3 Class C RVs With the Best Gas Mileage
If you’re considering buying a motorhome, Class C RVs are an excellent place to start. They sit on truck platforms, so they drive more like a U-Haul than a hulking bus. And you don’t need to learn anything new or have a special license to operate them. Class C RVs offer a slew of great features, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, at a more affordable price than larger models.
These RVs also get the best gas mileage among motorhomes, around 14 to 18 mpg — not bad for a 12,000-pound vehicle. And three Class C motorhomes with the top fuel economy happen to be Winnebago models.
Winnebago View: 17 mpg
The Winnebago View gets an estimated 17 mpg and offers a choice of three floorplans. This highly versatile RV provides plenty of space and a luxurious experience. Its diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis is reliable and inspires confidence on and off the grid.
The View also boasts Mercedes’ touted MBUX touchscreen infotainment system, with voice commands, built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
In addition, two floorplans provide theater seating, according to Winnebago. Optional extras include an entertainment package, curved cabinets, an LP/induction cooktop, lighted galley drawers, and cushioned dinette and sofa seats. Two of the floorplans offer cross-coach storage for oversize items and other innovative storage solutions.
The View also has roof port wiring access for great convenience. Hydraulic jacks with automatic controls are available, as is a wide running board with pet loops so you can bring the dog.
Extend your off-grid experience with holding tanks, a standard 200-watt solar kit, Group 31 batteries, and 2,000-watt inverters.
As for advanced safety features, the Winnebago View comes with active brake assist and lane-keeping assist.
Of course, all of that comes at a price. The View starts at $190,775.
Winnebago Vita: 17.9 mpg
The Winnebago Vita gets 17.9 mpg, offers two floorplans, and is one of the best Class C RVs. Though it’s still a smaller model, it’s surprisingly roomy. It’s easy to drive for trips on your own or with family and friends. It can carry as much as 1,810 pounds and even has a customizable pantry and wardrobe.
Additionally, the driver’s-side slideout offers more interior space. There are available swivel cab seats and theater seating, too. And exterior styling options allow you to customize the Vita further.
The latest models have upgraded safety features like active brake assist, attention assist, and lane-keeping assist. Like the View, the Vita has the MBUX infotainment center. You also get a rear-view camera and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Plus, there are automatic hydraulic jack system levels to help stabilize the coach for camping.
The Winnebago Vita has one of the largest batteries in a Class C vehicle. It features standard 200-watt solar panels that are expandable to 475 watts. There’s also a 1,000-watt inverter and a 3,600-watt LP generator.
Furthermore, the Vita is the least expensive RV on this list. Starting at $136,072, it’s by no means cheap, but at least it won’t cost you an arm and a leg at the gas pump.
Winnebago Navion: 18 mpg
The Winnebago Navion gets the best gas mileage of the three, at 18 mpg. Designed for comfort and luxury, this model offers two floorplans and starts at a whopping $190,775.
However, it’s a dependable RV using the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis for a confident drive. It also comes with safety features such as active brake assist and lane-keeping assist. And it boasts the MBUX touchscreen infotainment system with an interactive voice interface so you can keep your eyes on the road. Plus, you get navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
If you want an even higher-end experience, upgrade to the available theater seating and entertainment package. You can also get an LP/induction cooktop, curved cabinets, lighted galley drawers, cushioned dinette, and sofa seats for visual appeal and more comfort.
In addition, the Navion offers clever storage solutions, even for larger items, and roof port wiring access. Available features include hydraulic jacks with automatic controls and a wide running board with pet loops.
Using the Navion’s industry-leading holding tanks with standard 200-watt solar power, you can do more off-grid. Group 31 batteries and a 2,000-watt inverter give you even more time.
Although the above three Winnebago models start at over $100,000, it’s still good to know you’re doing your part to use less gas while RV’ing.