toyota

SUV Mileage

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Although the gleam is long off the apple, America hasn’t given up on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) just yet. While sales of conventional SUVs have dropped dramatically, hybrid SUV models are selling quite well … and for good reason. Hybrid SUV mileage ratings are substantially higher than their conventional counterparts. With that in mind, we spent a good part of this past year testing SUV mileage, with a big focus on the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs.

Although some of the choices can be quite pricey, there’s little question that the best SUV mileage results are found in the hybrid models. This has lead to remarkable bursts of popularity within more affluent and progressive segments of the car-buying public.

Here’s a case in point …

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2008 Scion xD MPG Review

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Scion xD MPG-o-Matic Scion xD Review Summary: The uniquely styled Scion xD is a five door hatchback that competes with the Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Mazda3, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris among others in the highly competitive subcompact market.

Under the hood, the xD is equipped with an inline four cylinder engine, producing 128 horsepower and 125 foot pounds of torque.

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100 MPG Plug-In Prius: Pat’s Garage

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One hundred miles per gallon (MPG) might seem like a far fetched dream to most folks. But to those on the cutting edge, it’s a reality. With a conversion kit, a half a day of work, and a pocket full of cash, a second-generation Toyota Prius can be quickly and seamlessly converted to a 100 MPG plug-in hybrid. Camera gear in hand, we stopped by the the A123 Systems/Hymotion booth, on the Plug-In 2008 conference show floor, where Pat Cadam (of Pat’s Garage and greengears.net) shared how simple it is to achieve 100 MPG.

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Toyota Prius Gas Mileage

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Since its introduction in the 2001 model year, the Toyota Prius’ gas mileage ratings have consistently placed it among the most fuel-efficient vehicles sold in America. Although the Prius was not the first, nor most thrifty hybrid – that honor having been held by the (gone but not forgotten) Honda Insight – the Prius has endeared itself to over a million owners. As of this writing, the Prius holds the US gas mileage crown.

2008 Toyota Prius

But for many, it’s more than just the great gas mileage. The green aura surrounding the Prius is unequaled.

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Toyota Echo Gas Mileage

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Over its six-year run, the Toyota Echo built a reputation based on strong gas mileage ratings and a low sticker price. With highway gas mileage figures that ranged into the low 40 mile per gallon (MPG) range (when outfitted with the five-speed manual) and a MSRP that started at just $9,995, the draw was clear. Toyota marketed the 2000 Echo as bringing “Roominess, Performance and Youth Appeal to the Entry-Level Segment.” Ah, but the appreciation of the finer points of high-MPGs and low monthly payments knows no age barriers.

2005 Toyota Echo

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