Compare Cars Side by Side: Fuel-efficiency Then and Now

The article updates a mid-2000s guide on comparing cars side by side. It recalls fuel-efficient models of that era (Prius, Insight, Civic Hybrid, VW TDIs), notes industry shifts toward BEVs and PHEVs, and gives practical steps for modern comparisons: use EPA combined ratings/MPGe, estimate total cost of ownership, and test drive to confirm fit.

Why compare cars side by side?

I traded a Hemi-powered Dodge for a smaller Ford Escape years ago and cut my payments, insurance, and fuel costs almost in half. The point still stands: comparing vehicles side by side helps you match real-world needs to lifetime costs, not just curb appeal.

What changed since the mid-2000s

In 2006-2007, the most fuel-efficient U.S. models were largely compact hybrids (Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid) and efficient diesels (Volkswagen TDI Jetta/Golf/New Beetle). That list made sense for drivers focused on pump prices and mileage.

Since then the market has shifted. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) now occupy many of the top-efficiency slots, and regulators and rating systems were updated to include MPGe for electric models. Manufacturers have retired some nameplates (Pontiac, Scion) and rebranded or redesigned others. Volkswagen's TDI program was also affected by the 2015 emissions scandal, which changed the company's diesel strategy and availability of those models in the U.S.

How to compare now

• Use official ratings. Start with EPA combined ratings (or MPGe for electrified powertrains) as a consistent baseline.

• Consider total cost of ownership: financing, fuel or electricity, insurance, maintenance, and expected depreciation.

• Match drivetrain to driving patterns. Long highway miles may favor efficient diesels or highway-optimized hybrids; short trips and city commuting often favor EVs or full hybrids.

• Factor charging access and incentives for electrified vehicles.

A look back: common 2006 picks and where they are now

• Toyota Prius and Honda hybrids helped mainstream electrification; both lineage models remain influential in today's hybrid and PHEV portfolios.

• Volkswagen TDI models (Golf, Jetta, New Beetle) were highly efficient then but are no longer sold as TDIs in the U.S. after the emissions settlement.

• Small economy cars such as Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio continue as budget-friendly, efficient gas models; names and generations have evolved.

Practical buying steps

1. Find comparable trims and the same drivetrain when comparing side by side.

1. Use federal/state incentive lookups and local utility rates to estimate running costs.

1. Test drive for real-world comfort and cargo needs - efficiency matters less if the vehicle doesn't fit your life.

Final thought

The core advice from the mid-2000s still holds: compare cars side by side. Today's comparison should include electrified options and a careful look at total ownership costs, not only sticker fuel economy.

[Note: specific EPA rating methodology and some historical model feature details in this article are flagged for verification. See Verification To-Dos.]

1. Confirm current EPA combined rating methodology and the 55% city / 45% highway weighting used for combined MPG calculations.
2. Verify that EPA uses MPGe for electric vehicles and the current presentation of combined MPGe values.
3. Confirm specific feature additions for the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (aux input, iPod adapter option, tire-pressure monitor, cruise control changes) as originally introduced.
4. Verify the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Classic model-year feature changes (standard tow hooks and LT package additions).
5. Confirm the current U.S. availability status of Volkswagen TDI models and the impact of the 2015 emissions settlement on those models.