Tag Archives: MPG

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High-Performance Turbo Manual Transmission Fun

In April 2018 Ford announced all its sedans and coupes would be going away by 2020, except for one–the iconic Mustang. High-powered Mustang GT, Mach1 and Shelby GT500 versions are well-known, with the latter model pumping-out 760 pin-you-back-in-your-seat horsepower. Big horsepower gets the headlines and is as sexy as all get out, but what about getting into a Mustang that provides driving exhilaration while also not scaring the heck out of you? Look no further than the 2021 Mustang Coupe with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost.

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium
High-performance four-cylinder fun

Respectable Power and Performance

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

Plenty of power under that long hood

Clean Fleet Report spent a week in the rear-wheel drive 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback, powered by a high-performance turbocharged 2.3-liter I4 mated to a six-speed manual transmission with launch control and five selectable drive modes. Producing a fun 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the Mustang high-performance package and the six-speed manual is civil enough for around town driving. And yes, you can spin the tires!

The EPA has rated the EcoBoost 2.3L high-performance at 20 mpg city/27 highway/22 combined. In 240 miles driving around Southern California we averaged 23 mpg, but in a 100-mile run with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged 31.2 mpg, exceeding the EPA figure. This fuel economy is encouraging, but it will take a wide open road with little traffic and lots of patience to equal it. If fuel economy is your primary focus and you can live without high performance, the standard turbocharged 2.3L puts out 310 horsepower and delivers 21/32/25 with its 10-speed automatic.

Being realistic, no one will be buying a high-performance Mustang for making bread and milk runs. This car begs to be driven with great elan, so real world driving will use more fuel. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ. 

Shifting Fun

Clean Fleet Report took delivery of a 2021 Ford Mustang Coupe and knew the week ahead was about to be fun. There are not many manual transmission cars anymore, and getting one with rear-wheel drive and 330 horsepower was a treat. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivered confident road feel, aided by the Pirelli PZero Corsa4 ZR rated 265/40 summer tires on 19-inch, luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels. ZR is a speed rating, which in this case means the tire can handle speeds surpassing 150 mph.

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

Good grip from the rear

The grip was excellent, thanks in a big part to the independent rear suspension that delivered a controlled driving experience. The optional MagneRide damping system, part of the $1,995 Handling Package, kept the rear tires planted. MagneRide responds to road conditions 1,000 times per second for each damper or shock absorber. First introduced in 2002, versions of this suspension system are found on Camaro, Corvette, Cadillac, Acura, Audi, Land Rover, Ferrari, and Lamborghini models.

Stopping was by the four-wheel power disc brakes, which have a four channel anti-lock braking system with rear sway bars and electronic stability control.

The leather-trimmed gear shifter is perfectly positioned for arm angle and grip size, whether for slow or hard shifting. The clutch has a good feel and smooth engagement, but the shifts can be notchy at certain rpms and if not perfectly rev matched. This is not the smoothest manual we have driven, but it is still a blast going through the gears.

First gear is for getting off the line, but 2nd, 3rd and 4th are where things get interesting. When it is go-time, the turbocharged 2.3L came to life with a throaty note that would grumble and pop from the active valve performance exhaust system. This adaptive system, which amplifies the sound, has exhaust settings such as sport and track, making for a pleasant reminder you are driving a high-performance car. There is even a quiet setting when sneaking out at 5 a.m. to go to a car show. For even a racier sound, check-out what comes from the Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 engine, which has 100 more horsepower.

Zero-to-60 mph times were right around 5.0 seconds, with linear acceleration and unnoticeable turbo lag. Pushback in the seat comes at 3,000 rpm, and stays consistent and stout through the 6,500-rpm red line. The optional 10-speed rev-matching automatic probably would pull even faster times (it also delivers slightly better fuel economy).

Old-Modern Interior

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

The command position–just as its always been

The 2021 Ford Mustang interior has a comfy, retro feel to it. Digital gauges are large and easy-to-read, with black backgrounds and white letters, and toggle switches are a throw-back to sports cars from the 1960s. Clean Fleet Report’s Mustang came with black leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats that were manually adjustable.

Accent stitching on the seats, console and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel combine with carbon fiber on the dash for added custom detail. The Recaro seats were supportive and tight fitting, while the rear seats are best for those of a smaller stature. The trunk is surprisingly large, but when folding the split rear seat the Mustang is its most versatile, as the cargo area is exceptionally large. Two on a weekend trip will have no problem fitting all their gear.

The 12-speaker, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer, infotainment system includes navigation, Ford SYNC and SiriusXM/FM/CD/HDAM with MP3 playback capability. USB ports with iPod connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, and hands-free phone capability complete the system. All this is viewed through a 12-inch, high-resolution LCD touch screen. The Ford PassConnect includes 4G LTE WiFi.

The Classic Mustang Look

A long hood with a short trunk lid sums-up the classic Pony Car design made famous in the 1960s by the Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger (and a few others who have disappeared from the scene). The 2021 Mustang coupe has the distinctive fastback design, and is done in a retro-modern style, harkening back to the 1965 Mustang. From the LED head and fog lights to the signature sequential turn-signal taillights, the 2021 Mustang is a good-looking car. The slight hood bulges have functional air intakes. For even more fun, our Mustang came in a very bright Grabber Yellow!

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

Ponies in the puddle

Convenience and Safety

The 2021 Ford Mustang has available convenience features such as illuminated sill plates and Mustang “pony” puddle lights, ambient interior lighting, autodim rear view mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a tilt and telescoping steering column, hill start assist, power and heated exterior mirrors, power windows with one-touch up and down, keyless start and entry, passive entry system and a theft deterrent system.

Safety systems include dual front, seat-mounted side, driver knee, and full side curtain air bags. The Ford Co-Pilot360 is an advanced driver assist system (ADAS), which includes forward collision warning, lane keeping and driver alert warning, lane keep assist, blind spot with cross traffic alert, rear view camera, rear parking distance warning, pre-collision assist with emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

The 2021 Mustang has a 5-Star safety rating, the highest by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway safety, IIHS, has awarded the Mustang Good ratings for crash worthiness.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Ford Mustang comes in 10 models, with the listed prices excluding options, but including the $1,195 destination and handling fee.

EcoBoost Fastback                    $28,400

Convenience and Safety

The Recaros matched the car’s performance well

EcoBoost Fastback Premium   $33,420

EcoBoost Convertible                $33,900

EcoBoost Convertible Premium  $38,920

GT Fastback                                 $37,480

GT Premium Fastback               $41,480

GT Convertible Premium          $46,980

Mach 1                                           $54,595

Mach 1 Premium                         $56,495

Shelby GT500                              $74,095

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium coupe had a base price of $32,175. With $13,150 in options and the $1,195 destination and delivery fee, the MSRP came to $46,520.

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Not recommended for “normal” adults

The 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance comes with these warranties:

Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles

Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles

Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles

Corrosion – Five years/Unlimited miles

Observations: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium High Performance Coupe

The 2021 Mustang EcoBoost High Performance is a fine-driving, riding and handling car. The power is fun to play with, and when mated to a six-speed manual, a blast to drive. The high tech suspension system, adjustable exhaust, summer tires and multiple drive modes are what make this a driver’s car.

Convenience and Safety

Bridging the past and present

The performance from the turbocharged high-performance four-cylinder was more than adequate for a sporty drive, whether on mountain curves or cruising leisurely your favorite highway or road. The 2.3L High Performance offers 20 more horsepower than the base EcoBoost engine (Ford dropped the V6 as the base engine in 2021), while not making it necessary to go for the Mustang 5.0L V8 for extra performance.

When visiting your Ford dealer, tell the rep you want to drive the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance. Then, for comparison take a spin in the Mustang GT or Mach 1. This way you will know which of the iconic Mustangs could be right for you.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by Lex Adams.

More Fun Coupes:

Road Test: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro

Road Test: 2015 Dodge Challenger

Road Test: 2021 Lexus RC 350 F Sport

Flash Drive: 2021 Toyota Supra

Road Test: 2020 Toyota Supra

Road Test: 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone

Road Test: 2021 Chevrolet Corvette

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

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Saving Money on Your Way to Maximum MPG

This article may contain affiliate links.

Whether you are seeking to develop more eco-conscious driving habits or reduce gas expenditure, there are many benefits to reducing the miles you put on your vehicle.

From low-mileage car insurance discounts to reduced wear and tear on your vehicle, low-mileage driving can improve your financial standing. But how can you increase your fuel economy? Here are some ways to reduce your mileage and gas usage.

No. 1 – Lighten the Load in Your Car

Don’t carry more than you need

Surprisingly, the number of items you carry in your vehicle can have a meaningful impact on your fuel economy. It’s simple math when you think about it: The heavier your vehicle is, the more power it needs to move. While the added weight may not seem like much, over days, weeks, months and years of travel, it can have a cumulative effect.

Though you may want some emergency supplies in your vehicle such as a carjack or tire iron, you shouldn’t carry more things in your car than you absolutely need. Try to avoid using your car as a storage container, and don’t let clutter build up.

Try to clean out your car once a week, and make it a habit to take everything out of your car that you bring in. In addition, make sure that the emergency items you have in your car are limited to those things you really need. Consider springing for lighter and more compact emergency gear to further reduce your vehicle’s weight.

Reducing weight will also improve your tires’ lifespan. Too many heavy items in your car can also lead to your car having an unbalanced spread of weight, which can affect its overall driving and tire wear and tear.

No. 2 – Keep Up with Regular Car Maintenance

While it does cost a bit to have your car checked over by a mechanic, regular maintenance will improve your fuel economy and help you catch problems before they occur. Some parts of your car that especially affect your mileage include air filters, connectors and spark plugs. Visit a mechanic regularly to tune up your car, rotate tires and switch out oil.

One aspect of maintenance that many people forget is tire maintenance. You should regularly check your tire pressure as underinflation can increase your fuel consumption by up to three percent. It also wears down your tire treads, making your vehicle move less efficiently over roads.

No. 3 – Turn Off the Engine When Not in Motion

Many people idle their cars for multiple reasons, such as when they are just waiting for a friend to come out of their house or feel they won’t be parked for long. However, idling is a huge waste of fuel and money. It unnecessarily burns fuel your car should only use in order to move. Shut down your car entirely when you need to stop.

Some people argue that starting the engine is less fuel efficient, but this is completely untrue. Idling uses much more fuel than starting the engine does, and also gives off more pollution than your car does when it is moving.

No. 4 – Keep a Steady Speed and Don’t Brake Rapidly

While there is a specific speed (often around 50 mph) that tends to be the most fuel-efficient for your specific vehicle, in the end, it matters less how fast you drive than it does how steadily you drive. Starting and stopping or adjusting your speed up and down causes you to burn more fuel than maintaining a steady pace.

To keep a steady speed while driving, use cruise control while on long stretches and make use of a “fast pass” to get through toll roads. Avoid urban driving on long trips, and try to avoid high-traffic times of day like rush hour.

No. 5 – Give Your Car Some Low-Mileage Modifications

There are a few different ways you can get the most mileage out of your vehicle, whether you have a regular gas-powered car, an electric car, or a hybrid.

There are also several modifications you can make to your vehicle that will improve its performance and lower its fuel consumption. For example, truck drivers can add pickup bed caps. These help reduce wind drag that can be caused by an open truck bed.

As your vehicle ages, grounding cables and wires can begin to wear out. This will gradually impact your vehicle’s whole energy usage, from lights and air conditioning to throttle response and engine startup. Upgrading your cables can cause your whole car to drive and operate more smoothly.

If your car was made after 1996, it likely has an onboard diagnostic system. You could get a real-time engine monitoring device that plugs into this system to provide you with various vehicle data, including a real-time fuel economy readout.

This will let you be able to better gauge how your car is handling and how specific driving conditions or habits are affecting your mileage.

Another low-cost modification is a vacuum gauge, which also can give you quick fuel economy data. Higher manifold vacuum measurements equal higher mileage.

No. 6 – Choose a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

Efficient vehicle options are multiplying

There are many ways to reduce your mileage, regardless of the car you drive, but if you really want to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle, consider getting a fuel-efficient car. There are several factors to consider when choosing a new vehicle, and that includes the sustainability and financial savings a new car will bring you.

First, you want to see how much a fuel-efficient car will reduce your costs. For example, modern diesel engines have great fuel economy and will save you money on fuel costs. As excess weight also increases your fuel expenditure, lighter cars will also save you money.

Cars with automatic transmissions, hybrid or electric powertrains, and those equipped with low rolling resistance tires all have better fuel economy than conventional vehicles.

A savvy consumer should also look into vehicles with turbocharged engines and other energy-boosting features.

Fuel-efficient vehicles are becoming more common and green optimizations are becoming more standard. As cars become more efficient, however, it can make consumers think they no longer need to be as eco-conscious as before.

Adjusting your driving habits is good regardless of the efficiency of your vehicle, as it will be sure to save you money and fuel.

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2021 F-150 Adds Hybrid, Confirms Full Electric Version

It’s only been five years since the last major redesign of the Ford F-150, not a long time historically in the truck world, but with competition heating up both in the traditional competitors and newcomers, Ford is pushing forward with the introduction of the all-new 2021 F-150, a remake of its best-selling and most lucrative model.

2021 Ford F-150, Ford, news, full-size pickup, electric pickup, hybrid pickup, electrification

A new look for the F-150 (1 of 11)

The goal of the introduction this week, hosted by Ford spokesperson Dennis Leary and featuring a variety of Ford employees and F-150 customers, was to show that Ford is well-aware that its industry-leading position (best-selling truck for the past 43 years) is not something assumed, but an achievement to be re-earned every year. The 2021 Ford F-150 has a very simple goal—maintain and expand that market lead for another year or two.

Highlights of the introduction (some detail below) included the presentation of a new full hybrid model and confirmation that a full-electric version is coming. The other big takeaway is that electrification in a pickup take a significantly different form that in a sedan. In a truck application, the emphasis of a large battery is less on propulsion and zero emission miles than on providing a mobile power source for tools and toys.

Next year’s F-150, which will go on sale this fall, follows the typical pickup mold of offering a dizzying number of options in an attempt to provide a potential pickup for every possible buyer. The completely redesigned truck (every one of the aluminum exterior panel is new) will offer six engines, 13 different wheels and 11 grille options in a half-dozen trim levels.

Fuel Economy Focus

2021 Ford F-150

Aerodynamics & tough pickups don’t always go together

Although no official fuel economy numbers are available, Ford pointed out that it was the most aerodynamic pickup the company has ever designed, employing grille shutters, a new automatically deploying air dam and new cab and tailgate geometry to reduce drag and reduce fuel consumption on all models.

The new hybrid F-150 will use an all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, augmented by a 35-kW/47-horsepower electric motor. A 10-speed transmission and 1.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery (mounted between the frame rails so it doesn’t take up any passenger or cargo space) complete the powertrain.

The all-electric F-150 will come in 2022, according to Ford COO Jim Farley. When it arrives, it will likely face several competitors, including the Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer, Tesla Cybertruck, Lordstown Endeavor and Nikola Badger.    

Electrification on the Job

Back to the present, Ford sees electric power as another tool for the job. The 2021 F-150 will come up with up to 7.2 kilowatts (kW) of exportable power, enough to run a generator and a variety of power tools through 120-volt and/or 240-volt outlets.

2021 Ford F-150

Plugs for all your jobs

Inside Ford has added a variety of high-tech features that point out how mainstream the modern pickup has become. One clever addition is that, with a few quick shifts of hardware, the center console can become a desk big enough to hold a laptop. Above that center console half of the F-150 lineup will have 12.0-inch touchscreen displays, matching what’s becoming the standard for the segment. The display will come equipped with Sync4, the latest version of Ford’s infotainment system. Ten new advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are going to be available.

Recognizing the variety of uses a truck might undergo, Ford has designed the front seats to recline 180 degrees, so not only is the pickup and office, but also a bedroom. Under the backseat is a lockable storage unit for stashing away valuables or expensive tools.

The Most List

What a pickup needs is a most list and Ford has drawn up a long one. The stated goal of the 2021 F-150 is to be able to tow the biggest load in its class, carry the heaviest payload, have the most horsepower and torque and also have the longest range.

2021 Ford F-150

More tech than seen in a pickup before

Don’t expect the competition to take this lying down, but Ford also had other news last week that went well beyond the news about the redesign of its best-selling product. The company laid out a goal of becoming of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 with three areas of focus that account for  95 peercent of the companies CO2 emissions:

  • Vehicle use
  • Supply base
  • Facilities

On the vehicle side, it’s putting $11.5 billion through 2022 into the Mustang Mach-E, Transit Commercial and fully electric F-150. It expects all of its manufacturing plants to use 100 percent locally sourced renewable energy by 2035.

Story by Michael Coates

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

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2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited in Billet Silver Metallic

Quick Spin, 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

Class: Minivan

Miles Driven: 172

Fuel Used: 3.2 gallons

CG Report Card
Room and Comfort A
Power and Performance B+
Fit and Finish B+
Fuel Economy A+
Value A-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy A
Tall Guy A
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs 260-hp 3.6L
Engine Type V6 plug-in hybrid
Transmission CVT automatic
Drive Wheels Front-wheel drive

Real-world fuel economy: 53.7 mpg

Driving mix: 40% city, 60% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 82 MPGe/30 mpg (city/highway combined)

Fuel type: Regular Gas

Base price: $45,845 (not including $1495 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: S Appearance Package ($795), Advanced SafetyTec Group ($995), tri-pane panoramic sunroof ($1895)

Price as tested: $51,025

Quick Hits

The great: Class-leading fuel economy; excellent array of family-friendly convenience features

The good: Spacious cabin with upscale trimmings; pleasant road manners

The not so good: Chrysler’s signature Stow ‘n Go second-row seats not available on Hybrid models

More Pacifica price and availability information

John Biel

These days you might have a better chance of seeing a high-performance hybrid supercar than you would a hybrid family hauler minivan. A number of makers of high-end and outright exotic GTs and sports cars have embraced blending internal-combustion and electric power for eye-popping outputs. But for now, there’s only one minivan using that motivating mix: the Chrysler Pacifica. We say “for now” because the redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna, which is slated to go on sale late this year, will come exclusively as a hybrid—albeit a conventional hybrid instead of the Pacifica’s plug-in-hybrid configuration. We should also note that the Pacifica is getting a substantial freshening, with the addition of available all-wheel drive, for 2021.

Quick Spin: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

The S Appearance Package adds “Black Noise” painted wheels, black grille/body trim, and a black “Stow ‘n Place roof rack.

The Pacifica Hybrid itself is nothing new; it has been in the product mix since 2017, when Pacifica replaced the Town & Country as Chrysler’s minivan. What is new for the plug-in hybrid in 2020? Well, there’s the grille surface. Plus, there’s been some shuffling of trim levels. Otherwise, the Pacifica Hybrid is the same 7-passenger, 260-horsepower it has been—and it’s still an important element in what makes Pacifica the Consumer Guide “Best Buy” pick in the minivan class.

First Look: 2021 Toyota Sienna

Quick Spin: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

Pacifica Limiteds have upscale cabin trim and a wealth of standard features, including a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a Uconnect navigation/infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The center console houses dual cup holders, a storage bin with a sliding cover, and 12V and USB charging ports.

There are six flavors of Pacifica Hybrid, the Touring, Touring L, and Limited, plus thirty-fifth-anniversary editions of the Touring L and Limited, and a Red S version. Base prices with delivery extend from $41,490 for a Touring to $50,635 for the Red S. CG tested a Hybrid Limited that started at $47,240 was optioned up to $51,025. The 2020 test van was outfitted much like the one CG editors drove in 2019, including the extra-cost S Appearance Package (black, not red), Advanced SafetyTec Group, and panoramic sunroof. However, an upgrade to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system and the Uconnect Theater with streaming and DVD video gear were both tossed into the ’20 at no charge.

2020 Chicago Auto Show: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD

Quick Spin: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

Inside, the S Package adds Nappa leather seats (with “S” logos on the front seatbacks). Though their underfloor battery hardware means that Pacifica Hybrids can’t offer Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go second-row seats, the seats still slide fore and aft to favor second- or third-row legroom. Just visible on the front seat backs are the integrated video screens for the Uconnect Theater entertainment system; it’s included at no charge and comes with wireless headphones and remote controls.

Chrysler pairs a less-powerful version of the corporate 3.6-liter gas V6 with twin electric motors to generate the aggregate 260 ponies. An “electrically variable” transmission functions without the feel of stepped gears. EPA estimates for combined city/highway driving are 82 MPGe and 30 mpg of gasoline consumption.

We experimented with different operating styles this time to get a feel for how they might affect mileage. One editor who drove about two thirds of our test miles regularly charged the 16-kWh battery. Fifty-five percent of his distance was covered with the van operating in electric mode and at the end of his stint his gas use worked out to 48.5 mpg. A second editor’s shorter run of not quite 60 miles used just a single charge, and 66 percent of his run was under electric power, which stretched fossil-fuel economy to 68.33 mpg. (However, his gasoline use just for the miles when the gas engine was working averaged 23.55 mpg.)

What Is Midgrade Gas?

Quick Spin: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

There’s a deep cargo well behind the third-row seats, which fold flat into the floor to create a large cargo area with 87.5 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats. The second-row seat backs also fold down for a bit more space.

Fully charged, the Pacifica Hybrid is good for an estimated 32 miles of electric operation before it has to switch over to the gas engine—though the V6 will jump in when a high demand for power arises. For instance, the second of our editors mentioned above started out with an indicated 98-percent charge and went 28.5 miles—mostly in steady but speedy highway driving—before the gas engine took over, but an instrument readout showed 26.4 of those miles were driven electrically. Depletion of the charge is relatively slow below 60 mph, but begins to vanish pretty rapidly at higher speeds. The Hybrid is capable of easy, quiet Interstate cruising, but standing-start performance is a little tamer than in all-gas models. Transitions from electric to gas power are fairly subtle.

The Pacifica rides and handles well, and the Limited is a well-appointed minivan. Interior materials have a premium look and feel. The instrument dials and the 8.4-inch touchscreen for the convenient Uconnect 4C infotainment system show several hybrid-specific readouts related to power use and range. Personal-item storage choices are numerous and varied—if you can’t find a place for it in the Pacifica, you probably don’t need it.

Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging

Quick Spin: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

The Pacifica Hybrid is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with twin electric motors; the combo puts out a total of 260 horsepower. The electric charge port is located on the driver’s-side front fender.

Abundant leg- and headroom greets passengers in the front- and middle-row seats, with easy passage to the third row between the second-row buckets. The rearmost seats are adult-friendly. With the rear seats retracted and the middle seats removed (the placement of the hybrid-system battery prevents them from being folded into the floor), a cargo area of 140.5 cubic feet opens up.

Convenience and comfort are the least anyone can ask of a worthwhile minivan. The unique difference of the Pacifica Hybrid goes a step beyond.

5 Ways Hybrids are Different

Quick Spin: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

By making shorter individual trips and plugging in to charge the battery between those trips, we improved our 2020 Pacifica Hybrid test vehicle’s average fuel economy compared to the nearly identical 2019 model we tested previously. If your lifestyle includes similarly short trips and permits frequent plugging in to maximize pure-electric operation, you can achieve similarly excellent numbers… but even in “regular” hybrid mode, the Pacifica Hybrid is a laudably efficient minivan.

Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited Gallery

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on June 24, 2020.

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Truckers and Trucking Companies Employ Multiple Tools for Better MPG

Semi-trucks might keep the country running, but they’re not usually what we think of as a model of fuel efficiency. These massive trucks haul tens of thousands of pounds and have a reputation for getting around five to six miles to the gallon. Like with most things, technology has changed dramatically since the inception of the trucking industry. How have semi trucks improved their fuel efficiency and how will they continue to do so into the future?

HD Truck Fuel Efficiency

Getting there with the goods–efficiently

Managing Speed

The goal of the logistics and trucking industries is to move things from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible, but putting the pedal to the metal is detrimental to fuel economy. In fact, going up by one mile per hour can decrease a rig’s fuel economy by 0.14 miles per gallon. Dropping your speed or installing a speed limiter or governor can help improve fuel efficiency, even if it stretches deadlines a little bit.

Improved Aerodynamics

HD Truck Fuel Efficiency

Aerodynamic drag will drag down fuel economy

It might not be as sleek as a sports car on the track, but changes to the aerodynamic profile of a semi truck can reduce drag and help improve fuel economy. Many new trucks are already designed with these upgrades. Drag along the trailer and between the tractor and trailer can increase aerodynamic loss by as much as 53 percent.

Monitoring Everything

Data is the most valuable tool when it comes to improving the semi truck fuel economy. Monitoring everything from traffic jams to idle time can help fleet supervisors keep their fleet moving forward efficiently. Using fleet monitoring software removes the human element so drivers don’t have to report every little thing to their team leaders.

Upgrading Tires

Fleets are starting to switch to new and upgraded tires as another tool to reduce fuel waste. Conventionally, these rigs use dual-rib tires. Swapping to wide-based tires can improve fuel economy by as much as four percent. It doesn’t sound like much, but it can make an enormous difference—especially if you don’t have the option to buy a new rig.

HD Truck Fuel Economy Tips

Tires can be a big MPG factor

Buying New

Fleet owners are hanging onto trucks longer than ever for a variety of reasons. Economic realities make it more cost-effective to repair an old truck than to buy a new one, but that means operators miss out on all the new technology that is making these rigs more efficient. It isn’t always an option, financially speaking, but if fuel economy is a priority, replacing the truck with a newer model should be a consideration. Some of the newer rigs have drivers claiming regular fuel economy above 10 mpg.

Looking Forward

We’ve come a significant distance since the beginning of the trucking industry, but we’ve still got a long way to go before these big trucks will truly be considered fuel-efficient. That said, there are still plenty of ways to make existing trucks just a little bit more efficient, saving fuel and reducing their environmental impact in one fell swoop.

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