Vehicle Fuel Guides
A car's sticker price is a one-time negotiation. Its fuel consumption is a decision you re-make every week for as long as you own it, and over a typical ownership period it can easily outweigh the discount you argued for on the lot.
The per-model guides here all run the same calculation so the numbers are comparable: EPA combined MPG, 13,500 miles a year, and the current national average price per gallon. That consistency is the point. Manufacturer and review-site figures tend to use whichever assumptions flatter the vehicle, which makes cross-shopping nearly impossible. Here, the gap between two models is a real gap, not an artefact of different methodology.
Two caveats worth carrying into every guide. EPA combined ratings are a laboratory result, and a short urban commute in cold weather will do meaningfully worse; treat the published figure as a ceiling. And fuel is only one line in total ownership cost — insurance, depreciation, and maintenance often diverge more between two vehicles than fuel does. The class comparisons below are usually the better starting point if you haven't settled on a specific model yet.
Start here
The best entry points if you’re new to this topic.
Gas Cost by Car Model
Annual and monthly fuel costs for 50 of the most popular vehicles in America, calculated at consistent assumptions across sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans for 2026.
Annual Fuel Cost by Vehicle Class
Complete annual fuel cost data for every major vehicle class in 2026, showing class averages, best and worst in class, and the true financial impact of your vehicle type choice.
Most Fuel Efficient SUVs of 2026
A ranked comparison of the most fuel efficient SUVs in 2026 by true annual gas cost, not just EPA MPG numbers. Includes compact, mid-size, and full-size options with real ownership figures.
More in this category
What Is an EPA Fuel Efficiency Rating?
EPA fuel efficiency ratings are the official MPG estimates on new vehicle window stickers. Learn how they're measured, why real-world MPG differs, and how to use them.
What Is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a Car?
Total cost of ownership includes purchase price, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Learn how to calculate TCO to compare vehicles accurately.
What Is an Octane Rating and Why Does It Matter?
Octane rating measures a fuel's resistance to engine knock. Learn what 87, 89, and 91+ mean for your vehicle and whether higher octane improves performance.
Regular vs Midgrade vs Premium Gas: What's the Difference?
Regular, midgrade, and premium gas differ in octane rating (87, 89, 91+). Learn which grade your car actually needs and whether premium is worth the extra cost.
What Is a Gas Guzzler Tax?
The gas guzzler tax is a federal excise tax on new passenger cars with low fuel economy. Learn which vehicles are affected and how much it costs.
What Is Flex Fuel? (E85 and FFVs Explained)
Flex fuel vehicles can run on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 85%. Learn what flex fuel is, how it affects MPG, and whether it saves money.
The Complete Guide to the MPG Calculator
Learn how to use the MPG Calculator to find your real fuel economy. Understand why manufacturer ratings differ from real-world results and how to track trends.
Pickup Truck Gas Costs
A side-by-side annual and five-year fuel cost comparison of the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado across every major powertrain option for 2026.
Minivan Gas Costs: What Parents Really Pay to
Real annual fuel costs for every minivan sold in 2026, including the Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey, compared head-to-head against large SUVs.
Sports Car vs. Economy Car
A clear dollar comparison of what sports cars actually cost at the pump versus economy cars each year, covering the GR86, Mustang, Corvette, Prius, Civic, and more.
High MPG Cars Under $25,000
The best high-MPG vehicles available under $25,000 in 2026, with five-year fuel cost comparisons and honest guidance on when the hybrid premium pays off.
Does Engine Size Really Affect Gas Mileage?
The relationship between engine displacement and fuel economy is more nuanced than most buyers think. A car expert explains turbos, cylinder deactivation, and what actually drives your MPG.
Used Car Fuel Economy Guide
A complete pre-purchase framework for evaluating used vehicle fuel economy, covering EPA ratings, real-world MPG adjustment, what to inspect, and how to assess hybrid battery health.
Gas Budget Planning When Buying a New Car
A pre-purchase decision framework for making five-year fuel costs a central part of new car buying decisions, with the four critical fuel questions to ask at the dealership and a complete five-component total-ownership-cost comparison methodology.
Tools for this topic
Put these guides to work with your own numbers.