Fueleconomy.gov - Fuel Economy

To fully understand what fuel economy is, you might first understand how the term is defined. Fuel economy refers to how far a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel. The higher the fuel economy, the less fuel -- gasoline, diesel, whatever -- the vehicle uses. In the U.S., the standard measure of fuel economy is miles per gallon, or mpg.

The Guide provides the estimated fuel economy (in miles per gallon, or MPG) and annual fuel costs (using national averages of fuel costs and miles driven) of most model year 2022 vehicles for sale in the United States, listed by vehicle class, and then by manufacturer, making it easier to compare vehicles and choose one that’s right for you.

Improving your vehicle's fuel economy is both economically and environmentally smart. Driving conservatively and buying a fuel-efficient car can make a significant impact. If you are considering purchasing a new vehicle, the newly released 2023 Fuel Economy Guide (Guide) can help you choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your needs.

Fuel economy depends on several factors. In addition to the design of the vehicle, you have to consider your driving habits. As a rule, the faster you drive, the more gas you'll burn even in the most fuel-efficient vehicles. This is because you have to overcome greater resistance to accelerate and maintain faster speeds.