Dirty driving: These Are The Most Polluting Cars, 2023

As the threats of climate change loom large, car manufacturers are finally offering more fuel-efficient options, from hybrids to electric vehicles, in an effort to reduce our reliance on gas. However, it is important to note that not all car companies are on the same page, as some continue to produce vehicles that consume large amounts of fuel at an alarming rate.

Although the average emissions from new cars have decreased significantly in the last forty years, there are still some cars that are notorious for their poor fuel efficiency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average passenger car emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Surprisingly, the least efficient cars on the market emit more than triple that amount.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, some vehicles simply don’t perform as well as others. We’re talking about muscle cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks – the ones that aren’t as luxurious as a Bugatti or Ferrari. It’s well-known that these larger, heavier vehicles require more power to get moving, which means they also consume more fuel. And let’s not forget about those high-performance combustion engines – they’re infamous for their insatiable thirst for gasoline.

But let’s be honest here: these gas-guzzlers aren’t exactly budget-friendly. Not only do they come with a hefty price tag (think upwards of $70,000), but they also require premium gasoline to keep them running smoothly. ThanSUVs and pickup trucks are notorious for their fuel inefficiency due to their powerful supercharged engines. These bulky vehicles consume an incredible amount of fuel to achieve quick acceleration, top speeds, and immense torque. However, there are some large SUVs available in the market that are comparatively more fuel-efficient than their counterparts. Luckily, most automakers have caught on to the need for more fuel-efficient options, offering hybrid and electric models that are kinder to our wallets and the environment. (In fact, here’s a breakdown of each major automaker’s plan to go electric.)

Some of the most inefficient vehicles on the road are, without a doubt SUVs and pickup trucks with their powerful supercharged engines. These bulky machines guzzle up an incredible amount of fuel to achieve quick acceleration, top speeds, and immense torque. (these happen to be the most fuel-efficient large SUVs on the market).

1. RAM 1500 TRX 4×4
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.78 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 16
   Weight: 7,000 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 10 mpg; Highway: 14 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $8.73
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $17,250
   MSRP: $86,450
   The RAM 1500 TRX 4×4 has definitely earned a reputation as being one gas-guzzling machine. Similar to its counterpart, the F150 Raptor, it boasts a supercharged engine that takes the base 1500 pickup truck to a whole new level. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and in this case, it’s the responsibility of burning through premium fuel at an alarming rate.
2. Ford F150 RAPTOR R 4WD
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.67 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 16
   Weight: 6,500 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 10 mpg; Highway: 15 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $6.96
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $12,000
   MSRP: $107,350
   The Ford F150 is a reliable and popular pickup truck that boasts a fuel efficiency of around 20 miles per gallon in city driving. However, for those seeking a bit more power and performance, the F150 Raptor R 4WD is the ultimate choice. With its supercharged engine, this beast of a truck can quickly burn through gasoline, achieving 10 miles per gallon in the city and 15 on the highway. Talk about a wild ride!
3. Cadillac Escalade V AWD
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.58 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 15
   Weight: 7,000 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 11 mpg; Highway: 16 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $8.06
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $15,250
   MSRP: $149,195
   The Escalade V AWD definitely has a hefty price tag, coming in at the top of this list. However, its fuel efficiency leaves much to be desired, with a meager 11 miles per gallon in city driving. Not only that, but this high-performance luxury SUV also emits a whopping 15 tons of emissions per year. And if that wasn’t enough, it retails for a staggering $150,000. What sets the Escalade V apart from its standard counterpart is its supercharged engine, which guzzles even more fuel.
4. Dodge Durango SRT AWD
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.44 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 14
   Weight: 6,000 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 12 mpg; Highway: 17 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $8.06
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $15,250
   MSRP: $92,780
   The Durango SRT AWD is quite the beast of a vehicle, boasting a supercharged engine with a whopping 710 horsepower. According to Dodge, it’s the fastest SUV in America, and it’s been marketed as a unique blend of an SUV and a muscle car.
5. Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4X4
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.33 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 14
   Weight: 5,500 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 13 mpg; Highway: 17 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $7.48
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $13,500
   MSRP: $45,730
   The Wrangler 4dr 4X4 may not be as pricey as the Wagoneer, but it certainly falls short when it comes to fuel efficiency. This mid-size SUV boasts impressive off-roading capabilities and a robust engine under the hood.
6. Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4×4
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.29 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 13
   Weight: 6,500 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 13 mpg; Highway: 18 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $6.98
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $12,000
   MSRP: $89,995
   It’s a shame to see that two Jeeps have made the list for their less-than-stellar fuel efficiency. One of them is the Grand Wagoneer 4×4, a hefty SUV boasting three rows of seats and enough space for eight people. But don’t let its size fool you – this bad boy also packs a punch with a powerful engine delivering impressive horsepower and torque.
7. Mercedes-Benz G 550
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.28 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 13
   Weight: 6,000 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 13 mpg; Highway: 16 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $7.48
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $13,500
   MSRP: $141,050
   The G 550 is definitely up there in terms of price, ranking second on this list of vehicles. It’s a top-of-the-line luxury SUV that boasts impressive performance. However, as iconic as its boxy shape may be in representing wealth, it unfortunately falls short when it comes to being eco-friendly.
8. BMW X5 M
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.21 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 13
   Weight: 6,000 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 13 mpg; Highway: 18 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $6.98
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $12,000
   MSRP: $108,900
   The BMW X5 M is truly a top-of-the-line luxury SUV, providing unparalleled performance and style. Its sleek design and powerful engine make it a true standout on the road. While the X6 M may have a higher price tag, the X5 M offers all the luxury and performance at a slightly more affordable price point. However, it must be noted that the X5 M does have a slightly lower fuel efficiency compared to its counterpart. But for those who value power and luxury above all else, the X5 M is the ultimate choice.
9. Ford BRONCO RAPTOR 4WD
   Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.19 cents per mile
   Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 13
   Weight: 6,000 pounds
   Fuel economy: City: 15 mpg; Highway: 16 mpg
   Cost to drive 25 miles: $5.57
   Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $7,750
   MSRP: $73,780
   The highly-anticipated Ford Bronco has finally made its long-awaited return for the 2021 model year, after a 25-year absence. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The beastly Raptor 4WD boasts a powerful V6 engine, churning out an impressive 418 horsepower. But that’s not all – it’s also equipped with top-of-the-line features specifically designed for conquering off-road terrain. Talk about a dream come true for adventure seekers.
10. Chevrolet SILVERADO 4WD ZR2
    Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.19 cents per mile
    Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 13
    Weight: 6,000 pounds
    Fuel economy: City: 14 mpg; Highway: 17 mpg
    Cost to drive 25 miles: $6.98
    Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $12,000
    MSRP: $70,100
    Chevrolet has a variety of models for their Silverado, their classic pickup truck. One of their most impressive options is the ZR2, a supercharged version that is specially equipped for off-roading. This beast boasts a powerful 6.2 liter V8 engine, which can get you 14 miles per gallon in the city and a solid 17 on the highway.
11. BMW X6 M
    Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.18 cents per mile
    Greenhouse gas emissions (tons/year): 13
    Weight: 5,500 pounds
    Fuel economy: City: 13 mpg; Highway: 18 mpg
    Cost to drive 25 miles: $6.98
    Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $12,000
    MSRP: $113,700
    The X6 M is a beast of an SUV, with all-wheel drive and a thirst for premium gasoline. It may not be the most fuel-efficient ride, with 13 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway, but it’s definitely worth it. This luxury SUV is a powerhouse, boasting a V-8 engine and a whopping 617 horsepower.
12. Dodge Charger SRT Widebody
    Cost to the environment (per vehicle): 2.17 cents per mile
    Greenhouse gas emissions: 13 tons per year
    Weight: 5,000 pounds
    Fuel economy: City: 12 mpg; Highway: 21 mpg
    Cost to drive 25 miles: $6.98
    Extra spending over 5 yrs compared to avg vehicle: $12,000
    MSRP: $81,040
    The Charger SRT Widebody is truly a remarkable machine, boasting a powerful supercharged engine that Dodge proudly boasts is the fastest in its class. Of course, with great power comes great responsibility, and in this case, a considerable amount of fuel consumption. Despite this, it remains a top choice for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled driving experience. And with a weight of just 5,000 pounds, it stands out as one of the lightest options on the market, especially when compared to the many bulky SUVs and trucks available.

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