With the 2016 model year fast approaching, now is an ideal time to check out the most fuel efficient used Chevys from 2015.
If you’re ready to check out used cars for sale Albany, NY, then I suggest you take a peek at these half-dozen examples of automotive efficiency. These cars prove that you don’t have to break the bank or sacrifice your wallet to the gas pump in order to drive an outstanding vehicle and “Find New Roads.”
The Half-Dozen Hotshots of Fuel Efficiency
Okay, Lee Marvin had his “Dirty Dozen,” criminals to transport in the classic World War II film, but I’ve got the half-dozen heroes of fuel efficiency that are worth your serious consideration. I’ve chosen to focus on the current model year as the new model year approaches because the newer your used car, generally the better off you’ll be, long-term.
Besides, Chevy is known for offering generous warranties on its used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Keep that in mind as you check out these spotlighted six: the Chevy Spark, the Chevy Sonic, the Chevy Cruze, the Chevy Trax, Chevy Malibu, and the Chevy Impala.
Here they are, one by one. Though they are all celebrated for safety, reliability, and performance, each one comes in its own unique package, from the subcompact to the SUV.
First Up: The 2015 Chevy Spark
This is Chevy’s popular subcompact car, which comes standard for 2015 with Chevy’s exclusive and improved OnStar system with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, able to support internet connectivity for a maximum of seven personal devices.
This four-door hatchback is able to seat four passengers and comes in three trim levels: the LS, 1LT, and 2LT.
Equipped with a 1.2-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC engine with variable valve timing, rated at 84 horsepower and 83 lb.-ft. of torque, the Spark is operated by a standard five-speed manual transmission, with an available continuously variable transmission (CVT) as a popular option.
A front-wheel drive ideal commuting machine, the Spark can get to sixty mph from a stand still in 10.5 seconds, and is rated for fuel efficiency at 31 city and 39 highway miles per gallon.
Priced to start at $12,170, the Spark is super affordable , especially when you take into account the number of stops at the pump you won’t be making. As we all know, fewer stops equal extra greenbacks in your wallet.
The 2015 Chevy Sonic: Space and Savings
Whether you choose the sedan or hatchback offered by the Sonic line, you’ll be driving away in a top rated Chevy vehicle, celebrated for its comfort, safety, and fun features.
Equipped with a 1.8-liter Ecotec inline four-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing, the Sonic is able to generate 138 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque.
This car is just the thing if you want fuel-efficiency, but need to accommodate that extra passenger. Able to seat five, the Sonic hatchback and sedan come in four trim levels: the LS, LT, LTZ, and RS.
Speaking of extra, when it comes to space, the Sonic sedan features the largest trunk in the segment, measured at 14 cubic feet and able to stretch even further once the 60/40 split folding rear seats are down.
With the EPA estimates of 26 city and 35 highway mpg, and it’s base MSRP of $13,865, the Sonic is a seriously attractive option.
2015 Chevy Cruze: Diesel, Baby!
Offering six trim levels: the L, LS, LT, LTZ, Eco, and Diesel, it’s no wonder the Cruze has some of the best fuel efficiency options among the small sedan segment.
On the L and LS, you’ll get the 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder, generating 138 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, with fuel efficiency measured at 22 city, 35 highway, and 27 mpg combined from the automatic, and 29 mpg from the manual transmission.
In the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine offered on the LT and LTZ, fuel efficiency boosts to 30 mpg combined in both transmission options.
Naturally, the diesel engine tops the fuel economy in the Cruze line, getting 33 mpg combined, or 27 city and 46 highway mpg.
Close on its heels, the Chevy Cruze Eco boasts 33 mpg combined or 28/42 when operated with the manual transmission, but dips to 31 combined from the automatic transmission.
With top ratings for safety, impressive engine variety, and strong fuel economy, the Cruze is a steal at the base price of $16,170
Follow the 2015 Chevy Trax…
Chevy’s small SUV crossover, the Trax is able to seat five and comes in three trim levels: the LS, LT, and LTZ, and these triplets can be equipped with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 1.4-liter EcoTec inline four-cylinder DOHC with DCVCP variable valve timing, able to produce 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque, and paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
So equipped, the 2015 Chevy Trax returns 26 city/34 highway or 29 mpg combined from the front-wheel drive, and 24 city/31 highway, or 27 mpg combined, with the available all-wheel drive.
The 2015 Chevy Trax starts at $20,120, a small price to pay for a comfortable and dependable ride, which also boasts excellent maneuverability for the segment, allowing maximum ease of parking even in those tight spaces.
The 2015 Chevy Malibu Shuts Down the Competition
One of the most popular Chevy vehicles for generations now, the 2015 Chevy Malibu doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it’s managed to continue the midsize sedan’s legacy for dependability, comfort, safety, and style.
Available in a trio of trims, the LS, LT, and LTZ, the Malibu also features a variety of sublevels.
The LT further distinguishes itself across three sub trim levels, dubbed the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT, while the LTZ has twin sub trims, the 1LZ and 2LZ.
Base powertrains, equipping the bulk of the Malibu line come from the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder, rated at 196 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. With this equipment, expect a fuel efficiency rating of 29 mpg combined, or 25 city and 36 highway miles per gallon.
These numbers find some of their strength from the Malibu’s stop-start system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the Malibu is stopped.
Optional power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available only on the 3LT and 2LZ trim levels, which is able to get 259 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque to the tune of 21 city/30 highway or 24 mpg combined.
The Full-Sized Competitor: 2015’s Chevy Impala
Chevy’s full-sized sedan, the ever-popular Impala, ups the ante for the segment. A serious competitor, the Impala is offered in trims and sub trims, similar to the Malibu, and also shares the same fuel-saving automatic stop-start technology.
The LS, LT, and LTZ trims parse out more specifically as the 1LT, 2LT, 1LTZ, and 2LTZ sub trim levels. The 1 indicates that the Impala is equipped with the four-cylinder engine, while the 2 represents the optional V6 engine.
Speaking of engines, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is able to get 195 horsepower and 187 lb.-ft. of torque, with fuel efficiency rated at 22 city, 31, highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Strictly reserved for the LT and LTZ, the 3.6-liter V6 engine gets 305 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel efficiency is EPA-estimated at 18 city, 28 highway, or 21 combined.
Rock solid safety ratings and outstanding ride reviews make the 2015 Chevy Impala worth the starting sticker price of $29,135.
What are you waiting for?
If you want to drive an affordable car from an iconic automaker, known for its proven reliability and innovative spirit, check out any of these half-dozen hotshots for maximum fuel efficiency and fun behind the wheel.
