Fuel economy questions

Question 1

What counts as good gas mileage?

Accepted Answer

For a new gasoline vehicle, anything above 30 MPG combined is good and anything above 40 is very good. Hybrids clear 50. Body style matters more than badge: the most efficient pickup here would be an unremarkable sedan.

Question 2

Where do these MPG figures come from?

Accepted Answer

From the US Environmental Protection Agency, which tests every vehicle sold in the country and publishes the results as an open dataset. The combined figure shown here is the one printed on the window sticker.

Question 3

Will I actually get this mileage?

Accepted Answer

Rarely exactly. EPA figures come from a standard test cycle, so they are comparable between cars but they are not a promise about your commute. Cold weather, short trips, roof racks and a heavy right foot each cost several miles per gallon.

Question 4

Why are electric cars missing?

Accepted Answer

Because they are rated in MPGe, a conversion of kilowatt-hours into a gasoline equivalent. Putting 140 MPGe next to 57 MPG in one column would suggest the two were measured the same way, and they were not.