What is a good amount of miles per gallon?
A good miles-per-gallon figure depends on the vehicle type and your needs, but in general 30+ MPG combined for a typical gasoline-powered car is a solid benchmark, hybrids commonly reach 40–60 MPG, and electric vehicles use MPGe or miles per charge instead of MPG.
To understand what counts as “good,” it helps to consider vehicle class, driving conditions, and how the EPA tests measure fuel economy. The following guide offers realistic targets by category, explains MPGe, and shares practical ways to improve efficiency.
Good MPG targets by vehicle class
These targets serve as benchmarks you can compare against when shopping or assessing your current car. They reflect typical real-world results for common powertrains.
- Gasoline-powered compact cars: roughly 40–50 mpg combined; highway often in the mid-40s to low 60s depending on model; city values lower.
- Gasoline-powered midsize cars: typically 30–40 mpg combined; highway 40–45 mpg for efficient models.
- Gasoline-powered full-size SUVs and large crossovers: about 25–32 mpg combined depending on drivetrain and weight.
- Gasoline-powered pickup trucks: commonly 18–25 mpg combined; diesel variants can be higher.
- Hybrid cars: commonly 40–60 mpg combined, with some models exceeding 60 mpg in ideal conditions.
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): rated around 60–100 MPGe combined when charged regularly; gasoline-only mpg around 25–40 if not charged.
- Diesel-powered cars and SUVs: typically 25–35 mpg combined, with higher highway efficiency.
Note: These ranges are guidelines based on EPA testing and real-world experience. Your actual numbers depend on load, terrain, climate, and driving style.
Understanding EPA ratings and MPGe
EPA ratings provide a standardized way manufacturers report fuel economy. For traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the metric is miles per gallon (mpg). For electrified powertrains, the EPA uses miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) to compare energy use with gasoline energy content. A BEV might rate around 100 MPGe, while a plug-in hybrid often sits in the 60–90 MPGe range. Real-world consumption often varies from label values due to driving habits and conditions.
What MPGe means
MPGe expresses how far a vehicle can travel per unit of energy consumed, using 1 gallon of gasoline as the energy reference (33.7 kWh). It helps compare electric and gasoline vehicles on a common basis, but it isn't a direct measure of fuel cost or energy use in all conditions. EPA city and highway ratings also factor into a combined score, which drivers may experience differently in everyday traffic.
Practical tips to improve MPG
Simple changes to driving habits and maintenance can meaningfully boost fuel economy. Before listing actionable steps, consider that even small improvements compound over time.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflation lowers fuel economy and increases wear.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Reduce weight and aero drag: remove roof racks when not in use; avoid carrying unnecessary cargo.
- Plan trips to combine errands, minimize idling, and use air conditioning judiciously at lower speeds; at highway speeds, wind resistance dominates, so aero tweaks matter more.
- Perform regular maintenance: timely oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks can sustain efficiency.
- Use the correct fuel type and ensure your engine is operating optimally; fix any misfires or issues promptly.
- Consider efficient alternatives: in the longer term, a more efficient vehicle or powertrain (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV) can deliver lower real-world fuel costs.
Real-world results depend on conditions such as terrain, weather, and driving style. Track your actual MPG over time using the vehicle’s computer or manual fill-ups to gauge progress.
Summary
What counts as a “good” MPG varies by vehicle class and use case. As a baseline, about 30+ MPG combined for typical gasoline cars is sensible; hybrids commonly reach 40–60 MPG; electric vehicles are evaluated by MPGe. Use EPA ratings as a starting point, monitor real-world results, and adopt efficient driving habits and regular maintenance to improve fuel economy over time. The best target aligns with your budget, needs, and environment.
