The graph below shows the range of the lowest and highest fuel economy for each vehicle class, along with the lowest and highest annual fuel cost (in parentheses). For example, the two-seater model with the lowest fuel economy gets 10 miles per gallon (MPG) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200, while the two-seater model with the highest fuel economy gets 36 MPG with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,084.

The midsize class has the greatest range in fuel economy, followed by compact cars, two-seater cars, subcompact cars and SUVs. Except for two-seater cars, these vehicle classes all contain hybrid models which greatly extend the range of their respective classes. Consumers interested in purchasing a vehicle in one of these vehicle classes have a great deal of choice in terms of fuel economy, while consumers interested in vans have little or no choice concerning fuel efficiency in the 2010 model year.

Fuel Economy and Annual Fuel Cost Ranges for Vehicle Classes, 2010 model year
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Supporting Information

Fuel Economy and Annual Fuel Cost Ranges for Vehicle Classes, 2010 model year
Vehicle ClassLowest MPG in the Vehicle ClassHighest MPG in the Vehicle ClassLowest Annual Fuel Cost in the Vehicle ClassHighest Annual Fuel Cost in the Vehicle Class
Two-Seater Cars1036$4,200$1,084
Minicompact Cars1332$3,230$1,310
Subcompact Cars1232$3,499$1,217
Compact Cars1142$3,818$928
Midsize Card1250$3,499$780
Large Cars1325$3,230$1,560
Small Station Wagons1934$2,209$1,191
Midsize Station Wagons1825$2,335$1,680
Minivans1824$2,168$1,626
Passenger Vans1414$2,785$2,785
Cargo Vans1417$2,785$2,293
Sport Utility Vehicles1232$3,499$1,217
Small Pickup Trucks1524$2,501$1,626
Standard Pickup Trucks1422$2,785$1,774

Note:
Combined city and highway MPG estimates are used; these assume you will drive 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. Annual fuel costs assume you travel 15,000 miles each year and fuel costs $2.60/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline and $2.80/gallon for premium. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov to calculate annual fuel cost for a specific vehicle based on your own driving conditions and per-gallon fuel costs.

Source:
U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2010 Fuel Economy Guide.

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