Fuel efficiency, expressed as miles per gallon (MPG), is a critical factor for vehicle owners. It represents the distance a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of fuel. In the context of a minivan from a specific model year, this metric informs consumers about the vehicle’s operating costs. For example, a higher MPG rating signifies that the vehicle consumes less fuel over a given distance, resulting in lower fuel expenses.
Understanding a vehicle’s fuel economy is important for several reasons. It directly impacts the total cost of ownership, influencing budgeting decisions. Furthermore, it reflects the vehicle’s environmental impact. Vehicles with better MPG ratings contribute to reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Historically, improvements in automotive technology have steadily increased fuel efficiency across various vehicle classes.