There are plenty of reasons to be interested in fuel efficiency when looking for a new (or new to you) car. Whether it is the environmental impact or feeling the pinch at the pump, there are many options and a lot of information to examine and weigh. This guide, and we at Priority Auto, are here to help. Just another way You Can Have It All with Priority!
How Is fuel efficiency different from fuel economy?
Fuel Efficiency - how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, namely gasoline.
Fuel Economy - how far a vehicle can go on a specific amount of fuel
These two terms can be confused or conflated. All you need to know is that when you're evaluating cars with fuel consumption in mind, we have made it easy to narrow your search with this guide.
Simply look for the
to denote those vehicles in our inventory with an MPG (Miles Per Gallon) of 30 or Higher*.Â
Simply look for the
to denote those vehicles in our inventory with an MPG (Miles Per Gallon) of 30 or Higher*. Additionally, you can find the MPG ratings for all of our NEW and USED inventory here on PriorityAuto.com. Just select the HWY MPG option on the left-hand filter.
Shopping for a New Fuel Efficient Vehicle
Currently, the average fuel economy for new cars is a combined 27 MPG (combination of city and highway travel). Small SUVs and mid-sized cars average 30+ miles per gallon on the highway, so there are many choices available - when there is inventory to be had. Â Search our New Fuel Economic Vehicles here.
Shopping for a Used Fuel Efficient Vehicle
You may encounter a bit more of a mixed bag when looking at fuel economy in the used car market. But you can find that information here on our site. Â Search our Used Fuel Efficient Vehicle Here.
You can also look at other attributes (and behaviors) which can contribute to fuel and financial savings.Â
- Aerodynamics - the design and shape of the car
- Engine Type - Four cylinder vs v6 vs v8 vs diesel
- Size & Weight - the bigger and heavier the vehicle, the more power (fuel) needed to make it go
- Axle Ratio - if this is a variable option and you have fuel efficiency in mind, go for the smaller ratio as this will give you the better fuel economy
- Speed - this is a behavioral piece to consider, as sudden bursts of speed or just generally having a heavy foot (ie, speeding) can nullify the MPG number. The EPA tests cars using a precise set of conditions to arrive at the MPG number - this includes driving 55 MPH on the highway.
Servicing Your Fuel Efficient Vehicle
You can help maintain the fuel economy  - and overall longevity - of your vehicle and investment by keeping up with service for your vehicle.Â
- Oil Changes - the good news is that you can go longer between changes than in the past. Even better news, when you buy at Priority you get Free Oil Changes For Life.
- Fuel System Service - This is recommended every 30,000 miles and is intended to remove buildup in the fuel system and aid in more efficient fuel consumption and usage by the vehicle.
- Tires - make sure your tires are properly inflated. And remember that this is especially true in the heat of summer and the cold of winter when temperatures are more extreme.
For other resources on fuel efficient vehicles visit the U.S. Department of Energy fuel economy page.
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