Top 5 Green Minivans for 2008

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Minivans have proven their worth over many years. While often overshadowed by the style and popularity of SUVs and the latest crossover vehicles, the venerable minivan is a family staple when it comes to safety, functionality, convenience, and value. Seating configurations are versatile and legendary. Seats come out, go back in, fold down, and some even turn around as needed. You can make room for cargo or in many cases carry six to seven occupants. Front bucket seats often allow parents easy access to kids sitting in the middle and rear seats. You just can’t get that kind of versatility from most other vehicles.

While it’s true that hybrid minivans are not on the scene yet, that will change as automakers continue to roll out new hybrid products. That doesn’t mean you can’t think “green” now when opting for a family-friendly minivan at the new car showroom. Like all models, there are some minivans that just stand out as more fuel efficient and “greener” than their peers. To help your decision making along, the field's standouts are identified here in Green Car's "Top 5 Green Minivans for 2008."

	#1 – Mazda5 Specifications: 2.3-liter 4 cyl., 5-spd. auto. or man. trans, 2WD Fuel: Gasoline EPA Air Pollution / Greenhouse Gas Scores: 6 / 7 Fuel Economy: City 21-22 / Hwy 27-28 mpg MSRP: $17,995-$22,365
	#2 - Honda Odyssey Specifications: 3.5-liter 6 cyl., 5-spd. auto. trans, 2WD Fuel: Gasoline EPA Air Pollution / Greenhouse Gas Scores: 6-7 / 5-6 Fuel Economy: City 16-17 / Hwy 23-25 mpg MSRP: $25,860-$40,010
	#3 – Chrysler Town and Country / Dodge Grand Caravan Specifications: 3.3, 3.8, or 4.0-liter 6 cyl., 4-spd. auto. or 6-spd. auto. trans, 2WD Fuel: Gasoline or E85 ethanol EPA Air Pollution / Greenhouse Gas Scores: 6-7 / 5-6 Fuel Economy: City 16-17 (gas), 11 (E85) / Hwy 23-24 (gas), 17 (E85) mpg MSRP: $21,790-$35,670
	#4 – Toyota Sienna Specifications: 3.5-liter 6 cyl., 5-spd. auto., 2WD or AWD Fuel: Gasoline EPA Air Pollution / Greenhouse Gas Scores: 6-7 / 5 Fuel Economy: City 16-17 / Hwy 21-23 mpg MSRP: $24,340-$37,665
	#5 – Nissan Quest Specifications: 3.5-liter 6 cyl., 5-spd. auto., 2WD Fuel: Gasoline EPA Air Pollution / Greenhouse Gas Scores: 6-7 / 5 Fuel Economy: City 16 / Hwy 24 mpg MSRP: $24,750-$34,450

In this analysis, rankings are based on data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2008 Green Vehicle Guide. The Green Vehicle Guide lists vehicle fuel economy data along with an Air Pollution Score and a Greenhouse Gas Score, both on a 0-10 scale with 10 being best. The Air Pollution Score reflects vehicle tailpipe emissions that contribute to air pollution such as smog and haze. This score scales with the federal and California vehicle emissions standards. For example, a score of 6 is equivalent to the LEV standard in the California system and the Bin 5 standard in the federal system; a score of 7 is equivalent to ULEV and Bin 4. For more information on the emissions levels associated with each standard, see www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/summarychart.pdf. The Greenhouse Gas Score reflects the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. The score takes into account full fuel lifecycle estimates, from production and refining to final use.

Our rankings take into account both Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas scores, as well as raw fuel economy data that reflects the improved (and more stringent) measurement method that the EPA put into place beginning with 2008 model year vehicles. A minivan listed here with a range variation in either score, such as “6-7,” means that some variations exist within the model that have found it ranked several times within EPA’s listings. Variations within a particular model, such as engine size and emissions certification, yield different scores. Here, our rankings reflect the cleanest variation of a given model.

MAZDA5
The stylish Mazda5 shows that downsizing for efficiency doesn't have to be painful. In terms of exterior dimensions, the Mazda5 is something like an 8/10ths scale minivan. Its maximum interior cargo volume of 98 cubic feet – compared to the 160+ cubic feet of its competitors on this list – puts the Mazda5 at a disadvantage in sheer cargo-carrying ability. However, highly-configurable seating for six, dual-sliding doors, and a wide range of available features like a DVD entertainment system mean the Mazda5 is properly equipped for mainstream minivan duty. The big advantage comes down to mass. With 800 fewer pounds to move around than the other vehicles listed here, the Mazda5 gets away with a smaller four-cylinder engine and thus offers fuel economy that’s by far the best of the bunch: 22/28 mpg city/highway with the five-speed manual transmission, or 21/27 with the five-speed automatic. Such stellar fuel economy more than makes up for an emissions rating that is not quite on par with its competitors, allowing the Mazda5 to earn the top spot on this list.

2008 HONDA ODYSSEY
The 2008 Honda Odyssey features fresh exterior styling and a more efficient version of Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. The new generation of VCM can now selectively deactivate either two or three of the engine’s six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. It also expands the range over which cylinders are deactivated, increasing fuel economy in a wider variety of driving conditions. The result is evident in the fuel economy ratings: 17/25 mpg city/highway with the VCM-equipped engine, versus 16/23 mpg with the non-VCM engine. Both engines connect to a five-speed automatic transmission. One downside: VCM is only available on the EX-L and Touring trim levels, which start at $32,210 and $40,010, respectively, making these both the greenest and most expensive models in the Odyssey lineup. All models above the seven-passenger base LX offer seating for eight thanks to a 3rd row bench seat that easily folds flat into the floor when more cargo room is needed. The Odyssey also boasts a five-star crash safety rating by the federal government in both frontal and side impacts and three-row side-curtain airbags.

2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY / DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
The all-new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country twins represent the fifth-generation of the Chrysler minivan. Among the innovations for the 2008 model year are three distinct seven-passenger seating options, one featuring second and third row seats that fold into the floor, and another which features second row seats that can swivel 180 degrees to face rearward. The differences between the Chrysler and Dodge models remain largely superficial, differing only in exterior styling and available trim levels. Both models feature the same powertrain lineup. New for this year is a six-speed transmission – the first in a minivan – which comes standard with the two larger V-6 engines. The 3.3-liter V-6 still retains its four-speed automatic, but in the process offers the best environmental performance of the three engines: 17/24 mpg city/highway fuel economy and ULEV emissions certification. As a bonus, drivers can also fuel the 3.3-liter V-6 with any mix of gasoline or E85 ethanol.

2008 TOYOTA SIENNA
The Toyota Sienna sets itself apart from the rest of the family van crowd by offering an all-wheel-drive option. The AWD system divides power equally between the front and rear wheels unless slipping occurs at either end, in which power is automatically transferred to the opposite wheels. Opting for AWD makes the Sienna an ideal SUV replacement for families that often trek to the snow, but doing so drops fuel economy a bit to 16/21 mpg city/highway from the 17/23 mpg that the front-wheel-drive model achieves. All Sienna models are powered by Toyota’s 3.5-liter V-6 with Dual Variable Valve Timing that produces 266 horsepower – the highest of the minivans on this list – while also achieving the ULEV emissions standard. That power routes through a five-speed automatic in all models.

2008 NISSAN QUEST
Nissan aimed for distinctive styling when it designed its current generation Quest, evident in the arching roofline that transitions smoothly off the A-pillar and a strong shoulder line. On the inside, a unique instrument panel design houses the climate controls and an available DVD-based navigation system. A glass-paneled roof is standard on SE models and available on SL models, placing roof-mounted glass panels over the second and third rows for better natural light. Also available with this option is an aircraft-like overhead console with personal reading lamps and air vents. The Quest offers seating for seven, with all the great configuration flexibility that has become standard in the minivan segment. Nissan’s venerable 3.5-liter V-6 sends power to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission while meeting the ULEV emissions standard. Nissan recommends premium unleaded fuel with this engine for maximum performance; running on regular unleaded drops the power rating by five horsepower to a total of 230.

If you’re interested in a vehicle not listed here, you can access EPA’s complete 2008 Green Vehicle Guide online at www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.

Want to know more about family friendly vehicles? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
Top 2008 Fuel Economy Faves
Fuel Economy Concerns Influence New SUV Design
20,000 Miles in Mercury's Mariner Hybrid SUV


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