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Compare 2010 Most Fuel-Efficient Minivans
By : Jeff Wysaski
Date : 10/23/2009

If you're interested in a hybrid family hauler, then be prepared to invest in an SUV. While automakers have been quick to work hybrid technology into the SUV segment (Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, etc.), they've been dragging their heels when it comes to minivans. While hybrid minivans may begin hitting dealerships in the next few years, the 2010 minivan lineup is reserved solely for traditional gas technology.

The majority of 2010 minivans earn similar gas mileage (somewhere around 20 mpg combined). However, the most fuel-efficient 2010 minivans are detailed below:

2010 Mazda MAZDA5 (24 mpg combined)
Big surprise – one of the smallest minivans on the market is also the most fuel-efficient. More the size of a wagon than a minivan, the 2010 MAZDA5 with manual transmission beats out the rest of the pack with 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Though small, the MAZDA5 still boasts three rows of seating. It is also perhaps the sportiest minivan (both in terms of look and feel) for 2010. Good alternatives to the MAZDA5 can be found in the wagon segment, including the 2010 Volkwagen Passat Wagon and 2010 Subaru Outback.
2010 Chrysler Town & Country (20 mpg combined)
The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country ties with three other vehicles for the runner-up slot for minivan fuel efficiency. The 2010 Town & Country is seen as a versatile minivan that delivers a comfortable drive. Swivel 'n Go seats and Stow 'n Go technology provides unique storage and seating arrangements. Compare the Chrysler to the similarly equipped 2010 Honda Odyssey and 2010 Toyota Sienna before making your decision. Fuel efficiency with an automatic transmission is 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan (20 mpg combined)
With a base MSRP below $23,000, the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most affordable fuel-efficient minivans for the year. It also benefits from an extra large (dare I say "grand?") cargo area and exceptional safety features. The vehicle is similar to its Chrysler stable mate, but eliminates a few amenities in favor of pricing. The base engine (which is the same one found on the Town & Country) may be a bit underpowered for some, but the 2010 Grand Caravan is an all-around solid minivan that would be well suited for most families. Paired with an automatic transmission, the Dodge Grand Caravan earns 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
2010 Honda Odyssey (20 mpg combined)
Like its closest competitors, the 2010 Honda Odyssey delivers 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Though more expensive than both the Chrysler and Dodge minivans, the Honda Odyssey offers one of the best total packages of any 2010 minivan. Engine performance is top-notch, and vehicle comfort, fit and finish all combine to create one heck of a minivan. Crash test scores are also stellar.
2010 Volkswagen Routan (20 mpg combined)
The 2010 Routan is the result of a collaboration between Volkswagen and Chrysler. As such, the vehicle boasts similar engine performance and layout as the Chrysler Town & Country. However, VW has infused a bit of its own personality into the Routan, and the result is a slightly classier vehicle. Style is a big bonus with the 2010 VW Routan, as is engine performance. As with the rest of the silver medal winners for 2010, the Routan offers 17 mpg in city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Top 10 Fuel Efficient Cars, CUVs & SUVs for 2009
By : Sheryll Alexander
Date : 06/06/2009

American car buyers now know they can’t count on gas prices to stay low. So, the answer is: buy a fuel-efficient new car. But which cars, CUVs and SUVs are truly fuel efficient and provide excellent overall versatility, quality, reliability, performance, safety, cargo room, design, technology and cost of ownership?

As a road test reviewer, I’ve driven hundreds of cars, CUVs and SUVs over the years. My list below doesn’t just include the most fuel efficient 2009 models, but the best overall models.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: VW’s ultra low emissions diesel-powered Jetta combines super fuel efficiency (41 combined mpg) with terrific performance, design and quality.
2009 Toyota Prius: No other car on the road today gets such great gas mileage (48 mpg city, 45 mpg hwy). The Prius is a top buy because it provides state-of-the-art technology as well as excellent performance and reliability.
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid: This five-seater vehicle is tops in its class for fuel efficiency (34 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy). The Ford Escape also brings sporty versatility as well as good design, reliability and cargo space.
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: If you just can’t get over Prius’ funky styling, then go for this sexy sedan, which gets great gas mileage (45 mpg hwy, 40 mpg city) and is also tops in performance, quality and safety.
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Toyota’s Camry is the No. 1 best-selling sedan in America. So, Toyota’s hybrid version is a great choice for fuel efficient sedan (34 mpg hwy, 33 mpg city) with top marks in every category.
2009 Suzuki SX4: Most new car buyers don’t put Suzuki at the top of their list, but the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is an excellent buy with its low price, fuel efficiency (28 mpg hwy, 21 mpg city), great performance and standard navigation.
2009 Mazda MAZDA5: At 28 mpg highway, the 2009 MAZDA5 is an excellent choice as a seven-seat “mini” minivan. The Mazda5 is a super versatile “van” for active families.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: Need a vehicle with bling and fuel efficiency? There’s nothing on the road today quite like this ultra luxury and fuel-efficient SUV at 21 mpg hwy and 20 mpg city.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse: Okay, so the Traverse doesn’t get excellent gas mileage (24 mpg overall) except when you consider this CUV can transport up to eight passengers. Plus, the overall design both inside and outside is outstanding.
2009 MINI Cooper: You’ve really gotta be in love with MINI if you intend on buying one of these tiny roadsters. But at 37 mpg hwy and 28 mpg city, you may reconsider buying a compact car or full-sized sedan.