Van Fuel Efficiency and Cost Guide
Understanding van fuel efficiency helps you budget for your Montana road trip. Vans consume more fuel than sedans, but when carrying groups, they're often more economical per person. This guide provides realistic MPG expectations and tips to maximize efficiency.
Expected Fuel Economy by Van Type
7-8 Passenger Minivans
- City Driving: 17-19 MPG
- Highway Driving: 24-28 MPG
- Combined Average: 20-22 MPG
- Best option for fuel economy in van category
- Adequate power for most Montana driving
12-15 Passenger Full-Size Vans
- City Driving: 12-14 MPG
- Highway Driving: 16-18 MPG
- Combined Average: 14-16 MPG
- V8 engines consume more but handle mountain passes better
- Fuel economy decreases with full passenger load
Factors Affecting Van Fuel Economy
- Mountain Driving - Steep grades and elevation changes reduce MPG by 20-30%
- Weight Load - Full passenger capacity and cargo significantly impacts efficiency
- Speed - Highway speeds above 65 mph decrease MPG rapidly
- Weather - Headwinds, AC use, and cold temperatures reduce efficiency
- Tire Pressure - Under-inflated tires waste fuel
- Driving Style - Aggressive acceleration and braking wastes 15-30% more fuel
Calculating Fuel Costs for Your Trip
Example calculation for common Bozeman trips:
- Bozeman to Yellowstone - 90 miles each way (180 miles total)
- Minivan at 22 MPG: 8.2 gallons
- 12-passenger van at 15 MPG: 12 gallons
- At $3.50/gallon: Minivan $29, Large Van $42
- Week-Long Montana Road Trip - Approximately 800-1,000 miles
- Minivan: 40-45 gallons ($140-$158)
- 12-passenger van: 53-67 gallons ($186-$235)
Tips to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
- Use cruise control on flat highways to maintain steady speed
- Anticipate stops to avoid hard braking and acceleration
- Remove roof racks when not in use (increase drag)
- Keep windows closed at highway speeds (reduces drag)
- Maintain steady speeds between 55-65 mph for optimal efficiency
- Check tire pressure weekly (find recommended PSI on door jamb)
- Avoid excessive idling - turn off engine if waiting more than 1 minute
- Combine errands and plan efficient routes
- Remove unnecessary weight and cargo when possible
Where to Find Gas in Montana
- Bozeman Area - Numerous stations, competitive prices
- Interstate 90 - Stations every 20-40 miles
- Rural Highways - Fill up in towns, gaps of 50-100 miles between stations
- Gas Prices - Typically 10-20% higher in tourist areas and inside Yellowstone
- Rule of Thumb - Fill up when tank reaches half in rural areas
Fuel Stations Along Popular Routes
- Bozeman to Yellowstone (US 191) - Big Sky (45 mi), West Yellowstone (90 mi)
- Bozeman to Livingston (I-90) - Stations every 10-15 miles
- Paradise Valley Route - Livingston, Emigrant, Gardiner
- Inside Yellowstone - Limited stations, highest prices, plan ahead
Per-Person Fuel Cost Comparison
Vans become more economical with more passengers:
- 4 people in minivan - $7.25 per person (Bozeman-Yellowstone roundtrip)
- 8 people in 12-passenger van - $5.25 per person
- 2 sedans with 8 people - Similar total fuel cost but higher rental, parking fees
Fuel-Saving Driving Techniques for Mountains
- Maintain momentum approaching hills rather than accelerating uphill
- Use lower gears on descents instead of riding brakes
- Coast when safe to let speed decrease naturally
- Avoid rapid acceleration at altitude (air is thinner, engine works harder)