If you're looking for a spacious vehicle, then you may think your options are limited to gas-guzzling SUVs and minivans. However, there are several fuel-efficient new hatchbacks and wagons that offer near-SUV cargo space. For many car shoppers, these well-proportioned cars offer the perfect balance between enhanced storage and above-average gas mileage. Keep reading to review a few of the best fuel-efficient cars that also offer a good amount of cargo space.
2012 Toyota Prius V Wagon (42 mpg combined) The 2012 Prius V is a new hybrid variant of the very popular Toyota Prius. Outfitted with the same engine as the standard trim, the Prius V manages a very impressive 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. With the back seats up, the Prius wagon manages a solid 34.3 cubic feet of storage space. With the seats down, this number balloons to 67.3 cubic feet. Compare these figures with the competition, and the Prius V is hard to beat. However, an entry fee of $26,550 may have you looking for more affordable options.
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2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI (34 mpg combined) Outfitted with a diesel engine, the VW Jetta Wagon delivers excellent fuel efficiency in a cavernous package. According the EPA, the Jetta Sportwagen TDI manages 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Storage capacity comes in at 32.8 cubic feet with rear seats up and 66.9 cubic feet with rear seats down. Add in a responsive driving experience and upscale interior, and the Jetta is a well-rounded vehicle that continues to sell well throughout the country. Initial asking price for the 2012 Jetta Wagon TDI is listed at $25,540.
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2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI (34 mpg combined)If you're willing to trade in a little bit of cargo space in favor of sporty performance, then the VW Golf may be a better option than the VW Jetta. Starting at $24,235, this well-equipped hatchback promises up to 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Storage isn't much with the rear seats up (12.4 cubic feet), but fold them down and you'll be rewarded with 46 cubic feet. These numbers are well above average for the compact vehicle class.
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2012 Nissan Cube (31 mpg combined)Car shoppers looking for cargo capacity on a budget might want to take a look at the Nissan Cube. Starting at $14,980, the 2012 Cube delivers up to 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. While these figures are pretty average for the compact vehicle class, the Cube outperforms in the category of interior space. Drop the rear seats, and you'll receive an impressive 58 cubic feet of space (11.4 cubic feet of space). Other strong points of the Nissan Cube include a good standard features list and a variety of customization options.
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2012 Ford Focus Hatchback (33 mpg combined) The Ford Focus is available with a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package that delivers 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (base models promise 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway). In terms of storage, the Ford hatchback is one of the best cars for shoppers who need to seat more than two passengers. With rear seats up, the vehicle offers 23.8 cubic feet of storage. With rear seats down, the vehicle manages 44.8 cubic feet.
2012 Ford Focus Hatchback" href="/ContentManager/view/Article/%20%20%202012%20Ford%20Focus%20Hatchback%20(33%20mpg%20combined)%20%20" target="_parent">Learn more about the 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback
