There is an automotive misnomer suggesting that small cars have the best fuel economy around. Although compact cars are known to be fuel and financially responsible choices, driving a smaller car does not necessarily mean that it is in fact fuel-efficient.
If you look at the numbers, it’s not hard to find SUVs and minivans on the market that can be considered as fuel-efficient, if not more, as your typical small vehicle. Take a look at the Mazda Mazda5 and Chevrolet Equinox, two larger vehicles, both with assuring fuel economy, and you’ll see that size and fuel efficiency are not mutually exclusive.
How Fuel Economy is Calculated
Fuel economy: where does that number even come from? Generally speaking, the number is an estimate made by manufacturers after a series of laboratory tests. These tests, often performed in controlled environments, offer a good perspective, but rarely match reality and tend to overestimate a vehicle’s fuel intake. This type of discrepancy calls to attention the old predisposition that big vehicles guzzle more gas than little ones, which might not be completely accurate.
Why Size Doesn’t Matter
Where a car sucks up gas is during acceleration. That means the inner workings of a vehicle affect fuel economy as much as physical dynamics, maybe even more. During emission tests, vehicles are rarely pushed to simulate higher accelerating speeds as they would on real roads. The results then become enticing numbers that act more as a marketing tool than an actual measurement.
Vehicles with turbocharged engines require more effort to accelerate and therefore consume more fuel when compared to larger engines. If your smaller vehicle is struggling up a hill or working hard to keep pace on the highway, know that it is probably guzzling more fuel as well.
A study conducted by Emission Analytics showed that cars with up-to-one-litre engines had 36 per cent lower fuel consumption than advertised. And cars with one-to-two-litre engines had a 21-per-cent drop. Car owners who have purchased a smaller vehicle with a one-litre engine with the intention of being eco-friendly and save on fuel will be disappointed, since their vehicle may in fact be worse than larger ones, which actually have more realistic numbers.
The flaw in the testing process is evident. So, relying solely on the numbers car companies present should be avoided when you are looking for a vehicle with good fuel economy.
It’s All About Aerodynamics
Simple physics have shown us that by reducing the drag and weight of your vehicle, you can improve fuel economy, regardless of the engine. The common structure of a compact vehicle today is built like a mini-minivan, which isn’t the sleekest shape in the world. Cars with longer, larger structures, such as sedans, allow airflow pass it with ease. Aerodynamic vehicles by design offer smoother rides on highways and minimize the strain of the engine when accelerating.
Another element that affects shorter, smaller vehicles is the downforce and lift effect. Crosswinds push vehicles in motion, causing drivers to counter that force by steering against the wind. This can greatly increase fuel consumption.
If you are inclined to do city driving mostly, then a smaller vehicle may be fine and will save fuel overtime. However, midsize vehicles with an aerodynamic structure are just naturally better performers.
Fuel-Efficient Large Vehicles
As mentioned before, fuel economy numbers presented by manufacturers are often unreliable and frequently skewed. Nevertheless, it’s still worth noting that certain larger vehicles exhibit striking fuel efficiency.
2015 BMW X1
23 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
BMW X1 is fitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with sufficient power to give the vehicle a lot of confidence on the highway. Sophisticated and stylish, the X1’s strong acceleration makes it a top-notch SUV with good fuel economy.
2015 Honda Odyssey
19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Drawing comparison to the Mazda5, the Honda Odyssey is one of the best in its class when it comes to economy ratings. The 2015 model has received a redesign, making the vehicle even more aerodynamic than its predecessors. The result is a sleeker look and smoother ride.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class serves up refined fuel economy, especially when it uses the turbo-diesel four cylinder engine. The GLK is great at accelerating from zero to 60 mph in approximately eight seconds.
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Nissan Pathfinder’s hybrid model has a dazzling fuel economy, improving on the traditional gas engine by 20 per cent in efficiency. Although the hybrid is weak in some areas, the Pathfinder is an undeniably solid choice for those who are seeking a larger car with good fuel economy.