: 23 MPG combined (4x4: 22 MPG combined)
Pickup Trucks
All trucks listed are rated for manual transmission when applicable.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/thumbs/Ranger.jpgFord Ranger/Mazda B-series - The Ranger is by far the leader in class fuel economy as well as the best option bar none for anyone who needs a pickup. Combined with a relatively low up-front cost and reliability of many Ranger trucks and this is the best bang for the buck out there.
MSRP: $14,330 -- Fuel Cost: $2282.61 -- Fuel Economy: 23 MPG combined -- Torque: 154 ft/lbs @ 3,750 RPM
To upgrade to 4x4 requires an upgrade to a 4.0 V6, increasing torque to 238 ft/lbs @ 3000 RPM and a drop in fuel economy to 17 MPG combined.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Toyota_Tacoma.jpgToyota Tacoma - The Tacoma is the latest in a long line of extremely durable Toyota trucks and no doubt the newest generation lives up to its reputation. I personally like this one the most of all the choices especially with the widening array of options available in the last few years and the higher amount of torque the 2.7L engine generates, especially for towing.
MSRP: $ 15,170 -- Fuel Cost: $2836.36 -- Fuel Economy: 22 MPG combined (4x4: 20 MPG combined) -- Torque: 180 ft/lbs @ 3800 RPM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Nissan_Frontier.jpgNissan Frontier - The Frontier has been redesigned and enlarged in recent years to become a midsize truck, leaving only the Mazda B-series and Ford Ranger as compact pickup's. However its fuel economy is still reasonably good for a vehicle and towing capacity of its size and is competitive with other similarly marked pickup trucks.
MSRP: $17,460 -- Fuel Cost: $2500.00 -- Fuel Economy: 21 MPG combined -- Torque: 171 ft/lbs @ 4000 RPM
To upgrade to 4x4 requires an upgrade to a 4.0 V6, increasing torque to 281 ft/lbs @ 4000 RPM and a drop in fuel economy to 17 MPG combined.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Chevrolet_Colorado.jpgChevy Colorado - For 2009, the Chevrolet Colorado comes equipped with a new 2.9L four cylinder engine which delivers more torque and horsepower than any other pickup truck on this list while still providing for reasonably good fuel economy and probably be able to out-pull any of them.
MSRP: $18,555 -- Fuel Cost: $2625.00 -- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined (4x4: 20 MPG combined) -- Torque: 190 ft/lbs @ 4,600 RPM
Minivans
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/2009_Mazda5.jpgMazda5 - This entry is an excellent way for the Ford family of vehicles to re-enter the minivan market, providing the best in-class fuel economy of any minivan currently on the road and priced considerably lower than the competition.
MSRP: $18,665 -- Fuel Cost: $2187.50 -- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined (AT: 23 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/Chrysler_Town_and_Country_-_17_-_25_city-highway.jpgChrysler Town and Country/Dodge Caravan/VW Routan - For some years now Chrysler has more or less dominated the minivan market. The new Town and Country comes with a larger but still more efficient 4.0L V6 mated to a five speed automatic, providing better FE than its 3.3L predecessor.
MSRP: $26,500 -- Fuel Cost: $2625.00 -- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/2008_Honda_Odyssey_Touring.jpgHonda Odyssey EX-L - I am mentioning a specific trim other than the baseline because of its superior fuel efficiency. The EX-L trim is higher than the baseline but incorporates variable cylinder management (VCM), improving fuel economy and allowing the Odyssey to make this list.
MSRP: $33,055 -- Fuel Cost: $2625.00 -- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined (Base - MSRP: $26,255, 18 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/2007_Toyota_Sienna.jpg2009 Toyota Sienna - The 2009 Sienna comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and similar capacities and dimensions to other minivans with the Toyota legacy of rock-solid reliability.
MSRP: $24,540 -- Fuel Cost: $2763.16 -- Fuel Economy: 19 MPG combined
I hope that if you need an offroad vehicle, a family car, or the ability to tow that you choose something from the list that best fits your needs on a day to day basis. I have listed the most fuel-efficient options since they release less CO2 than other vehicles of the same class, cost less in the long run to fuel, and ultimately, helps us go that much further towards energy independence and a cleaner environment.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/2008_Ford_Escape_Hybrid.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - October 11, 2008
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid - the most fuel-efficient SUV available on the market today and capable of 75+ in the right hands in ideal conditions as well as 50+ on a daily basis :)
With gas prices spiking to record highs this past summer fuel economy has become a major issue, affecting everyone in terms of dollars in cents, in many cases burning holes in everyone's wallets. What of all these vehicles is the cheapest in terms of not only fuel but in total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle? Although larger vehicles including 4x4's usually cannot and do not achieve the same fuel efficiency as smaller cars there are still many fuel-efficient options out there that retain the same practicality and usefulness while keeping costs to a minimum.
I have divided this into three categories and included the five most fuel-efficient vehicles offered from each category. For SUV's I will use the 4x2 version where possible and for pickup's I will include torque information with regards to towing. All vehicles are in automatic transmission unless otherwise noted due to the lack of manuals in today's market. All vehicles assume the new 2008 EPA test cycles which rate vehicles roughly 20% lower than the 2007 cycle. Fuel cost is assumed at 15,000 miles per year and $3.50 per gallon.
SUV's
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrid - This Ford vehicle and its Mercury twin were launched in 2004 and to date have provided the most-fuel efficient combination of any SUV on the market using a regenerative braking system similar to that found in the Toyota Prius. Combined with an Atkinsonized four-cylinder engine this combines the best of both worlds, offroad capability and good fuel economy.
MSRP: $29,205 -- Fuel Cost: $1640.63 -- Fuel Economy: 32 MPG combined (4x4: 28 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/08_Highlander_passenger_side_front_corner.jpgToyota Highlander Hybrid - Toyota's midsize SUV started offering a hybrid version in 2004 using the same second-generation hybrid synergy drive found in the Prius. The hybrid version however comes only in a 4x4 version and fuel economy suffers as a result. Given the immense torque of the electric motor though, this could also be a good vehicle for towing. However Toyota's website specifically says the Highlander Hybrid is not designed to be taken off road, caveat emptor.
MSRP: $39,237 -- Fuel Cost: $2019.23 -- Fuel Economy: 26 MPG combined
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Ford_Escape_non-hybrid.jpgFord Escape/Mercury Mariner - The conventional version of the Ford Escape when mated with the 5 speed manual transmission and four-cylinder engine delivers respectable fuel mileage without the hybrid premium.
MSRP: $20,100 -- Fuel Cost: $2187.50 -- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined (4x4: 21 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Toyota_RAV4_Base.jpgToyota RAV4 - Similar in fuel economy to the conventional Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner, this is an excellent alternative to the former with the Toyota brand name recognition and history of reliability.
MSRP: $21,500 -- Fuel Cost: $2187.50 -- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined (4x4: 24 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/thumbs/2008_CR-V_EX-L.jpgHonda CR-V - Honda's compact SUV has for years provided excellent in-class fuel economy out of a conventionally powered automobile and therefore without the up-front hybrid premium. For 2007 the vehicle was increased in size but still provides a reasonable and practical alternative to larger vehicles.
MSRP: $21,095 -- Fuel Cost: $2282.61 -- Fuel Economy: 23 MPG combined (4x4: 22 MPG combined)
Pickup Trucks
All trucks listed are rated for manual transmission when applicable.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/thumbs/Ranger.jpgFord Ranger/Mazda B-series - The Ranger is by far the leader in class fuel economy as well as the best option bar none for anyone who needs a pickup. Combined with a relatively low up-front cost and reliability of many Ranger trucks and this is the best bang for the buck out there.
MSRP: $14,330 -- Fuel Cost: $2282.61 -- Fuel Economy: 23 MPG combined -- Torque: 154 ft/lbs @ 3,750 RPM
To upgrade to 4x4 requires an upgrade to a 4.0 V6, increasing torque to 238 ft/lbs @ 3000 RPM and a drop in fuel economy to 17 MPG combined.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Toyota_Tacoma.jpgToyota Tacoma - The Tacoma is the latest in a long line of extremely durable Toyota trucks and no doubt the newest generation lives up to its reputation. I personally like this one the most of all the choices especially with the widening array of options available in the last few years and the higher amount of torque the 2.7L engine generates, especially for towing.
MSRP: $ 15,170 -- Fuel Cost: $2836.36 -- Fuel Economy: 22 MPG combined (4x4: 20 MPG combined) -- Torque: 180 ft/lbs @ 3800 RPM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Nissan_Frontier.jpgNissan Frontier - The Frontier has been redesigned and enlarged in recent years to become a midsize truck, leaving only the Mazda B-series and Ford Ranger as compact pickup's. However its fuel economy is still reasonably good for a vehicle and towing capacity of its size and is competitive with other similarly marked pickup trucks.
MSRP: $17,460 -- Fuel Cost: $2500.00 -- Fuel Economy: 21 MPG combined -- Torque: 171 ft/lbs @ 4000 RPM
To upgrade to 4x4 requires an upgrade to a 4.0 V6, increasing torque to 281 ft/lbs @ 4000 RPM and a drop in fuel economy to 17 MPG combined.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/thumbs/2009_Chevrolet_Colorado.jpgChevy Colorado - For 2009, the Chevrolet Colorado comes equipped with a new 2.9L four cylinder engine which delivers more torque and horsepower than any other pickup truck on this list while still providing for reasonably good fuel economy and probably be able to out-pull any of them.
MSRP: $18,555 -- Fuel Cost: $2625.00 -- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined (4x4: 20 MPG combined) -- Torque: 190 ft/lbs @ 4,600 RPM
Minivans
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/2009_Mazda5.jpgMazda5 - This entry is an excellent way for the Ford family of vehicles to re-enter the minivan market, providing the best in-class fuel economy of any minivan currently on the road and priced considerably lower than the competition.
MSRP: $18,665 -- Fuel Cost: $2187.50 -- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined (AT: 23 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/Chrysler_Town_and_Country_-_17_-_25_city-highway.jpgChrysler Town and Country/Dodge Caravan/VW Routan - For some years now Chrysler has more or less dominated the minivan market. The new Town and Country comes with a larger but still more efficient 4.0L V6 mated to a five speed automatic, providing better FE than its 3.3L predecessor.
MSRP: $26,500 -- Fuel Cost: $2625.00 -- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/2008_Honda_Odyssey_Touring.jpgHonda Odyssey EX-L - I am mentioning a specific trim other than the baseline because of its superior fuel efficiency. The EX-L trim is higher than the baseline but incorporates variable cylinder management (VCM), improving fuel economy and allowing the Odyssey to make this list.
MSRP: $33,055 -- Fuel Cost: $2625.00 -- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined (Base - MSRP: $26,255, 18 MPG combined)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/thumbs/2007_Toyota_Sienna.jpg2009 Toyota Sienna - The 2009 Sienna comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and similar capacities and dimensions to other minivans with the Toyota legacy of rock-solid reliability.
MSRP: $24,540 -- Fuel Cost: $2763.16 -- Fuel Economy: 19 MPG combined
I hope that if you need an offroad vehicle, a family car, or the ability to tow that you choose something from the list that best fits your needs on a day to day basis. I have listed the most fuel-efficient options since they release less CO2 than other vehicles of the same class, cost less in the long run to fuel, and ultimately, helps us go that much further towards energy independence and a cleaner environment.