EPA Rates Mileage of "30MPG" Mahindra Compact Diesel Truck
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Mahindra’s 30MPG Fiction
![](http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/02/Picture-338-550x261.png)
By Edward Niedermeyer on February 4, 2011
Mahindra’s abortive plans to bring its rugged diesel-powered pickups to the US began back in 2007, just as gas prices were starting to run out of control. Now, after years of delays, steadily-increasing prices and general neglect of the compact pickup market have served only to whet our appetite for efficient little developing world-style trucks. Throughout the the last several years, Mahindra has battled with its US distributor, pulled out of other US efforts and generally failed to deliver… all while dangling the dream of a 30 MPG diesel pickup at hopeful enthusiasts. But, as it turns out, Mahindra’s problems don’t end with distribution: though its diesel engine was approved by the EPA, we hadn’t seen EPA confirmation for the long-held 30 MPG goal. Well, the EPA just released the window sticker for the Mahindra TR40 [via MahindraPlanet], a 4X4 four-door version of its 2.2 liter diesel pickup… and it gets nowhere close to 30 MPG.
![](http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/02/Picture-337-371x350.png)
That’s right, try 19/21 MPG. If you can’t find a rugged, reliable used pickup that will return that kind of mileage all day long, you aren’t trying hard enough. Sure, the two-door version might be more efficient, but will it realistically hit 30 MPG? We doubt it. On the other hand, this disappointing news will help the Mahindra-curious let go of a fantasy that was clearly too good to be true.
![](http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/02/Picture-338-550x261.png)
By Edward Niedermeyer on February 4, 2011
Mahindra’s abortive plans to bring its rugged diesel-powered pickups to the US began back in 2007, just as gas prices were starting to run out of control. Now, after years of delays, steadily-increasing prices and general neglect of the compact pickup market have served only to whet our appetite for efficient little developing world-style trucks. Throughout the the last several years, Mahindra has battled with its US distributor, pulled out of other US efforts and generally failed to deliver… all while dangling the dream of a 30 MPG diesel pickup at hopeful enthusiasts. But, as it turns out, Mahindra’s problems don’t end with distribution: though its diesel engine was approved by the EPA, we hadn’t seen EPA confirmation for the long-held 30 MPG goal. Well, the EPA just released the window sticker for the Mahindra TR40 [via MahindraPlanet], a 4X4 four-door version of its 2.2 liter diesel pickup… and it gets nowhere close to 30 MPG.
![](http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/02/Picture-337-371x350.png)
That’s right, try 19/21 MPG. If you can’t find a rugged, reliable used pickup that will return that kind of mileage all day long, you aren’t trying hard enough. Sure, the two-door version might be more efficient, but will it realistically hit 30 MPG? We doubt it. On the other hand, this disappointing news will help the Mahindra-curious let go of a fantasy that was clearly too good to be true.
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The one in your sig? D-max? If so, keep that one forever... The 2wd 3500 work truck I drove weighed much less and didn't come close to 20mpg at any point other than downhill. Weight has little to do with it once the load is moving, unless a trailer is attached. That isn't to say a fully loaded bed won't affect economy, but tossing 1-2k worth of stuff in the cab and bed won't make much diff. unless you're in stop-n-go city traffic. At that point, economy won't be good regardless.
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The one in your sig? D-max? If so, keep that one forever... The 2wd 3500 work truck I drove weighed much less and didn't come close to 20mpg at any point other than downhill. Weight has little to do with it once the load is moving, unless a trailer is attached. That isn't to say a fully loaded bed won't affect economy, but tossing 1-2k worth of stuff in the cab and bed won't make much diff. unless you're in stop-n-go city traffic. At that point, economy won't be good regardless.
There must have been something wrong with yours because Duramaxes once tuned most average 17-22 MPG.
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Good grief, my pig of a '99 formula gets better mileage than that without trying hard.
In fact, how do you make a small diesel get pitiful mileage like that? Full size 1 ton diesels are hardly that bad...
In fact, how do you make a small diesel get pitiful mileage like that? Full size 1 ton diesels are hardly that bad...
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Easy... Allow our government to regulate it...
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^I don't know a whole lot about diesels, but from what I've heard from friends they all blow with the stock tune and emissions. Trashing that and buying a programmer and they are at the ~20mpg mark.
I do think Fords new turbo'd 3.5 or 3.7 would do great in a Ranger if they would man up and build it, just like small diesels would kick *** in half-tons, but of course they won't do something like that.
I do think Fords new turbo'd 3.5 or 3.7 would do great in a Ranger if they would man up and build it, just like small diesels would kick *** in half-tons, but of course they won't do something like that.