Over the last six years, manufacturers have made more fuel efficient choices available to consumers in several size classes. For a consumer purchasing a new large car in 2008, the highest combined city/highway fuel economy available was 25 miles per gallon (mpg); for 2013, the top fuel economy of the large car class is 47 mpg. The top fuel economy for midsize station wagons and compact cars also rose by more than 5 mpg in the six-year time period. Standard pickups were the only light truck class to improve top fuel economy. All the other light truck classes had the same top fuel economy in both years, except for sport utility vehicles.

Top Fuel Economy in Class, Model Year 2008 and 2013
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Notes: EPA combined city and highway fuel economy estimates are used. Compressed natural gas vehicles, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrids are not included in these data.

Supporting Information

Top Fuel Economy in Class, Model Year 2008 and 2013
(Miles per Gallon, EPA Combined Rating)
Size of ClassModel Year 2008Model Year 2013Difference in mpg between
2008 and 2013
Large Cars254722
Midsize Station Wagons244218
Compact Cars42508
Minicompact Cars32375
Midsize Cars46504
Standard Pickup Trucks18213
Small Station Wagons31343
Subcompact Cars32342
Passenger Vans14140
Cargo Vans17170
Small Pickup Trucks23230
Minivans24240
Two-Seater Cars36360
Sport Utility Vehicles3230-2
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Model Year 2008 Fuel Economy Guide.
U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Model Year 2013 Fuel Economy Guide.

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