mpg-o-editor

Hybrid Sales Slump in Face of Increased Competition

by

A funny thing happened along the way (back) to $4 per gallon gasoline. The hybrid car is no longer the darling it once was. An excellent article from Peter Valdes-Dapena at CNNMoney spells it out: the sale of hybrid cars in the USA peaked back in 2008.

Take a look at the list of the best gas mileage cars sold in America. The plethora of choices have cut into the hybrids’ market share. An abundance of vehicles with competing technology – namely clean diesel and high-efficiency gasoline engines – have diminished the hybrids lock on the field.

While the hybrids may dominate the high-MPG charts, the cost of hybrid technology can work against its favor with drivers of limited means (as well as those with the ability to perform slightly more advanced mathematical equations). Increased monthly payment costs need to be justified by savings at the pump, week-after-week. If the savings aren’t there, fewer sales will be made.

Read more

Best Seven Passenger SUV MPG

by

The first two questions you should ask youself when shopping for a new sport utility vehicle (SUV) are: 1) how many folks do you need to haul, and 2) do you need all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) capabilities. Five-passenger (two-row) SUVs are typically more fuel-efficient than seven-passenger (three-row) SUVs, while two-wheel-drive (2WD) SUVs are usually better on gas than AWD and 4WD SUVs. Consequently, the vast majority of the best gas mileage SUVs are 2WD, five passenger vehicles.

Out of the crowd of 2WD 2011 seven-passenger SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander (23 city / 28 highway), Dodge Journey (19/26), and Ford Explorer (17/25) get the best gas mileage, followed by the Mazda CX-9, Chevrolet Terrain, Buick Enclave, GMC Arcadia, and Ford Flex at 17 city / 24 highway MPGs. The 2WD Ford Explorer takes a significant jump in fuel economy for 2012, with the EcoBoost inline four cylinder version rated at 20/28.

The best gas mileage 2011 AWD 7-passenger SUVs include the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (28/28), Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec 4Matic (18/25), Audi Q7 TDI (17/25), and the Dodge Journey (16/24). The GL350 BlueTEc and Q7 TDI clean diesels are exceptionally well-suited to long-distance, with excellent highway mileage and capacious fuel tanks.

We’ve tested the following 7-seat SUVs:

  • Audi Q7 TDI – With its powerful clean diesel engine, the luxurious Audi Q7 TDI delivers a unique combination of fuel efficiency, range, driveability, luxury, and towing capacity, along with some of the best in-cabin technology on the market today.
  • Chevrolet Traverse – Room for seven and highway gas mileage in the mid-twenties, the Chevy Traverse offers a compelling feature set, with a spacious interior that’s chock full ‘o creature comforts.
  • Ford Flex – A brilliant alternative to traditional SUVs and minivans, the Flex represents a rebirth of the great American station wagon with the comforts of a spacious limousine.
  • Lincoln MKT EcoBoost – Takes the large luxury crossover to a new level. While it lags behind the European turbo-diesels when it comes to fuel economy, the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine provides a remarkable rush of power. The MKT EcoBoost is an executive jet on wheels, with a luxurious ride for six or seven.
  • Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec – Although the ticket to entry is substantial, the Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is one of the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger luxury SUVs on the road today.
  • Mitsubishi Outlander – Among the most sporting of the mid-size Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), with a rally-inspired design that provides real four-wheel-drive, and magnesium paddle shifters. The third row seating is strictly for the kids.
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Plays a trump card in the sport utility market, by delivering the best gas mileage in its class.

Read more

Is the Manual Transmission Staging a Comeback?

by

While the manual transmission was written off for dead just a few years ago, the good old stick shift just might be staging a comeback. With a new wave of fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive cars, manual transmission are riding back into spotlight. What’s old is new. From high-end Aston Martins and Lamborghinis, to the reborn retro muscle … Read more

2011 Mazda2 Touring Review

by

MPG-o-Matic 2011 Mazda2 Review Summary:
With the 2011 Mazda2, the experience adds up to more than the sum of the parts. While not a segment leader in either fuel-economy or straight-line performance, the Mazda2 delivers on both thrift and thrills. It’s more fuel-efficient than the official numbers might suggest and fun to toss about. With an enticingly low sticker price (starting at just over $14,000), it’s more slot car than shoe box.

Read more