Ford Fusion SUV

Ford Fusion SUV

Soccer mom's unite! But not around this list. The need for versatility moves the average soccer mom from the typical minivan to an SUV or truck. Gas prices coupled with the growing concern for our environment, top the list of concerns for the average American consumer. For this reason, fact based research is a consumer's best friend when looking into a major purchase. If you are looking for fuel efficiency, this list will help you avoid the worst gas guzzlers. ConsumerReports.org bases the following rankings on real-world fuel economy tests and all vehicles are automatic transmission unless otherwise noted. In addition Consumer Reports includes the most fuel efficient vehicles in comparison to the top gas guzzlers.

Worst mpg list: Ford F-250 Lariat (diesel) 10 mpg Hummer H2 11 Cadillac Escalade 13 Chevrolet Avalanche LT (5.3) 13 Honda Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ 13 Ford Expedition EL Eddie Bauer 13 Jeep Commander Limited (5.7) 13 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate 13 Nissan Armada LE 13 Nissan Titan SE 13. Best mpg list: Toyota Prius 44 mpg Smart ForTwo Passion 39 Honda Insight EX 38 Volkswagen Golf TDI (manual) 38 Civic Hybrid 37 Ford Fusion Hybrid 34 Scion xD (manual) 34 Toyota Camry Hybrid 34 Honda Fit Sport (manual) 33 Mini Cooper (manual) 33mpg.

Take note that the Ford F-250 is a diesel, and although it has the worst gas mileage, diesel is cheaper than regular unleaded fuel when oil prices are down. In direct comparison, the Toyota Prius offers a whopping 44mpg, but no towing capacity an minimized seating. Consumer Reports also states that the average minivan gets between 17 and 19mpg, with the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey top the list at 19mpg. The majority of fuel efficient vehicles are small to medium cars, therefore the typical family of four needs a larger vehicle. Add into that the soccer, football, baseball, hockey equipment, the top ranking fuel efficient cars just don't cut it. The mass production of cross overs, hybrid SUV's, and wagons leave the consumer with a multitude of fuel efficient choices. Depending on your transportation needs, this list can help you avoid those high dollar gas guzzlers, and help you purchase a more well rounded vehicle for your family.

Sources:
Consumers Union of the US, "Best Overall Fuel Economy", Consumer's Report Magazine, April 2010.
Gordon Communications, "Consumer Reports: Gas Mileage of SUV's, CUV's, Wagons, Minivans, and Pickups", The Auto Channel February 8, 2007