5 Fuel-Efficient Minivan Alternatives for 2011
Minvans are great vehicles for moving people and delivering maximum interior cargo. As a class, however, minivans don't tend to offer the best fuel efficiency. Therefore, if you're looking to get your family from here to there in a vehicle that offers above-average gas mileage, then it may be a good idea to look at a few fuel-efficient minivan alternatives. Keep reading to check out a few 2011 vehicles that serve as viable and fuel-efficient minivan alternatives.
2011 Subaru Outback (24 mpg combined)
The most fuel-efficient minivan for the year is the 2011 Honda Odyssey (22 mpg combined). If you want a vehicle that is a decidedly more adventurous and efficient vehicle, then you might look into the 2011 Subaru Outback. With an estimated 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway, this wagon offers up to 71.3 cubic feet of storage. While seating maxes out at five, reviewers often refer to the Outback as a solid option for those who need maximum interior volume. Available with standard all-wheel drive, the Outback may also serve as an efficient alternative to larger SUVs.
Learn more about the 2011 Subaru Outback.
2011 Mazda MAZDA5
If you need a minivan alternative that seats up to seven, the sporty MAZDA5 may be the vehicle for you, Redesigned for 2011 with a more appealing exterior, the new MAZDA5 is now better positioned to steal market share from larger, boxier minivans. While official fuel figures have yet to released, estimates suggest performance somewhere around 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. A boost in build quality and available features also helps boost the appeal of the 2011 MAZDA5. A base price of around $18,000 also means the Mazda mini-minivan will undercut most of the competition when it hits dealerships later this year.
Learn more about the 2011 Mazda MAZDA5.
2011 Toyota RAV4 (24 mpg combined)
With an available three rows of seating, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the few compact SUVs to accommodate more than five passengers. As such, the vehicle serves as a good option for those who aren't particularly excited about the prospect of investing in a minivan. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 22-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. Starting at $21,925, the Toyota RAV4 has been one of the best-selling SUVs on the market for several years now.
Learn more about the 2011 Toyota RAV4.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander (25 mpg combined)
If you like the sound of the Toyota RAV4, then you may also want to take a look at the Mitsubishi Outlander. With an estimated 23-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway, the Mitsubishi proves slightly more fuel thrifty than the Toyota offering. A third-row of seating helps accommodate additional passengers, and a peppy engine helps moms and pops tend to their parental duties without giving up entirely on a fun-to-drive vehicle. Good cargo area and a long warranty help add to the Outlander's appeal. Base price is set at $21,995.
Learn more about the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander.
2011 Ford Escape Hybrid
Shoppers interested in hybrid technology may want to take a look at the Ford Escape Hybrid. While seating maxes out at five, minivan shoppers may be willing to make do with less passenger seating in exchange for 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. With a smooth engine and high riding stance, the Escape Hybrid offers much the same driving feel as a traditional minivan. The available 66.4 cubic feet of storage may also prove adequate for some minivan shoppers. Shoppers interested in the Escape Hybrid can expect to pay somewhere around $31,500 for a base model.
Learn more about the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid.