What is EPA Gas Efficiency?

 

View Inventory

How is MPG Determined?

Are you searching for how MPG is determined?

While the horsepower, luxury, and speed of any new vehicle are incredibly important to most buyers, fuel economy is essential over its lifetime. While the gas mileage numbers are determined by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, there are several contributing factors to determine the official gas mileage. Starting with the vehicle’s weight and how much power it has. Even if a car is on the heavier side, the technology of the engine could still lower how much fuel is being used. MPG ratings are usually better for smaller cars because of their aerodynamics and weight. In most cases, these small vehicles don’t need as much fuel to keep them on the road. Another factor to consider is vehicle maintenance, making sure the tires have the right pressure. All in all, gas mileage is important for any car and it takes a lot of effort to create an efficient car, truck, or SUV.

Miles Per Gallon Explained

MPGs are the most consistent way to determine the distance any vehicle is able to go with a full tank of fuel. ​The size of the car, drivetrain (4WD or 2WD), and engine power all play a huge role in calculating the fuel mileage for a vehicle. The numbers favor smaller vehicles with hybrid models and a low overall weight that barely tips the scales. While the MPG can dip during the life of the car, frequent drives and maintenance are the simplest ways to prevent a drop in your miles per gallon.

Miles Per Gallon Highway vs City

When examining miles per gallon, there are 2 results that wrap up the gas mileage of the car, the MPGs in the highway and city. The driving conditions in the real world are much different when compared to the environment in testing facilities and the overall numbers reflect that. Noting the 2 separate MPG ratings displays how driving habits will absolutely alter a vehicle’s MPGs. How you drive will affect a vehicle’s fuel economy, ​so noting the two different gas mileage ratings provides a more realistic description of your vehicle. With all the starting and stopping of city driving contrasted with the constant movement of driving on the highway, it’s clear that highway driving should get higher MPGs versus driving in the city.

How Do Drive Modes Affect Miles Per Gallon

Nowadays many vehicles have cylinder deactivation and customizable drive modes to save gas when desired. A sporty mode will give you a performance-based experience while “Eco” mode prioritizes MPGs. Between cylinder deactivation and driving modes, new cars are more fuel-efficient than ever before.