Minivan fuel efficiency

A minivan may be the most fuel efficient automotive method to move people and cargo from point A to point B. Even within the minivan category, there are efficiency winners and losers.

If you're in the market for a minivan, fuel efficiency is probably on your list of important factors in your buying decision. Here's a list of the top five most fuel-efficient 2010 minivans, according to the EPA.

2010 Mazda5. Photo (c) Mazda

2.3 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway

2.3 liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed automatic transmission: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway

The Mazda5 has been sold in the United States since 1999. It started life as the Mazda Premacy, and became the Mazda5 in its second generation in 2005. After a mild refresh in 2008 and a modest 18, 488 sales in 2009, the Mazda5 returns essentially unchanged for the 2010 model year.

Mazda5 may seem like a ringer in the group, but don't be fooled. This compact minivan can carry 6 in comfort, and may be all the minivan you need.

2010 Chrysler Town & Country. Photo (c) FCA LLC, Ltd.

4.0 liter V6, 6-speed automatic transmission: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway

The Town & Country Minivan has been sold in the United States since 1990, and is currently in its fifth generation. With innovations like Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go seating, Town & Country continues to impress. After 84, 558 sales in 2009, the Town & Country returns essentially unchanged for the 2010 model year.

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. Photo (c) FCA LLC, Ltd.

The Grand Caravan is an identical twin to the Chrysler Town & Country, so it's no surprise that it matches its achievement in fuel economy. The choice between a Town & Country and Grand Caravan will come down to styling and features for most buyers. After 90, 666 sales in 2009, the Grand Caravan returns essentially unchanged for the 2010 model year.

2010 Honda Odyssey. Photo (c) Honda

3.5 liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway

In a four-way tie for second place with the Town & Country, Grand Caravan and Routan, the Honda Odyssey is the only one of the four with a unique architecture and mechanical identity.

The Honda Odyssey has been sold in the United States since 1995. It is currently in its third generaition, after a makeover in 2005 and a mild refresh in 2008. the After selling an industry-leading 100, 133 units in the United States in 2009, the Honda Odyssey returns essentially unchanged for the 2010 model year.

2010 Volkswagen Routan. Photo courtesy Wikipedia