Minivans have better gas mileage than SUVs? (air bag, fuel, best)
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There are far more economical models available overseas, but I guess the mfr's figure that Americans won't buy them.
Frankly the Ford Escape is one of the least-offensive SUVs and is available as a hybrid too but you're right, minivans tend to be safer, more stable, and cheaper to insure (partly for demographic reasons). I thought they were more economical too.
I applaud you for focusing on the EPA city figure. Used to be mfr's were required to quote both, now they get away with advertising only their hwy mpg and most people drive locally most of the time.
wrong about that.. BOTH numbers are still on the sticker.. just BELOW and much smaller than the LARGE, BOLD number which is a COMBINED mpg number.
Minivans definitely get better gas mileage. I had a Dodge Caravan when my kids where in school, then a Jeep Grand Cherokee and now a Jeep Wrangler. The Caravan got much better gas mileage than either Jeep. Of course, 4 wheel drive makes a difference too, but I rarely need to use the 4 wheel drive.
I keep reading everywhere that minivans have better fuel economy than SUVs, but I can't seem to find a minivan that can beat 19mpg (I'm not counting highway mileage because I almost never have the opportunity to drive on the open highway). Meanwhile, you can get a Ford Escape at 22mpg (2008 Ford Escape). So, what gives?
I have zero self-consciousness about image; I'm more than happy to drive a minivan if that makes the most sense. But, I'm not hauling around a large family---it's just me (short female, no need for legroom), kiddo (bulky carseat in the middle of the backseat), and a sizable dog (collie) in the cargo area. So, the Ford Escape has suited me just fine so far, even though I certainly don't tow anything or require off-roading (though my driveway is on a pretty steep hill). However, I'd certainly switch to a minivan if it made sense in some other way---cheaper to buy, cheaper to fuel, etc. I've read they are safer for kids, which would be a compelling reason if true. I've heard rumors that a minivan is also cheaper to insure.
Thanks!
Kind of unfair to compare a minivan than can carry 8 plus cargo to a 5 passenger compact SUV/crossover. If you don't need the space or convenience of a minivan then a compact SUV will be the more economical choice.
The difference between a minivan and a full size SUVs economy is marginal. In addition to slightly bettter fuel economy a minivan has sliding doors and the ability to go two or three wide with car seats in the middle row and still have access to the last row of seats. Try putting car seats in an SUV and climbing through the traditional sized door to the back row. Plus when using the thrid row of most SUVs cargo space is compromised more than in a minivan.
For the ultimate people mover with decent mileage take a minivan. For a truck with people moving capability go with an SUV.
Kind of unfair to compare a minivan than can carry 8 plus cargo to a 5 passenger compact SUV/crossover. If you don't need the space or convenience of a minivan then a compact SUV will be the more economical choice.
The difference between a minivan and a full size SUVs economy is marginal. In addition to slightly bettter fuel economy a minivan has sliding doors and the ability to go two or three wide with car seats in the middle row and still have access to the last row of seats. Try putting car seats in an SUV and climbing through the traditional sized door to the back row. Plus when using the thrid row of most SUVs cargo space is compromised more than in a minivan.
For the ultimate people mover with decent mileage take a minivan. For a truck with people moving capability go with an SUV.
This. Minivans are more space efficient for their gas consumption.
The Mazda 5 is a more apt comparo to the Escape while a Sienna is not.
Some of you just don't get the idea of comparing similar vehicles.
The Ford Escape (prior to the 2013) is a compact SUV. It is barely a crossover. It is based on an old Mazda 626 chassis.
The Escape is FAR SMALLER than today's minivans (Sienna, Odyssey, Chrysler T&C) and cannot be compared to them. Today's minivans have as much space as a Tahoe or Ford Expedition. Compared to those vehicles the minivans are much more efficient.
The Mazda5 is an unusual mini-minivan. It has three rows but carries six, not seven or eight. The Escape is a marginal 5 passenger vehicle. The Mazda5 has dual sliding doors like a minivan, but is based on the Mazda3 chassis.
A Chevy Astro is not a minivan. It is a complete truck based van, just not as big as a full size van like the Ford E-Series.
A Toyota Sienna V6 has EPA estimates of 18/25 compared to 14/20 for an Expedition (or 17/24 for a GMC Acadia).
Thanks all, wow, a ton of great responses. So, the key is that all these articles that seem to be written to shame SUV owners (i.e. saying that if you aren't going off road, you're making a big mistake just for the image) are assuming we're talking about a *full size* SUV versus a minivan. Aha! So it does sound as though replacing my old Saturn with an Escape would be the way to go, especially since there are so many used ones out there to choose from. The only problem I ever have with kiddo's dad's Escape was that it seems to be slow to start and always wants to have battery issues, but other than that it has been solid in every way.
My only hesitation, then, would be if a minivan would be significantly safer to drive than a small SUV (crossover, whatever you want to call it), in which case I'd be willing to let that trump fuel consumption (people drive like maniacs around here, I know somebody who has been rear ended 4 times in the past year). Arguably, I might only be a couple years out from carpools and playdates anyway, who knows. But I agree---I have no desire to own more car than I need. Plus, I suspect the relative safety of minivans has more to do with the psychology of the driver, and I'm going to be the same cautious mom driver in either vehicle :-)
FWIW, I have an '04 Toyota Sienna LE, 6-cylinder engine. I bought it primarily for carpooling and long trips. I retired 4 years ago, so no more carpooling!
When we carpooled (mostly I-95 in N. Virginia) and when we take it on long trips (going to Vermont next month), the mileage is consistently 25mpg or a bit higher. Around town, it's more like 18-20mpg.
Thanks all, wow, a ton of great responses. So, the key is that all these articles that seem to be written to shame SUV owners (i.e. saying that if you aren't going off road, you're making a big mistake just for the image) are assuming we're talking about a *full size* SUV versus a minivan. Aha! So it does sound as though replacing my old Saturn with an Escape would be the way to go, especially since there are so many used ones out there to choose from. The only problem I ever have with kiddo's dad's Escape was that it seems to be slow to start and always wants to have battery issues, but other than that it has been solid in every way.
My only hesitation, then, would be if a minivan would be significantly safer to drive than a small SUV (crossover, whatever you want to call it), in which case I'd be willing to let that trump fuel consumption (people drive like maniacs around here, I know somebody who has been rear ended 4 times in the past year). Arguably, I might only be a couple years out from carpools and playdates anyway, who knows. But I agree---I have no desire to own more car than I need. Plus, I suspect the relative safety of minivans has more to do with the psychology of the driver, and I'm going to be the same cautious mom driver in either vehicle :-)
Where on earth do you live that drivers are so aggressive & irresponsible?!
I keep reading everywhere that minivans have better fuel economy than SUVs, but I can't seem to find a minivan that can beat 19mpg (I'm not counting highway mileage because I almost never have the opportunity to drive on the open highway). Meanwhile, you can get a Ford Escape at 22mpg (2008 Ford Escape). So, what gives?
I have zero self-consciousness about image; I'm more than happy to drive a minivan if that makes the most sense. But, I'm not hauling around a large family---it's just me (short female, no need for legroom), kiddo (bulky carseat in the middle of the backseat), and a sizable dog (collie) in the cargo area. So, the Ford Escape has suited me just fine so far, even though I certainly don't tow anything or require off-roading (though my driveway is on a pretty steep hill). However, I'd certainly switch to a minivan if it made sense in some other way---cheaper to buy, cheaper to fuel, etc. I've read they are safer for kids, which would be a compelling reason if true. I've heard rumors that a minivan is also cheaper to insure.
Thanks!
It's all physics, driving habits and daily maintenance of your vehicle. There is no magic vehicle that gives you lots of room for cheap. Also there is only 114,000 Btu's of energy per gallon of gasoline , diesel has 129,000 Btu's per gallon, of which about 1/2 to to 2/3 is wasted in heat being lost to MPG for driving.
Insurance is based on the claims rate (and $$$ amount per claim) for that vehicle in your local area. Always as the insurance agent for the "symbol" of the car you want to buy.
Last edited by Grandpa Pipes; 07-29-2012 at 01:37 PM..
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