Calculate your car's gas mileage, fuel cost per mile, and annual fuel spend. Compare two vehicles side by side and see exactly how much you'd save with better fuel economy. Updated .
Compare the fuel costs of two vehicles side by side. See exactly how much you'd save per year by switching.
EPA fuel economy estimates are calculated under controlled conditions that don't reflect real-world driving. Highway speeds above 60 mph, air conditioning, cold weather, aggressive acceleration, and cargo weight all reduce fuel economy significantly. Track your actual MPG over several fill-ups using this calculator to understand your true fuel costs. The single biggest factor you can control: slow down, dropping from 75 to 65 mph improves fuel economy by approximately 10-15%.
Knowing your car's actual MPG helps you budget for fuel, compare vehicles, plan road trips, and decide whether a more fuel-efficient car makes financial sense. The EPA estimates on window stickers are tested under ideal conditions, your real-world MPG typically runs 10–20% lower depending on driving habits, terrain, and traffic.
The formula is simple: MPG = Miles Driven ÷ Gallons Used. For the most accurate reading, fill your tank completely, reset your trip odometer to zero, drive normally, then fill up completely again. The gallons it takes to refill is your denominator. Most drivers average this over several fill-ups for a more representative number.
| Vehicle Type | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Annual Fuel Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Car (gas) | 28–32 | 36–42 | 30–36 | $1,100–$1,400 |
| Midsize Sedan | 24–28 | 32–38 | 27–32 | $1,300–$1,600 |
| Full-size Sedan | 20–25 | 28–34 | 23–28 | $1,500–$1,900 |
| Small SUV / Crossover | 24–28 | 30–36 | 26–31 | $1,400–$1,700 |
| Midsize SUV | 18–23 | 24–30 | 20–26 | $1,700–$2,200 |
| Full-size SUV / Truck | 14–18 | 18–24 | 16–20 | $2,200–$2,800 |
| Hybrid (compact) | 48–55 | 44–52 | 47–53 | $800–$950 |
| Hybrid (midsize) | 40–48 | 38–45 | 40–46 | $950–$1,100 |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 30–40 MPGe | — | — | $500–$900 |
| Electric Vehicle | 100–130 MPGe | — | — | $400–$700 |
*Based on 12,000 miles/year at $3.50/gallon. Actual costs vary.
Small changes in driving habits can improve real-world MPG by 10–30%, saving hundreds of dollars per year. Tire pressure alone accounts for up to 3% of fuel economy, underinflated tires create rolling resistance. Speed matters significantly: fuel economy drops sharply above 55 mph, with each 5 mph over 50 costing about 7–14% more fuel. Idling gets 0 MPG, turning off the engine during stops longer than 60 seconds saves measurable fuel. Smooth acceleration and braking vs. aggressive driving can save 15–30% in city driving.
Monitor real-time fuel economy and read diagnostic codes
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