Most Fuel Efficient Trucks

Fuel economy in any type of automobile – may it be from the most family oriented sedan to the biggest transport trucks – is typically determined by different sets of criteria. The most common is by gauging the mileage gained per gallon of fuel consumed. Other methods are through the ratio of the total displacement of the engine to the overall mass of the vehicle and the number of passengers done, or perhaps with the total amount of fuel expense especially if the vehicle runs on more than one type of fuel such as those hybrid variants.

Functionality Versus Practicality

As an automobile owner, it would most likely be an issue of how much you would be shelling out for your vehicle’s consumption. However, it is also very important to consider the purpose of acquiring one. For instance, hauling and transporting relatively large containers of cargo around would require you to opt for at least a pickup or a truck. If you would only be using your vehicle for urban commuting, you might be best off with a compact car. If you have a large sized family, an SUV or a van would suit you best for passenger carry.

Another thing to consider is the terrain that you would be using your vehicle in. A lower, paved, and flat terrain does not necessarily warrant you to get a gas-guzzler such as SUV’s, and you are better off with lower displacement vehicles. On the contrary, rocky and inclined terrain such as near hillsides or near the rural areas would definitely make you think about getting an automobile with more power.

There is no single definite answer to your fuel efficiency prerequisite unless you factor in all these considerations. As a rule of thumb, more engine displacement means more horsepower output, and technically more fuel consumption, which eventually leads to higher expenses. This also means that it would be wrong to just compare a car and pit it against an SUV or even a truck for that matter and expect to judge them without biases. In determining the most fuel efficient vehicles, it would be best to showcase them depending on each category that each vehicle is classified with.

The Showcase

For city dwellers and individual driving, the 2012 Mitsubishi i (MiEV) is a tough one to beat in the compact car category. Over the years when gas prices are getting more of a concern for consumers, the trend for compact and electric cars is becoming more of a necessity rather than leisure option. Touted as the one of the most fuel efficient cars for this year, this car proves useful for those who just make short urban trips. You get approximately 112 MPG equivalent, and an estimated $540 annual fuel cost which are certainly welcome considerations. Check out a video review of this SUV by Motion Commotion:

Small families of three to five who don’t have much cargo to go around, Toyota still waves its banner for the hybrid 2012 Toyota Prius, a subcompact vehicle which employs electric and gasoline as its fuel. Boasting a 50 MPG rating and a measly $1,026 annual budget on average, this stylish subcompact is enough to service your family around town.

Of course you cannot do away those who would still factor in luxury in their priorities when obtaining a ride. This is where the 2012 Lexus CT 200h comes in. Sporting such a savvy hybrid car make that runs at 42 MPG would only step up the annual fuel budget a bit to $1,221. You get the name and the feel having a Lexus without the same thought on fuel requirement.

Coming out of the electric motor category, some of the most fuel efficient vehicles for gasoline are the 2012 Scion iQ hatchback (37 MPG and $1,385 annual), and the 2012 Ford Fiesta (33 MPG and $1,554 annual). The latter comes in with either a coupe or sedan choice for the buyer. Check out the video of its test-drive:

For larger families, that and with some cargo to go around, the next logical step is to either invest in a station wagon, AUV, or SUV, depending on the specific function. The hybrid 2012 Toyota Prius V steps up the notch for the hybrid station wagon category, which offers more engine power and a bigger room to spare for passengers and baggage compartment for a 42 MPG rating and $1,221 annual fuel average. Additions to this category would be SUV’s and crossovers such as the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2012 Nissan Juke. The former is a two wheel drive vehicle that runs 32 MPG with a $1,606 cost, while the latter gasoline driven crossover trails slightly behind with 29 MPG and around $1,904 yearly fuel cost average.

Sport utility trucks are a different category in themselves with the rest of the commercial type vehicles because they have to have the need of providing raw power to carry heavier non-personnel loads. Furthermore, they also have to be versatile in handling rougher terrain and anything else that would require sheer engine strength that would normally crack down smaller vehicles. Some of the most fuel efficient trucks around are the 2012 Ford Ranger and the Mazda B2300 (21-26 MPG, $1,462 per year), the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid (21-22 MPG, $1,599 per year), and the 2012 Toyota Tacoma (20-26 MPG, $1,529 per year).

After Choosing, Now Comes Knowing

After you have taken your pick of the most fuel efficient vehicle to suit your needs, the idea of fuel economy does not stop there. Vehicles are constantly governed by small details in their utility which when added up would contribute to a significant amount of difference. This difference would translate to overall fuel used to compensate for these small discrepancies such as average load weight of the passengers or frequency of driving over certain types of terrain – all of which puts some strain on the displacement of vehicle engines to function properly.

In this manner, it is important to know these simple tips in getting the most fuel efficiency indirectly through other factors:

Avoid aggressive driving. Perhaps you have been or have seen drivers speed up aggressively as the stoplight turns from red to green, only to halt on the next stoplight. The amount of fuel expended on sudden acceleration and deceleration from braking hard is more than casually accelerating based on the normal flow of the engines rev, and slowly braking to a calm halt. This is the reason why you should not also tail much on other vehicles, especially in the highway, where there is lots of room to drive through. Following the recommended speed limit also helps as these regulated speed limits on different levels help you drive consistently and not be tempted to step so much on your gas pedal.

Check your tire pressure periodically. The air in your vehicle’s tires serves another purpose rather than jus being a cushion for the weight of your automobile – as engine helpers. A properly inflated set of tires would help lessen the resistance the tires have in contact with the ground. Too much, and the tires may not have ample traction on the road and slippage may occur, too little and the vehicle seems too heavy to handle and maneuver thereby, making the engine burn up more fuel just to carry the extra weight from the road resistance. It is safe to check up on the manual of your vehicle for proper and ideal tire pressure limits for different situations.

Tidy up your vehicle. Nothing gets the approving stares of your passengers when your car is clean, spiffy, neat, and fresh smelling. Even thought this would not totally mean you have to clean up your car as if it was your own bedroom (considering you do keep your bedroom tidy as well), tidying up key areas that may carry that extra 40-50 lbs of unwanted and unnecessary weight such as the back seat and trunk would certainly be significant. Usually books, boxes, paper, clothes, and anything else not needed should be left at home.

Get back in tune with nature. Having your air conditioning system switched on to full blast is an added load to the engines work, thereby consuming more fuel. If the situation permits, it would not hurt to actually turn the air conditioning off, and enjoy the fresh breeze at you drive. This is more applicable in the countryside where the air is fresh and cooler than in the relatively polluted and humid metropolitan areas.

Fuel economy may be one of the best ways to wisely choose the next set of wheels you will own, but the real fuel efficiency will be based on how you would be knowledgeable and vigilant in maintaining the functionality of your automobile. Driving around without considering these little factors is half of your purpose missed and should not be taken without proper noticing.  Driving responsibly therefore is similar to relationships – it entails tender loving care, responsible maintenance, sensitive traits utilized for tell tale signs being conveyed by handling, and proper pacing – one mile at a time.