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SUVs SUV gas mileage - Feel free to participate
1070 messages, Last post on Jun 04, 2009 at 10:34 AM
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Replying to: kipk (Sep 06, 2008 2:50 am)  Then they'd be too embarassed to post at all. Having said that MotorWeek just tested the Durango hybrid. They got 19mpg. Their Tahoe hybrid managed 20 mpg. $45 grand for the Durango hybrid, and $50 grand for the Tahoe hybrod. Ouch. |
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Just came across this thread and see arguments about full size and toys. Well, for me I am indeed interested in all the different models. I drive a FULL size SUV but watch regularly what the smaller ones are doing. I need to tow 3500# (not all that much, just my tractor or jet skis), I need 4wd (live on a hill in snow "at times" country) and I wanted size to haul the family (8 on vacation). The Expedition does that for me. However, I would give my Expedition to my kids who don't commute far, if I find a suitable smaller SUV that has good FE. So far only the hybrids and diesels look desirable and with the price of diesel, the Escape looks like it's on my short list. For 90% of my driving (like many people) I don't need a SUV. I want to have at least one large one in the family but it needs to be where it is needed the least. The Chevy 20mpg offerings is a good step, but I'm looking for a giant leap.
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Replying to: wvgasguy (Sep 17, 2008 6:08 pm) DRIVE ONE ! It is rated to tow 4500# and seat 8 people. The 4WD models are primarily FWD but the rear wheels kick in if the front slips. This is done with electric clutches. If real slippery the two rear wheels can be locked together with a button, for super traction at low speeds. Our 03 (with 4WD) is great on gas, considering it's size. It doesn't have the variable displacement feature like the newer ones. It runs on 6 cylinders all the time. I'm a conservative driver. Locally the Pilot delivers 17-19 mpg. On the road the mileage varies with speed. A trip of nearly 400 miles with 4 people and luggage at 80+ mph yielded 18 mpg. Return trip the next day with the same load but at 60-65 mph yielded 26+ mpg. A round trip of nearly 1100 miles at 60+ MPH with me and the wife yielded 27+ mpg. I was really trying hard for mileage on this one. Most trips at 70 MPH with the two of us and AC generally averages 23-24 mpg. Yeah, I realize that is considerably more than the EPA ratings. But we get it. Odometer is correct within 1%. Just drive one.  Kip |
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Replying to: kipk (Sep 18, 2008 3:58 am) I'd skip the Pilot and look at the compact class. If you want a dramatic improvement in fuel economy, look at the Escape hybrid, the Vue Greenline, or non-hybrids like the Subaru Forester, Honda's own CR-V, Nissan's Rogue, and a Toyota RAV4. Let's take a peek at some EPA numbers, just for reference. I know real-world mileage is different, but at least we have a level ground to compare. Annual fuel costs: 2006 Expy 4WD, $4113 versus brand new AWD/automatic models... Pilot, $3203 CR-V, $2621 Forester, $2621 Rogue, $2506 (CVT) RAV4, $2402 versus the hybrids... Vue, $2056 Escape, $2056 EPA makes lots of assumptions, but the numbers serve for comparison purposes. A Pilot could save you a pretty decent $910 per year. But a RAV4 would save you nearly double, $1711. Hybrids would literally save you a little over half your fuel bill, or $2057. If you want a dramatic improvement, go with a smaller crossover or even a hybrid. They cost a bit more but both offer tax rebates to offset a big part of that cost. |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 18, 2008 7:20 am) I could be happy with a small SUV, but they all come with small seats. I'm 6'2" and 260 #. I would like the Escape with no console and Expedition seats! |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 18, 2008 7:20 am) I'd skip the Pilot and look at the compact class. If you want a dramatic improvement in fuel economy, look at the Escape hybrid, the Vue Greenline, or non-hybrids like the Subaru Forester, Honda's own CR-V, Nissan's Rogue, and a Toyota RAV4." He also said: He has occational need to tow 3500# and haul 8 people on vacation. SO ! Why not give the EXPY to the kids and buy a super mileage hybrid sedan. Something super economical for everyday use and Borrow the Expy for those special occasions. Kids shouldn't mind letting him borrow it since he gave it to them. Of course he has said he is a big guy and needs a car to accomodate him. That gets back to some type of SUV, as you suggest, or large sedan. None of which will give that giant leap "SUPER" mileage. wvgasguy then wrote: > "Money is not an issue, saving fuel is my concern. I'm willing to pay to do that," Real world says you simply can't have a fuel sipping hybrid small vehicle that will haul 8 people, that will tow 3500#, with 4WD, right now. Life is a compromise. Decide your priorities and go from there. Kip |
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Replying to: kipk (Sep 19, 2008 4:38 am) I like your hybrid sedan suggestion a whole lot better, but it may be hard to downsize in such a radical manner because most sedan trunks can only carry 13 or so cubic feet of stuff, and he's used to a 100+ cubic foot opening. That's why I went to compact crossovers. They won't be quite as much of a shock to downsize into. You still have 70 or so cubes, yet mileage improves dramatically. If there was a hybrid station wagon, I would have recommended that. Now, big seats? Hmm, attend a local auto show and sample all the seats back-to-back. Our Forester has really good head room, but check the leg room as well. Not sure about the others. I have to squeeze in to my 93 Miata so I know what it feels like to be cramped, but I don't take that on longer trips.
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Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 22, 2008 1:06 pm) For your small vehicle, you might consider the Ford Escape Hybrid, it gets around 31 in all cycles (real world, 2009 AWD model). Of course, they are pricey... |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 22, 2008 1:06 pm) Absolutely ! Problem with down sizing is that things get smaller. Friends of ours recently decided to down size on house and car. Traded in their 2-3 year old Expedition w/5.4 for a new Explorer with 4.6. He said his payments are lower. Reluctantly admitted, there are a lot more payments. Fuel mileage, is about the same, according to him. And now he feels cramped in the smaller car.  The new smaller house had to be able to hold all the "Big" furniture that was in the really "Big" house. Found a super deal on a new house ( builder foreclosure) but had to down size selling price for his old house, and get rid of a lot of furniture. So now these 2 people in their 60s are having to learn to live with a tiny Explorer and a smaller house. FWIW he is about 5'10" and 250#. She is about 5'6" and 175#. It is all about perspective! Kip |
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At 6'2" and 260 pounds, the main issue here may just be the front seat, and how well you'd fit in those. I think a car show would be a good idea. You can "test fit" several vehicles, even from different segments, and narrow it down to a short list where you were truly comfortable. Being that tall may even limit your options (no moonroof, perhaps). I know an Expy is good for a large guy, as is a Tahoe. Big, wide seats and good arm rests help a lot. You might be cramped in a compact anything. Money no object, a hybrid Tahoe would do everything you want and still gets 20mpg even in the city. They're $50 grand, though.
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