Should I take our hybrid sedan or a gas guzzling minivan on vaca

Are there any youngster involved? That would be the only reason I would say go for the minivan, otherwise take the car, slow down and maybe even stop for a better view and pocket the savings with the memories.

I would go with whatever is the most comfotable. If I have to worry about fuel costs. I vacation in Illinois. This is a beautiful state, with a lot to see and do.

Rent a hybrid and you'll enjoy the freedom of choice.

You need a convertible.... drop the top and ride... perfect for that California trip.

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No sightseeing while driving...keep your eyes on the road.

@PeoriaIllinoisan : I had to re-read the question to see that was a choice between your cars and not a rental. I was thinking, wait Dodge has a hybrid mini-van.

We're doing the hybrid; the only concern I have is comfortably fitting my golf clubs in there with the luggage. Other than that, I'm psyched!

Does a hybrid get better MPG on the highway? I thought I remember reading a while back (so it could be old technology) that on the highway it's just "regular gasoline engine car," and the electric technology only shines in stop & go traffic.

@EastBluffCynic : That's true. It's completely backwards than what you're used to. I get better milage in the city than on the highway. Even with that, I get about 45 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good in itself, but over 50 in the city.

@EastBluffCynic : Hybrids have small engines and/or fairly tall gearing. The 2022 Kia Rio is not a hybrid but it has a CVT and it has a final drive ratio of 2:1. It is rated at 43MPG. It'll get near 50 MPG on the highway. The manual transmission version of the car is closer to 3:1 final drive ratio. It something like 38 MPG. If it had a 7th gear with 2:1 final drive it would do even better than the CVT, because gears are more efficient.Basically most cars would get significantly better fuel economy if they came with a 2nd overdrive to get a lower final drive ratio.A van is about 22MPG on the highway. The hybrid is then about 44. So $500 is 105 gallons of fuel. So you would be burning 210 @ 22 and 105 at 44. So a 4600 mile trip!Add a second overdrive in the van and drive 55MPH, and it would probably get 28 MPG.

I'm kinda in the same predicament-Our son is getting married in SW Colorado in October. I really want to take the jeep out and get lost in the San Juans for a couple of days but it's mileage isn't exactly stellar.

Ideally you could trade your car for a Jeep locally and have fun with the Jeep while someone saves money driving your car for the duration of your stay. If only everyone was trustworthy and responsible.

Why have a Jeep if you can't enjoy driving it? Isn't that the reason to own a Jeep?

@MadScientist @EastBluffCynic : Ford Explorer Hybrid w/ 10spd auto and 3.0L V6. My best mileage topped out at 31.1 mpg, largely rural highway.