What is a good gas mileage per gallon?
Typically, about 30 mpg combined is a solid baseline for many gasoline-powered cars, while hybrids commonly push past 50 mpg; the right target depends on the vehicle type, driving patterns, and fuel costs.
Gas mileage is influenced by more than the manufacturer rating. Engine efficiency, vehicle weight, aerodynamics, drivetrain, and driving behavior all play a role. The EPA's mpg ratings for new cars provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world results can drift due to city versus highway drive, tire pressure, maintenance, load, and weather. Consumers should set expectations based on their own typical trips and costs, not just a single test number.
Understanding MPG benchmarks
Here’s how the numbers typically stack up across common vehicle types today.
- Gasoline-powered compact cars: commonly around 30-40 mpg combined in real-world driving; many models achieve higher numbers on the highway.
- Midsize sedans: typically in the 28-36 mpg combined range, depending on engine and transmission.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models: often 45-60 mpg combined; hybrids excel in mixed city/highway use, while plug-in hybrids may run on electric power for shorter trips.
- SUVs and pickup trucks: commonly 18-25 mpg combined, with some newer lightweight or hybrid variants offering higher figures.
- Diesel-powered options: typically mid-20s mpg combined, with strong highway efficiency in some models.
These ranges reflect typical performance for current models; your results will depend on driving style, maintenance, and the exact model you choose. When comparing vehicles, start with the EPA-rated mpg, then look at owner reviews for real-world numbers.
How to boost MPG
Practical steps you can take to improve fuel efficiency in daily driving.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and ensure proper alignment; underinflated tires waste fuel and hurt handling.
- Reduce weight and remove roof racks when not in use; extra ballast and drag lower mpg.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Limit idling; if you expect to be stopped for long, turn off the engine.
- Plan trips to minimize miles and group errands; use route planning to avoid backtracking.
- Maintain the vehicle on schedule: replace air filters, spark plugs, oil, and follow the manufacturer's service intervals; a well-tuned engine runs more efficiently.
- Use air conditioning sparingly in city driving, and consider using the vehicle's eco mode or transmission settings to optimize efficiency.
Following these steps can yield meaningful gains over time, particularly in city driving or when carrying heavier loads, though the exact savings depend on your car and your driving habits.
MPG by vehicle type
Gas-powered compact cars
These small, lightweight models typically offer the best raw fuel economy among gasoline-only options, making them popular with commuters and budget-conscious buyers. Expect combined mpg in the range of roughly 30-40+, with many models surpassing 40 mpg on highways.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrids
Hybrids pair an internal combustion engine with electric motors to save fuel, especially in stop-and-go city driving. Typical combined mpg ranges from around 45-60 mpg for hybrids and can be higher for plug-in hybrids when they run on electric power for short trips.
SUVs and trucks
Weight and aerodynamics reduce efficiency, but newer designs and mild-hybrid systems are closing the gap. Expect general gasoline mpg in the high teens to mid-20s, with some efficient two-row SUVs and hybrids reaching into the 30s.
EPA mpg ratings and real-world numbers
What the numbers mean to you. The EPA tests produce standardized ratings, but real-world mileage varies with driving conditions, climate, and maintenance. To estimate annual fuel costs, multiply the miles you drive each year by your expected mpg and the current fuel price. Reading owner forums and independent tests can help you understand the gap between sticker numbers and everyday performance.
Summary
A good gas mileage target depends on your vehicle type and daily routine. For many gasoline-powered cars, around 30 mpg combined is a practical baseline; hybrids commonly exceed 50 mpg, and larger SUVs and trucks typically fall lower, in the 18-25 mpg range. By choosing efficient models and adopting steady-driving habits, most drivers can improve fuel economy, lower costs, and reduce emissions over time.
Is 20 MPG good on gas?
It depends on the vehicle, If you're driving a full size truck/SUV than low/mid 20mpg range is considered good. If you're driving a compact hybrid I would expect no less than 50 to 60mpg in most cases.
Is 25 MPG good fuel economy?
Around 25ish average is good, 30+ Average is great. Less than 20 is bad.
Is 17.8 MPG good?
We said that 20 mpg would be considered good fuel economy for that type of vehicle, and the DOE figures back that up, with a national average of 17.8 mpg for that category. Average passenger cars return 24.4 mpg, while what it calls "ridesourcing" vehicles (think Uber or Lyft) do slightly better at 25.5 mpg.
How many miles should 1 gallon of gas get you?
Additionally, the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles adds another layer to understanding fuel efficiency. Assuming you are driving a gas powered vehicle (non-hybrid) you can usually get anywhere from 15 to 35 miles per gallon.
