Gas Mileage Calculator · Practical guide
How Many Miles per Gallon Is Good?
For most drivers, 30 MPG combined is good and 40 MPG or more is excellent, but it depends on the vehicle class.
At a glance
A Quick Rule of Thumb
As a general rule, 30 MPG combined is good for a non-hybrid car, and 40 MPG or more is excellent. For trucks and large SUVs, anything above 20 MPG is respectable. The right benchmark depends on the vehicle class, so compare like with like using the calculator above.
Interactive tool
Gas Mileage Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Mileage Results
MPG Benchmarks by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Good MPG | Excellent MPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compact / midsize sedan | 30+ | 40+ |
| Small SUV | 27+ | 35+ |
| Full-size truck or SUV | 20+ | 25+ |
| Hybrid | 45+ | 55+ |
What the Difference Costs You
MPG gaps translate directly into dollars. Driving 12,000 miles a year at $3.50 per gallon, a car getting 30 MPG burns 400 gallons and costs $1,400 per year. The same driving at 20 MPG burns 600 gallons and costs $2,100 — a difference of $700 every year. Enter your own distance and fuel use above to see exactly where your vehicle stands.
When a Low Number Is a Red Flag
If your calculated MPG drops 10-15% below what your car normally delivers, something may be wrong. Underinflated tires, a clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or a stuck brake caliper can all hurt fuel economy. A sudden drop is worth investigating before it costs you at the pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 25 MPG good?
It depends on the vehicle. For a midsize SUV, 25 MPG is solid. For a compact sedan, it is below average, where 30 MPG or better is common.
What MPG do hybrids typically get?
Most mainstream hybrids deliver 45 to 55 MPG combined, and some plug-in hybrids go higher when driven mostly on electric power.
Does premium gas improve MPG?
Not unless your engine is designed for it. In cars built for regular fuel, premium gas provides little to no mileage benefit.
Can driving habits change my MPG?
Yes. Smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and avoiding long idles can improve real-world fuel economy by 10% or more.