Research
2008's most fuel-efficient minivans and vans
Fuel-efficient cars by body style
- Compact cars
- Sports cars
- Station wagons
- Minivans/vans
Choosing a new minivan or van? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet. The following minivans/vans are ranked by city miles per gallon (MPG), followed by highway MPG based on the Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy Guide for the 2008 model year. (For details of the testing, see the notes below.)
| Rank | Model | MPG: city/hwy | Annual fuel cost * | Carbon footprint (tons/yr of CO2) |
Additional info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (tie) |
Chrysler Town & Country |
17/24 | $3219 | 9.6 tons | 2WD, 6 cylinder, 3.3 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 1 (tie) |
Dodge Grand Caravan |
17/24 | $3219 | 9.6 tons | 2WD, 6 cylinder, 3.3 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 3 |
Toyota Sienna |
17/23 | $3219 | 9.6 tons | 2WD, 6 cylinder, 3.5 liter, Automatic (5), Regular gas |
| 4 |
Nissan Quest |
16/24 | $3401 | 9.6 tons | FWD, 6 cylinder, 3.5 liter, Automatic (5), Premium gas |
| 5 (tie) |
Chevrolet Uplander |
16/23 | $3219 | 9.6 tons | FWD, 6 cylinder, 3.9 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 5 (tie) |
Hyundai Entourage |
16/23 | $3403 | 10.2 tons | 6 cylinder, 3.8 liter, Automatic (5), Regular gas |
| 5 (tie) |
Kia Sedona |
16/23 | $3403 | 10.2 tons | 6 cylinder, 3.8 liter, Automatic (5), Regular gas |
| 8 (tie) |
Chevrolet Express Van 1500/2500 |
15/20 | $3599 | 10.8 tons | 2WD, 6 cylinder, 4.3 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
| 8 (tie) |
GMC Savana 1500/2500 |
15/20 | $3599 | 10.8 tons | 2WD (cargo), 6 cylinder, 4.3 liter, Automatic (4), Regular gas |
Related link:
2006-2007 Fuel-efficiency guide
Notes:
* Annual fuel cost is based on an assumption of cars driven 15,000 miles annually, 54 percent on the highway, 46 percent in the city, and a fuel price of $4.08 per gallon. Visit the EPA's Web site to calculate annual fuel costs using a different fuel price or annual miles for a specific vehicle.
This year, the EPA has changed the way it estimates MPG to more accurately reflect real driving conditions. Estimates reflect the effects of: faster speeds and acceleration; air conditioner use; and colder outside temperatures. The tests lower MPG estimates for most vehicles compared to previous years. Miles per gallon will vary for models with different vehicle specifications. Driving habits will also affect MPG.
Each model is allowed to appear on the list only once, except the Honda Civic, which appears on the list twice because of its availability in both regular gasoline and gasoline-electric hybrid versions.
4 Comments
By Harry on November 7, 2008 11:11 PM
Did some one forget the Honda Odyssey?
According to website EPA mileage is 17/25! Better or equal to all the above.
By Warthog on November 17, 2008 10:47 PM
I see the comment I left yesterday has been deleted. Not to your liking apparently because I critisized the automaker/oil business collusion? So much for free speech, right?
The U.S. automakers should all be allowed to file for bankruptcy and start over, without the union legacy payment snd executive bonus' and golden parachutes.
Of course I don't expect to see this here tomorrow.
By Jane Keller Watson on November 18, 2008 9:19 AM
Warthog,
Your comment was not removed. I believe you left it on a different page: 2008's most fuel-efficient SUVs.
-- Jane Keller Watson
NWautos senior editor
By Jane Keller Watson on November 18, 2008 9:28 AM
Harry,
We have now posted the EPA's updated list of 2009's most fuel-efficient minivans and vans. You are correct, the Honda Odyssey is listed as 17/25 and ties for second place for fuel-efficiency with three other minivans.
Jane Keller Watson
NWautos senior editor