The Uplander – Chevrolet’s “Family Sport Van” – was introduced in the 2005 model year. While the Uplander’s styling falls somewhere between minivan and crossover SUV, all wheel drive is not an option on the current model. The 2008 Uplander’s gas mileage ratings of 16 city and 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG) are squarely in line with its competition, both inside and outside of GM. (The Uplander shares its platform with the Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana, and Saturn Relay.)
The 2008 Uplander is fitted with a 3.9 liter V-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower (HP) and 240 foot pounds of torque. E85 FlexFuel capability is optional. The Uplander seats seven with the choice of second-row removable modular bucket seats or removable captain’s chairs. While leather trimmed seats are available for the first and second row, the kids stuck way back in the third row are out of luck.
Chevrolet Uplander Gas Mileage – 2005-2008
Year | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Disp. | Fuel | Trans. | City | Hwy |
2008 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.9 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 16 | 23 |
2008 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.9 liter | E | (L4) Auto | 12 | 17 |
2008 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.9 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 16 | 23 |
2007 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.9 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 18 | 25 |
2007 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.9 liter | E | (L4) Auto | 13 | 19 |
2007 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.9 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 18 | 25 |
2006 | Chevrolet | Uplander AWD | 6 cylinder | 3.5 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 17 | 23 |
2006 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.5 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 18 | 25 |
2006 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.9 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 18 | 25 |
2005 | Chevrolet | Uplander AWD | 6 cylinder | 3.5 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 17 | 23 |
2005 | Chevrolet | Uplander FWD | 6 cylinder | 3.5 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 18 | 24 |
Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.
How do you improve the mechanics of the 2006 Chevy Uplander in order to get better gas mileage, I know about the usual methods.
@Al – There are no magic bullets when it comes to fighting weight and aerodynamics. Think about what you can do to lighten the vehicle and lower rolling resistance.
As part of routine maintenance, you can try switching to synthetic lubricants and low-rolling-resistance tires.