## What's Considered Good Gas Mileage in 2025

With the price of fuel constantly fluctuating, fuel economy is one of the most important considerations for new car buyers. In 2025, anything above 33 combined miles per gallon (MPG) is considered good gas mileage, but many modern vehicles can reach far beyond that. 

Fuel efficiency may change depending on the type of vehicle, the driving you do, and weather and road conditions. However, by choosing a car with a good fuel efficiency rating, you stand a better chance of not filling it with gas as frequently and saving some money in the process. There are many new models of all types that offer this today.

When buying a new car, it's crucial to consider your needs and how they might affect whether or not you can get better gas mileage than you would with a different vehicle. Here's what to look for when buying a car with good fuel economy.

---

{ad type="m-box-1"}

## What Determines Fuel Efficiency? 

Getting the best fuel economy out of a car depends on several factors. While the type of engine is important, any number of things can change how much gas it takes to move your vehicle, and knowing what can contribute to better fuel economy will help you choose wisely. Observing key characteristics is the best way to shop for a car with a good fuel economy rating. 

__Aerodynamics__

Aerodynamics are an essential factor when it comes to the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. If the car can move smoothly through the air, it requires less energy, which can also improve efficiency. Conversely, boxy, upright vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs with many flat, 90-degree surfaces usually have a higher drag coefficient, bringing down fuel efficiency and increasing energy consumption.

__Engine Size and Type__

Engine size and type will always play a significant role in the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. For example, a four-cylinder engine will almost always get better gas mileage than an eight-cylinder engine. The more horsepower an engine generates, the more fuel it needs, which is why turbochargers and superchargers can increase fuel consumption. 

__Transmission__

The kind of transmission your vehicle has is important for fuel economy, and some transmissions deliver better ratings than others. Modern continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and automatic transmissions typically offer better gas mileage than manuals, simply because they are programmed to make your vehicle as efficient as possible. The drive configuration is also essential, since all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles will typically require more fuel than a two-wheel drive configuration because of increased friction, power loss, and weight. 

Some types of cars have better EPA estimates for their fuel efficiency rating than others based on their needs when it comes to power. Knowing what's considered a good fuel economy for different vehicle types is a good way to narrow down your search whether you are looking for a new or used car. 

The below figures come from fueleconomy.gov, the official U.S. fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency. These official fuel economy numbers are reached with rigorous testing using a dynamometer. There are also on-road tests that are done with a specific set of standardized driving schedules. 

With this testing, you can be sure that the ratings are accurate, but there will always be variations in fuel efficiency due to different climates, driving styles, and loads. However, they are a great way to decide on your new vehicle.

---

## Good Gas Mileage Ratings By Type of Vehicle

__Compact Cars__

![2025 Honda Civic Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/46ag6QrphsmWegOHuWR6hz/400de5aecc1cc1c1b878331795c4fe77/2025_Honda_Civic_Exterior.jpg)

Compact and subcompact cars such as the Honda Civic, the Toyota Camry, or the Toyota Corolla Hatchback should generally get somewhere between 21 and 39 mpg combined. However, this is for non-hybrid vehicles that don't have the help of an electric motor and run solely on gas power. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) should get higher fuel economy numbers. 

__Hybrids__

![2025 Toyota Prius Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3qWmscrWSfq3ru8IA8EayR/f9bf8508e37d08ddfeac9294482155b5/2025_Toyota_Prius_Exterior.jpg)

Traditional gas-electric hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius or the Kia Niro Hybrid, will often be among the most fuel-efficient cars in their categories—but not always. Hybrid vehicles get a mileage range between about 25 and 57 mpg combined with large, high-performance SUVs on the low side and compact hybrids like the Prius on the higher side. 

Good mileage for a hybrid is anything between 35 and 50 mpg, depending on the vehicle size. An interesting consideration with hybrid cars is that they get better gas mileage during city driving than they do on the highway, so it's important to know what kind of driving you tend to do. 

__SUVs, Crossovers, and Minivans__

![2025 Chevrolet Traverse Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4rMgo02QZuGSQrRPfccIBo/0776705e463a668f1695497f3e08a68b/2025_Chevrolet_Traverse_Exterior.jpg)

While SUVs and crossovers are a great option for families and those who need versatility and capability, they generally get lower gas mileage due to their size and more powerful engines. A Chevrolet Traverse or a Nissan Armada will almost always cost more to run, but a good efficiency rating for a larger SUV will be between 13 and 17 mpg combined with smaller models and crossovers getting between 16 and 29 mpg. Hybrid SUVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, will be more efficient and give you the best of both worlds. 

__Pickup Trucks__

![2025 Ram 1500 Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/dkP6wRmt7fC3yWWJYdXIP/d2706d4b92a4d66e14ace6d3de639eb3/2025_Ram_1500_Exterior.jpg)

Pickup trucks are generally some of the least fuel-efficient models on the market, due to their large size and powerful engines. When looking for a pickup truck, especially a full-size model, you can expect fuel efficiency ratings of anywhere between 12 and 26 mpg, depending on their size and engine type. However, some smaller trucks and pickups with diesel engines can get better mileage and be a more practical choice for daily driving. 

__Luxury Vehicles__

![2025 Lexus LS Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/26hEmZEU4HAtFlOf4mwn3u/116cc1919898ae73c130ff84e321f173/2025_Lexus_LS_Exterior.jpg)

High-end luxury vehicles, such as the Lexus LS or the BMW 7 Series, tend to have powerful engines and a lot of accessories and amenities. While these extras can deliver a top-notch driving experience, they can also require a lot of fuel. A high-performance luxury vehicle usually gets between 14 and 30 mpg combined, but an electric version or a hybridized model can give you better efficiency.

__Plug-In Hybrids__

![2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3Zl6VXiLMXdJgri8RJtKL5/a2987e290470e548acbe3b364d9f1d06/2025_Mitsubishi_Outlander_PHEV_Exterior.jpg)

Plug-in hybrids have a traditional gas engine but are also powered by an electric motor and can run on electric power alone with the help of a battery. Because of this, they use an MPGe rating, equating to the combination of electric and gas power. Plug-in hybrids get between 44 and 101 MPGe, making them an excellent option for all kinds of drivers. 

---

{ad type="m-box-2"}
{ad type="dt-wide-breaker"}

## How to Get the Best Gas Mileage for Your Vehicle

Even if your vehicle doesn't have the highest MPG rating, there are ways to make the most of it and ensure you don't use more fuel than necessary. With a few tips, you can save some money at the pump and prolong the vehicle's life. 

__Driving Habits__

Your driving plays a big part in whether a car will get good gas mileage. Highway speeds are easier on the engine, with fewer stops and starts, which translates to more efficient fuel use. Shorter trips and city driving with a lot of stopping and idling tend to be a significant drain on fuel and force the engine to work harder. 

__Plan Efficient Trips__

In addition to keeping your vehicle in great shape and keeping an eye on its overall condition, planning your driving efficiently is essential. Cars tend to get better gas mileage on the highway than in the city, so planning for highway driving is a great way to save gas and keep your costs low. Avoid short trips and try to get most of your driving done at once. Thinking about how you use your vehicle and making the most of it will improve your fuel efficiency and preserve your car's mechanical condition. 

__Maintenance__

A well-maintained car is efficient, and if you want to make the most of every gallon of gas, you need to keep your vehicle in good shape. Oil changes, tire rotations, tire pressure, and spark plug replacements contribute to more efficient fuel use and will help boost your vehicle's gas mileage. If an engine struggles to generate power, it will need to work harder and use more fuel in the process. 

__Towing Load and Cargo__

Any time you tow something or transport cargo, you add to the vehicle's weight. That means the engine has to use more fuel and generate more power to keep the car up to speed. It also helps removing things from the trunk or cargo area that you don't need because hauling around unnecessary weight can negatively affect MPG figures.

__Use the Right Type of Fuel__ 

The kind of fuel you use for your vehicle has a big impact on how efficient the engine is. While many people think that using a higher octane fuel will get them better performance, it often just reduces efficiency and causes the fuel to burn faster. 

High-octane fuels are designed to deliver higher horsepower to high-performance engines but will not improve an engine's output or fuel efficiency. Using the recommended octane rating for your specific vehicle is your best option and will ensure that your car runs at the top of its efficiency. 

__Maintain Tire Pressure__ 

Your tires significantly affect fuel efficiency since they connect the car and the road. Tire pressure is an important consideration, and letting your tires' pressure get too low can have a negative impact on the car's gas mileage. Low tire pressure increases the rolling resistance of the tires, making it more difficult for the engine to move the vehicle. 

---

## Final Thoughts

Car shopping can be overwhelming, and all kinds of factors determine whether a vehicle is right for you. However, you can make a smart choice by knowing what to look for in a fuel economy rating and what you can expect from each type of vehicle. With a little bit of research and knowledge, you can save a lot of money on fuel and make the most of your car. 

What is fuel economy and why should you care about it? This guide will help you understand fuel efficiency and what vehicles have the best fuel economy in each class.

What's Considered Good Gas Mileage in 2025

Related

What is Top Tier Gas and Is It Worth It?

What is Flex Fuel? A Complete Guide to E85

Premium Gas vs Regular - Is It Worth It?