Large Family Hauler Ideas? 35+ MPG Wanted

[The Other Andy]

I'm surprised a Buick Regal Tour X hasn't been mentioned. Official rating is only 29hwy, but just about every GM I've ever encountered could easily best its official rating.

And unlike some mentioned here, the Tour X is actually fairly large.


I know the Nissan Rogue is actually pretty frugal, too. A rental I had a few years back was showing me 40mpg (instrument panel) after an easy jaunt down a California freeway and back.

That is probably the biggest compact SUV, too.

[01FordCrew]

I also have a 07 Sienna and a 02 E350. we travel long distances and take everything except the kitchen sink... yet! we found away to help our fuel economy and haul lots of stuff, introducing 1 wheel trailer with Kammback Profile. you can check out my other Post for fuel ecomony gains. Needless to say there are some drawbacks. My trailer is heavy weighing in at 500 Lbs empty and that encourages oversteer. If we traveled lighter we'd save fuel as well, but we usually stay a Month and we are Maxed out for weight and space(air Bags are deployed to keep the backend out of the weeds)

[Isaac Zachary]

My thoughts would be a 2.8L diesel Chevy/GMC if you want newer, or I've heard a few claim the got lower 30's in the supercharged Toyota Previas.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

My thoughts would be a 2.8L diesel Chevy/GMC if you want newer

Taking it to 35 MPG in an American full-size van would be quite challenging, but it's my favorite engine in its class.

[freebeard]

Recent developments reported in the Aerodynamics subforum suggest flaps canted inward 15 degrees can net a 10% improvement. Then they argue about whether that's 5% in gas mileage.

That's only ~1.5mpg on 30.

[mattrod]

Originally Posted by The Other Andy

I'm surprised a Buick Regal Tour X hasn't been mentioned. Official rating is only 29hwy, but just about every GM I've ever encountered could easily best its official rating.

And unlike some mentioned here, the Tour X is actually fairly large.


I know the Nissan Rogue is actually pretty frugal, too. A rental I had a few years back was showing me 40mpg (instrument panel) after an easy jaunt down a California freeway and back.

That is probably the biggest compact SUV, too.

I like the body shape of the Tour X.

[maanma]

Renault (Grand) Espace 4 with diesel engine 1.9 dCi 130 or 2.0 dCi 150. If 2.0 dCi 150 Automat then control gear box oil change (should be done before 110 000 miles) which does not belong service plan. There is two expensive problems worth of mention: electrical hand brake ja dci high pressure pump break after 200 000 miles. British 36 / 37 mpg

[maanma]

WV Caddy Life / Family is also an option. If primary use is for highway do not buy with small engine.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by maanma

If primary use is for highway do not buy with small engine.

Just curious, what is your reasoning for needing a bigger engine for highway use?

[maanma]

Many small engines go out of optimal range in highway speeds.

Worst ever experience is diesel 1.5 dci 18 mpg of Renault kangoo running on 3400 rpm at 80 mph.

Peugeot 107 (with city optimized Toyota KR1-FE 1.0 gasoline) does 31-33 mpg at 75mph. That is 134-125 mpg / seat. Compared to Renault Grand Espace 3 which will go 181 mpg / seat at 80 mph.