radin2son Posted March 24, 2017 (edited) Our 05 Passat tdi wagon is a little dated, too big for our current needs and a lota difficult to enter and exit, so we have begun looking at, but staying away from actual cars, to see what is out there. Small crossovers and CVT. Small is good, but not sure about CVT. Gas power with claimed mpg close to real tdi mpg also is good, given the price of diesel. Planned use would be day trip exploring back roads, but the clearance is generally only 6+". Road clearance for a 2x4 Frontier is 8+". By chance, I came across road clearance for 2017 NV 1500 and 3500 NVP. Both listed at 8.1" which makes me wonder how much clearance we've had on some roads. Also came across a edmunds.com review of 2017 cargo NVs and NVPs. Cargo vans will get steel mesh in the rear and slider windows (still an option), more body color panels (bumpers and grill?) and no mention of new V8. "Odd looking" NVPs will get the new V8 with more power. Not exactly news... For comparison, they suggest the "window" Sprinter and Ram. Did someone say odd looking? No news on mpg. Edited March 25, 2017 by radin2son Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
breeze Posted March 30, 2017 Through several statistical averaging methods, I have come up with an easy and 'doable' 16 mpg for the new 2017 (cargo) v8 with much better consistencly than the v6 mpg's in towing (at reduced speeds.) It is no major research breakthrough, but it helps keep a new vehicle budget in-line. With a powerful drive-train you just have to tweak 3 variables to optimize fuel costs: velocity, acceleration, and safety. A beautiful white tall (for optimum wind-drag) 2017 NV SV3500 with most of the paint-protective cheap options is quite a deal, ready and set for a RV conversion. Weight, balance, and drag coefficient shall rule the here-after. :headspin: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
