How many miles can you do with a full tank?
On average, a full tank takes you roughly 350–550 miles in a typical car; larger SUVs and trucks with bigger tanks can exceed 600 miles, while very efficient compact cars may approach 600–700 miles under ideal conditions.
To understand the exact range for your vehicle, multiply the tank’s capacity (in gallons) by the car’s miles-per-gallon (mpg) rating, and consider real-world factors like driving style, terrain, and weather. Most modern dashboards also provide an estimated range based on current fuel and recent driving patterns.
Typical ranges by vehicle type
Below are rough range estimates across common vehicle categories to help set expectations.
- Compact cars: tanks typically 11–13 gallons; combined fuel economy around 34–40 mpg. Estimated range: about 370–520 miles.
- Midsize sedans: tanks 13–16 gallons; ~28–34 mpg; Range roughly 360–540 miles.
- Small SUVs and crossovers: tanks 15–20 gallons; ~22–28 mpg; Range about 330–560 miles.
- Full-size SUVs and pickups: tanks 21–34 gallons; ~15–23 mpg; Range roughly 315–780 miles, depending on tank size and efficiency.
These figures are approximate and depend on both the vehicle and real-world driving conditions. For a precise number, check your owner’s manual or the on-board range estimate displayed in your vehicle’s instrument cluster.
What determines your full-tank range
Several variables affect how far you can travel on a single fill-up, and understanding them can help you plan more effectively.
Tank size and fuel efficiency
The total miles come from multiplying gallons by miles per gallon. Vehicles with bigger tanks or higher efficiency can stretch their range further, all else equal.
Driving conditions
Highway cruising at steady speeds typically yields higher mpg than city driving with frequent stops, while steep hills and headwinds can reduce range significantly.
Other factors
Payload, roof racks, tire pressure, climate control use, and even weather can shift actual range. A loaded vehicle with underinflated tires or heavy AC use will burn fuel more quickly.
Tips to maximize your range
Adopting fuel-conscious habits can help you get more miles from each tank.
- Maintain a steady speed and minimize rapid acceleration or hard braking, especially on highways.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Remove unnecessary weight and avoid roof racks when not in use to improve aerodynamics.
- Use cruise control on long, flat stretches to maintain a consistent pace.
- Plan trips to avoid backtracking and combine errands to keep average speeds and mileage efficient.
Implementing these practices can yield noticeable gains in real-world range, particularly on longer trips or during fuel-saving periods.
Summary
The miles you can drive on a full tank vary widely by vehicle, from roughly 370–520 miles for compact cars to up to 315–780 miles for larger SUVs and pickups, depending on tank size and efficiency. Use your car’s range estimate for the most accurate figure, and consider driving habits and conditions to maximize how far you can go on a single fill-up.
