Are MPVs More Fuel-Consuming Than Sedans?

[MelanieMarie]

For MPVs and sedans with the same displacement, MPVs generally consume more fuel. Here is some relevant information: 1. Introduction to MPVs: MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicles), or multi-purpose vehicles, evolved from station wagons. They combine the spacious passenger area of a station wagon, the comfort of a sedan, and the functionality of a van, typically featuring a two-box structure and seating for 7-8 people. 2. Introduction to Commercial Vehicles: Commercial vehicles are essentially multi-purpose vehicles. They integrate the functions of sedans, station wagons, and vans, with each seat adjustable and offering various combinations. For example, the backrest of the middle row seats can be folded down to form a table, and the front seats can rotate 180 degrees.

[JudahLee]

I remember when my family switched to an MPV, the fuel consumption was indeed nearly one-third higher than our previous sedan. The MPV's body is as heavy as an ox, carrying all seven family members plus luggage, so the engine naturally has to work harder. And look at its boxy, bulky shape—the drag coefficient is much higher than that of a streamlined sedan, and you can clearly hear the wind howling at high speeds. Driving an Odyssey in the city, I typically get around 12 liters per 100km, whereas my previous Accord only needed about 9 liters. But the new hybrid MPVs these days are quite impressive; for example, the Sienna has been tested at just 6 liters, which is even more fuel-efficient than some sedans. Choosing a car depends on usage scenarios. If you frequently take family trips, the extra fuel consumption for the space and comfort of an MPV is a trade-off worth making.

[Griffin]

From a physics perspective, the high fuel consumption of MPVs is inevitable. Their curb weight is typically over 200kg heavier than sedans, equivalent to carrying three additional adults. The most critical factor is the drag coefficient - sedans usually have around 0.28, while MPVs generally exceed 0.32. Last week when helping a friend test the Carnival's fuel consumption, 60% of the power at 120km/h cruising speed was used to overcome air resistance. However, the newly launched Voyah Dreamer utilizes active grille shutters, reducing its drag coefficient to 0.281, resulting in 15% lower highway fuel consumption compared to older models. So never compare the fuel efficiency of a decade-old GL8 with new sedans - technological advancements are progressively narrowing this gap.

[VanOscar]

The data from our fleet of over 30 vehicles speaks volumes: sedans average 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers, while MPVs consume 11.2 liters. But the key lies in how you use them! For airport transfers, when an MPV is fully loaded with 7 passengers, the shared fuel consumption actually makes it more economical than using two sedans. Last month, we took the Custo for a team-building trip with 7 colleagues – it achieved 7.8 liters per 100 km, working out to just 0.4 yuan per passenger per kilometer, barely more expensive than the subway. In contrast, a sedan carrying only two people ends up with higher per-unit fuel costs. Remember: a full MPV is always more environmentally friendly than an empty sedan.