Top 10 Gas Guzzlers of 2010

The year is 2009, the global economy is in the doldrums and the planet is running out of gas, or so conservationists would have you believe. But if you were thinking that every carmaker is scrambling to build the most fuel-efficient cars and trucks possible in an effort to conserve our natural resources and help you make ends meet, heavy-metal gods Judas Priest put it best: "You've got another thing coming."

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While it's true that some manufacturers have begun churning out a surprising number of incredibly efficient machines, it's still possible to get your guzzle on at the pump. To identify the worst offenders, we crunched the numbers from the Environmental Protection Agency's recently released "Model Year 2010 Fuel Economy Guide." To be fair, we left superexotic cars with 16 cylinders and as many turbochargers off the list — they are too easy a target. We also omitted "special" models and any car over $100,000. Instead, we focused our attention on those cars, trucks and SUVs that regular Joes can aspire to park in their own garage. So here's our list of the 10 worst gas guzzlers from the 2010 model year.

Read:  Top 10 Fuel Misers of 2010

10. Hummer H3 Alpha

The truck that Toyota Prius drivers love to hate has found a home on our list of gas hogs, sure enough, but it's by no means the worst offender. While Hummer has a reputation as the Earth-crushing leviathan that is single-handedly responsible for all of the oil drilling in Alaskan preserves, the reality is that the H3 Alpha manages 13 mpg city/16 mpg highway. That's just 14 mpg combined, and while we aren't exactly excusing you to use your H3 to cruise around the mall parking lot day in and day out, those figures aren't bad for the level of off-road capability the Hummer provides. The H3 Alpha is priced at $47,600.

Watch Video: Consumer Reports: Hummer H3 Crash Test

9. GMC Sierra 1500 4WD

GMC serves up our second surprise when it comes to gas guzzlers. While nobody's eyebrows shot up when a full-size pickup truck made our list of heavy drinkers, it's interesting to see just how well the functional utility vehicle ranked compared with the other thirsty vehicles on the same list. Even more surprising, the GMC Sierra 1500 4WD is one of just two full-size trucks on our list. With a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine and a heavy 4-wheel-drive system, the pride of The General's hauling fleet doesn't have anything to brag about at the pumps. Expect 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway, good for 14 mpg combined. The GMC Sierra 1500 starts at $19,375.

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8. Nissan Armada 4WD

While the common conception is that Japanese automakers create more efficient vehicles than their domestic counterparts, the truth is slightly different in the case of the appropriately named Nissan Armada. Unlike the Spanish sailing ships of yore, this mammoth SUV bears no treasure when you open the gas filler. Which makes sense — this thing can seat eight people and tow more than 9,000 pounds. A big 5.6-liter V8 engine swallows gas by the bucketful, dishing out around 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway. Those numbers are good for 14 mpg combined. Throw in the Armada's price of $37,210 and you're talking about a significant monthly investment, We hope you have a family of eight.

Read: Flash Drive: Nissan Armada

7. Lexus LX 570

This massive luxury cruiser rightfully holds down seventh place on our list. With its 5.7-liter V8 engine and full-time 4-wheel-drive system, the LX 570 could be the poster child for inefficiency, which is somewhat ironic coming from a company that specializes in hybrid drivetrains. Throw in a curb weight of 6,000 pounds and you have a recipe for regular dates at your local gas station. The Lexus LX 570 manages 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway. Again, those figures are good for 14 mpg combined. Still think you want one? Better save up $76,405, not including delivery. That Armada isn't looking so bad now, is it? Ah, the price of luxury.

Compare: Lexus LX 570 vs. Porsche Cayenne GTS vs. Infiniti QX56

6. Mercedes-Benz GL 550

What? There's another full-size SUV on our list of thirsty machines? As former candidate for vice president Sarah Palin would say, "You betcha." The Mercedes-Benz GL 550 is as big as you can get from the Silver Arrow without stepping up to the $100,000-plus G-Class. In the GL 550, a 5.5-liter V8 engine produces 382 horsepower, and the cavernous interior makes room for up to seven passengers. Even with an efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, this big ute manages only 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway — that's 14 mpg combined. Think that's bad? Check out the price tag. The GL 550 will set you back $82,850. How's that Lexus looking now?

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