When it comes to automotive history, some vehicles stand out for all the wrong reasons. While they may have been powerful or stylish in their time, these cars, trucks, and SUVs left a lasting mark on the environment. In this article, we’ll take a look at 25 of the most polluting vehicles ever made—ones that guzzled gas, belched emissions, and played a significant role in contributing to air pollution.
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Hummer H1
The Hummer H1, based on the military Humvee, was notorious for its poor fuel efficiency, averaging around 10 miles per gallon (MPG). Its massive 6.5L turbodiesel V8 engine and heavy, off-road capabilities meant it was a gas guzzler and a significant polluter. Despite its rugged appeal, the H1’s size and power made it one of the least eco-friendly vehicles on the market.
Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion, marketed as the largest SUV ever produced, was powered by a V10 engine that delivered massive torque at the cost of fuel economy. With an average fuel consumption of 10-12 MPG, the Excursion emitted significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making it one of the most polluting SUVs ever built.
Chevrolet Suburban (early models)
Early models of the Chevrolet Suburban were large, heavy, and powered by V8 engines that prioritized power over efficiency. With fuel economy figures often below 15 MPG, these vehicles emitted high levels of CO2, contributing to their reputation as environmental offenders, especially before more stringent emissions standards were introduced.
Dodge Ram SRT-10
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 featured a massive 8.3L V10 engine borrowed from the Dodge Viper, producing 500 horsepower. Despite its impressive performance, this pickup averaged only 9-12 MPG, making it a huge gas guzzler and one of the most polluting trucks of its time.
Lamborghini Murciélago
Lamborghini’s Murciélago is an iconic supercar powered by a 6.2L or 6.5L V12 engine, capable of producing over 600 horsepower. However, with fuel economy around 8-10 MPG, it was one of the most polluting supercars, prioritizing speed and power at the expense of the environment.
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron, with its 8.0L W16 quad-turbo engine, is one of the most powerful production cars in history. Its incredible 1,200 horsepower comes with a massive environmental cost, averaging only 8-10 MPG and emitting high levels of carbon dioxide, making it a serious environmental offender.
Ferrari Enzo
The Ferrari Enzo, equipped with a 6.0L V12 engine, was designed for speed and performance, boasting over 650 horsepower. Despite its racing pedigree, the Enzo had poor fuel efficiency, often below 10 MPG, making it a significant polluter in the supercar world.
Chevrolet Blazer (1990s models)
The Chevrolet Blazer of the 1990s was powered by large V6 and V8 engines that provided decent power but poor fuel economy. With an average of 12-14 MPG, the Blazer’s emissions were high, contributing to its reputation as one of the most polluting SUVs of the era.
GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL, a full-size SUV, is notorious for its low fuel economy, especially in early models with V8 engines. Averaging around 12-15 MPG, the Yukon XL consumed excessive fuel and emitted large amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly in its early years.
Cadillac Escalade
Known for luxury and size, the Cadillac Escalade also became infamous for its poor fuel economy. The early V8-powered models averaged around 12-15 MPG, producing significant emissions and making it one of the most polluting luxury SUVs on the market.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (V8 models)
V8-powered Jeep Grand Cherokees, especially in earlier generations, had a reputation for guzzling fuel, with averages of around 12-14 MPG. While offering off-road prowess, the Grand Cherokee contributed heavily to CO2 emissions, earning a spot on the list of most polluting vehicles.
Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator, a luxury full-size SUV, was notorious for its poor fuel efficiency, especially in the early models with large V8 engines. With MPG figures often falling below 15, the Navigator was a symbol of indulgence and environmental cost, contributing to high emissions.
Toyota Land Cruiser (older models)
The Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for its durability and off-road capabilities, but older models were powered by thirsty V8 engines. With fuel economy as low as 13 MPG, these older Land Cruisers were high polluters, especially in markets without strict emissions regulations.
Chevrolet Tahoe (early models)
Early Chevrolet Tahoe models, equipped with V8 engines, had poor fuel efficiency, averaging 12-15 MPG. As a full-size SUV, the Tahoe contributed to high levels of emissions, especially before emissions standards became more stringent in the 2000s.
Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne, powered by a massive 6.75L V8 engine, epitomized luxury and power at the cost of efficiency. With an average fuel economy of 10-14 MPG, the Mulsanne was a significant polluter in the luxury car segment, emitting large amounts of CO2.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
The Rolls-Royce Phantom, with its massive V12 engine, offered unparalleled luxury but dismal fuel economy, often around 11-14 MPG. Its size, weight, and power output made it a major contributor to vehicle emissions, particularly for a high-end luxury vehicle.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, a performance-oriented SUV, featured a powerful V8 engine that prioritized speed over efficiency. With fuel economy around 13-15 MPG, the Cayenne Turbo produced high emissions, making it one of the most polluting luxury SUVs.
Range Rover (V8 models)
Range Rovers with V8 engines were known for their off-road capabilities but poor fuel economy. Early models had MPG figures as low as 12, making them heavy polluters, especially before cleaner engine technologies were implemented in later years.
Dodge Durango (older V8 models)
Older Dodge Durango models, powered by large V8 engines, were infamous for their fuel consumption, averaging around 12-14 MPG. These large SUVs were major polluters, contributing to high emissions and environmental impact, especially in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Ford Bronco (early models)
Early Ford Broncos were rugged, capable off-roaders, but their V8 engines delivered poor fuel efficiency, averaging 10-14 MPG. These early models were heavy polluters, prioritizing power and capability over emissions and environmental concerns.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (AMG models)
The AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class are powerful, luxury off-road vehicles with large V8 or V12 engines. Despite their performance, they average 10-14 MPG, making them significant polluters in the luxury SUV category.
Ford F-250 Super Duty
The Ford F-250 Super Duty, particularly with large V8 or V10 engines, had poor fuel efficiency, often below 15 MPG. As a heavy-duty truck, it produced high levels of emissions, especially in earlier models, making it one of the most polluting trucks in history.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV known for its size and power but not for its fuel economy. Early models with V8 engines averaged around 13 MPG, contributing to high emissions and making the Armada one of the more polluting vehicles in its class.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte, powered by a V8 or V12 engine depending on the model year, prioritized performance over efficiency. With fuel economy as low as 13 MPG, it produced significant emissions, particularly among luxury sedans.
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish was equipped with a powerful 5.9L V12 engine, delivering over 500 horsepower. While it offered breathtaking performance, the Vanquish had an average fuel economy of just 11-14 MPG, making it one of the most polluting exotic cars.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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