Which car consumes the most fuel?
In today’s market, the gasoline-powered car that consumes the most fuel is usually a large, heavy, full-size SUV or pickup with a powerful engine. While exact rankings vary by engine, drivetrain, and trim, these vehicles consistently lead in lower fuel-economy ratings. Historically, the label of “gas guzzler” has also applied to oversized, purpose-built models such as certain Hummer versions. This article explains how to gauge fuel consumption and where the current landscape stands.
Understanding what “most fuel” means
Fuel consumption is most often measured in EPA-rated miles per gallon (mpg) for gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. Lower mpg means more fuel used per mile. When electrified vehicles are included, energy use is expressed as MPGe or kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, which can complicate direct mpg comparisons. For clarity here, the focus is on gasoline-powered passenger cars and light trucks, where the mpg figure is the standard reference.
Current landscape: the most fuel-hungry gasoline-powered models
These examples reflect the kinds of vehicles that routinely register the lowest combined fuel economy in new-car lineups. Exact numbers vary by engine choice, drivetrain (two- vs. four-wheel drive), and optional equipment, but the pattern is consistent: larger, heavier vehicles with big V8s or high-output engines tend to consume more fuel.
- Full-size SUVs and large pickups with V8s or high-output powertrains (for example, large Chevrolets, Fords, and GMCs) are commonly among the least fuel-efficient in their class.
- Luxury-branded, three-row SUVs and heavy-duty models that prioritize space and towing capacity also tend to have lower fuel economy.
- Diesel or turbocharged options don’t always improve overall economy in these big vehicles, especially in city driving or with heavy loads, keeping combined mpg in the high teens or low 20s at best.
The takeaway: in the current market, the lineup’s least fuel-efficient performers are typically the big family haulers and work-ready trucks. For precise numbers, EPA ratings vary by model year and configuration, so consult the official EPA data for the exact trim you’re considering.
Measuring fuel use across different powertrains
It’s important to note that comparing mpg across gasoline-powered, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models requires different metrics. Gasoline vehicles are rated in mpg, while electrified vehicles use MPGe or energy-per-distance metrics. When you filter to gasoline-only cars, the bottom of the chart almost always belongs to large, heavy vehicles designed for space, comfort, and towing rather than efficiency.
For the latest, model-by-model figures, the EPA’s Fuel Economy website remains the definitive reference. Numbers can shift with new generations, engine updates, or changes in weight and aerodynamics, so a current lookup is recommended before making a decision.
Historical extremes: fuel hogs from the past
Beyond today’s market, certain vehicles earned enduring reputations as exceptionally fuel-inefficient due to sheer size, weight, and powertrains. These examples illustrate how far efficiency has come and why fuel economy has become a higher priority in modern design.
- Hummer H1 — civilian version of the Humvee, widely cited for very low overall efficiency in its era, commonly averaging around 10–12 mpg in mixed driving when new.
- Hummer H2 — still a gas guzzler by traditional standards, with typical mixed driving often in the low teens mpg range.
- Early large SUVs and muscle-era performance cars — several contemporaries of the Hummers and other oversized models were known for similar or worse fuel economy in daily use.
These historical examples are mostly outside today’s mainstream market, but they help illustrate the historical arc of automotive efficiency from “big and bold” to more fuel-conscious design.
Bottom line
What consumes the most fuel depends on the era, the vehicle segment, and the powertrain. In the current market, the most fuel-hungry gasoline-powered cars are typically large, full-size SUVs and heavy-duty pickups with big engines. If you’re comparing models, look up the latest EPA ratings for the specific trim and drivetrain you’re eyeing. For a broader view that includes electrified powertrains, consult MPGe and energy-use metrics to see how big, powerful vehicles stack up against smaller or hybrid options.
Summary
To summarize, today’s most fuel-intensive cars are usually large, heavy, gasoline-only SUVs and pickups with powerful engines. Historical gas-guzzlers like the Hummer H1/H2 remain emblematic of past extremes. For the most accurate assessment, check the EPA’s current model-by-model data, which reflects ongoing improvements in weight saving, aerodynamics, and engine efficiency across the market.
What car gets 70 miles per gallon?
Several hybrid and diesel cars can achieve around 70 mpg, though it's often an official rating and can vary in real-world driving. Examples include the Vauxhall Corsa with a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, which can get up to 70.6 mpg, and various hybrid models, including some versions of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and Toyota Prius, which can reach this level under ideal conditions.
Examples of cars with around 70 mpg
- Vauxhall Corsa (1.5-litre turbo diesel): Can achieve up to 70.6 mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient diesel cars available.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Early models were advertised with a claimed 70 mpg combined fuel economy.
- Toyota Prius: Various models can get close to 70 mpg, especially older non-plug-in hybrids which are cheaper on the used market. Plug-in hybrid versions can also run on electric power for short distances.
- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Can achieve around 59 mpg combined.
Important considerations
- Official vs. real-world MPG: The 70 mpg figure is often an official rating that is achieved under specific testing conditions, and your real-world mileage may be lower or higher depending on your driving habits, the vehicle's condition, and road conditions.
- Hybrid vs. diesel: Both hybrid and diesel cars can achieve high MPG, but hybrids have the added benefit of electric-only driving for short distances, while some diesels can have higher upfront costs but offer impressive fuel economy on long-distance journeys.
- Age and model: Some of the models with the highest MPG ratings are older, so be sure to research specific model years when shopping.
- Type of driving: While hybrids and diesels can be very efficient, their fuel economy can vary significantly depending on whether you are driving in the city or on the highway.
What car gets 700 miles to the tank?
2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid: 700 Miles
Hybrids are known for their excellent fuel economy, and while their efficiency advantage dips at highway speeds, that didn't stop the gas-electric Toyota Tundra from posting an impressive driving range of 700 miles.
What car has the worst fuel consumption?
The car with the worst gas mileage is generally a limited-production, high-performance supercar, such as the Bugatti Divo or Chiron Super Sport, with a combined fuel economy of around 10 mpg or less. Historically, older models like the 1986 Lamborghini Countach and 2005 Pagani Zonda F are also cited as having exceptionally poor fuel efficiency.
Current models
- Bugatti Divo: Has a combined EPA rating of just 10 mpg.
- Bugatti Chiron Super Sport: Also has an extremely low combined fuel economy rating of 9 mpg, according to Yahoo Finance.
- Ferrari Purosangue: This SUV has a combined fuel economy of 12 mpg.
- Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: This SUV has a combined rating of 13 mpg.
Older models
- 1986 Lamborghini Countach: This car is cited as having a historically poor rating of 7 mpg.
- 1970s and 1980s muscle cars: Many older, large-engine muscle cars and trucks were known for poor fuel economy, often achieving 6-10 mpg, says Reddit users.
- 2005 Pagani Zonda F: This car is noted for having a combined fuel economy of 8.3 mpg.
What uses the most fuel in a car?
Aggressive driving habits like speeding and rapid acceleration/braking, along with extended idling, waste the most gas. Other major factors include using the air conditioner, carrying excess weight, and poor vehicle maintenance, such as incorrect tire pressure and a clogged air filter.
Driving habits
- Aggressive acceleration and braking: Rapidly speeding up and then slamming on the brakes is a major source of fuel waste. Accelerating slowly and braking gradually can improve fuel efficiency.
- Speeding: Driving at high speeds increases aerodynamic drag, which requires the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
- Excessive idling: Idling for long periods is inefficient, as modern cars often use less fuel to restart the engine than to let it run for an extended time.
- Overusing the air conditioner: Running the A/C, especially at full blast, uses the engine's energy to power the compressor, which can lower your mileage by 5-25%.
Vehicle condition
- Carrying unnecessary weight: Extra weight in the car, such as from heavy equipment or a roof rack, forces the engine to work harder to move the vehicle.
- Poor maintenance: A lack of routine maintenance can hurt fuel economy. This includes neglecting things like:
- Low tire pressure: Underinflated tires create more friction, requiring more fuel.
- Clogged air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to use more fuel to compensate.
- Improper oil: Using the wrong grade of motor oil can increase friction and waste fuel.
