1st Place (tie): 2006 Pontiac Vibe
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 31
Powertrain: 1.8 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT
1st Place (tie): 2006 Scion xB
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 31
Powertrain: 1.5 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT
1st Place (tie): 2006 Toyota Matrix
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 31
Powertrain: 1.8 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT
Many consumers in need of cargo carrying space can avoid an expensive, fuel-thirsty SUV by choosing a small station wagon. Sure, the EPA calls them station wagons, but you can call them whatever lets you sleep at night. Choose something like Active Lifestyle Support Vehicle, or ALSV – the hottie at the gym won’t know what the heck you’re talking about, and you’ll be saving enough moolah to actually go on a date. Our pick of the top three in the class is the boxy Scion xB. Sure, it generates the least amount of power, but it’s fresh, functional and can be customized with a wide variety of dealer-installed equipment.
| Runners-Up |
Make and Model |
Combined MPG |
Powertrain |
| 2nd Place |
Pontiac Vibe AWD |
28 |
1.8 liter, 4cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Toyota Matrix AWD |
28 |
1.8 liter, 4cyl., 4-AT |
| 3rd Place |
Suzuki Aerio SX |
27 |
2.3 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| 4th Place |
Suzuki Aerio SX AWD |
26 |
2.3 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| 5th Place |
Subaru Impreza 2.5 TS |
25 |
2.5 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Subaru Outback Sport |
25 |
2.5 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT |
|
