MPG Overview – What Miles Per Gallon Really Means

Whether you’re shopping for your first car or upgrading to something newer, understanding Miles Per Gallon (MPG) is key to making an informed decision. MPG measures how efficiently a car uses fuel to travel — and it impacts not just your wallet, but also the environment.

What MPG Measures

MPG shows how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. For electric vehicles, this figure becomes MPGe — Miles Per Gallon Equivalent — representing energy efficiency.

Types of MPG Ratings

City MPG: Stop-and-go driving with lower speeds.
Highway MPG: Steady-speed driving at higher speeds.
Combined MPG: A weighted average of both city and highway performance.

Why MPG Still Matters Today

Even in an electric era, MPG (or MPGe) remains vital for comparing efficiency across vehicles. A higher MPG saves money, reduces emissions, and often indicates better overall engineering.

Average MPG by Vehicle Type (2025)

Sedans: 30–45 MPG
Hybrids: 45–60 MPG
Plug-In Hybrids: 90–120 MPGe
Electric Vehicles: 100–140 MPGe
SUVs and Trucks: 20–35 MPG

How MPG Affects Your Costs

The difference between a 20 MPG and 40 MPG car can amount to over $1,000 per year in fuel savings. Over five years, that’s enough to fund a vacation or pay down debt — all by driving smarter.

Environmental Impact

Vehicles with higher MPG ratings emit less CO₂ and use fewer natural resources. Switching from a 20 MPG truck to a 50 MPG hybrid can reduce your annual carbon footprint by up to 4,000 pounds.