Every few weeks, I embark on a road trip to my corporate office, a journey of approximately 1000 miles round trip along Interstate-81 in Virginia and Tennessee. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to drive a variety of rental cars and my own vehicles on this route. This consistent driving experience has provided ample time to reflect on the cars themselves and, importantly, to meticulously observe and Compare Auto Mpg across different makes and models.
Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of several vehicles I’ve driven. For each, I’ve noted the powertrain, the manufacturer’s stated highway fuel economy (EPA Highway Estimate), and the best MPG I personally achieved on a full tank of gas. The table is organized by the best MPG achieved, with vehicles exceeding their EPA estimates highlighted in green and those falling short marked in red. This real-world compare auto mpg test offers a practical perspective beyond manufacturer claims.
| Vehicle | Powertrain | EPA Mileage | MPG – Best Tank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Nissan Altima S | 2.5L 182hp DOHC 4-cyl / CVT / FWD | 27mpg city / 38mpg highway | 42.5 mpg | Initially, using cruise control at 75mph yielded only 33.5mpg, significantly below the EPA estimate. This seemed attributable to the CVT’s aggressive engine braking on downhill slopes to maintain speed, sacrificing momentum. By manually managing speed, I achieved an indicated 41mpg, translating to an actual 42.5mpg on the subsequent tank, demonstrating the impact of driving style when trying to compare auto mpg. |
| 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SE | 1.8L 170hp DOHC 4-cyl Turbo/ 6-speed auto / FWD | 25mpg city / 36mpg highway | 37.5 mpg | The new EA888 1.8L Turbo in the Jetta SE impressed with better-than-expected fuel economy. Despite excellent MPG, the car delivered ample power, thanks to 184 lb-ft of torque, never feeling underpowered. This highlights that efficient MPG doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance when you compare auto mpg with other models. |
| 2014 Cadillac ATS 2.5 | 2.5L 202hp DOHC 4-cyl / 6-speed auto / RWD | 22mpg city / 33mpg highway | 33.3 mpg | The base 2.5L 4-cylinder felt out of place in the ATS. The exhaust note was uninspiring, acceleration was lackluster, and overall, it detracted from the otherwise excellent vehicle. In terms of compare auto mpg, it barely met expectations, and the driving experience didn’t justify any fuel savings. |
| 2014 Buick LaCrosse | 3.6L 304hp DOHC V6 / 6-speed auto / FWD | 18mpg city / 28mpg highway | 33.1 mpg | Effortlessly exceeding the EPA highway estimate by 5 mpg, the LaCrosse achieved this impressive MPG without any special techniques, mostly using cruise control. Even a second tank, driven more aggressively, still surpassed the EPA estimate at 31mpg. Combined with its exceptional comfort, the LaCrosse became a favorite for long trips when considering compare auto mpg and touring comfort. |
| 2012 Kia Optima EX | 2.4L 192hp DOHC 4-cyl / 6-speed auto / FWD | 24mpg city / 35mpg highway | 32.5 mpg | Despite not actively trying to maximize fuel economy, even when driving the Tail of the Dragon, the Optima delivered respectable gas mileage. It also proved to be a comfortable cruiser. When you compare auto mpg across different driving styles, the Optima shows consistent performance. |
| 2014 Cadillac ATS 2.0T | 2.0L 272hp DOHC 4-cyl Turbo / 6-speed auto / RWD | 21mpg city / 31mpg highway | 32.2 mpg | The ATS 2.0T stood out as the best-handling car among those tested. With a refined exhaust note, it could be near perfect. A minor issue with the variable-effort power steering arose during long drives, but overall, it easily surpassed the EPA highway MPG estimate. For a performance sedan, the compare auto mpg results were surprisingly good. |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 | 1.8L 201hp DOHC 4-cyl Turbo / 7-speed auto / RWD | 21mpg city / 31mpg highway | 31.5 mpg | While the power delivery of the turbo 4-cylinder felt somewhat like a rubber band, the C250 achieved an indicated 33mpg (31.5 actual) and completed a 505-mile trip on a single tank. Despite power delivery preferences, the compare auto mpg figures were commendable for a luxury sedan. |
| 2012 Honda Odyssey EX | 3.5L 248hp SOHC V6 / 5-speed auto / FWD | 17mpg city / 27mpg highway | 28.5 mpg | The Odyssey consistently exceeded its 27mpg highway estimate. Cruise control usage maximized fuel economy by allowing the computer to keep the engine in its fuel-saving V-4 and V-3 cylinder-deactivation modes for extended periods. For minivans, the compare auto mpg results for the Odyssey are excellent. |
| 2011 Hyundai Genesis 2.0T | 2.0L 210hp DOHC 4-cyl Turbo / 5-speed auto / RWD | 20mpg city / 30mpg highway | 27.6 mpg | Despite efforts to optimize fuel economy, the Genesis 2.0T never exceeded an indicated 28.1mpg. The short gearing of the 5-speed automatic, resulting in 3250rpm at 70mph, likely hampered MPG. When we compare auto mpg, the Genesis falls slightly short of expectations due to gearing. |
| 2014 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD | 2.4L 184hp DOHC 4-cyl Turbo / 6-speed auto / AWD | 20mpg city / 29mpg highway | 27.4 mpg | On flat terrain, the Equinox might have matched the EPA highway figure. However, the 184hp 4-cylinder lacked sufficient power to navigate the I-81’s hills without frequent gear changes and downshifts, negatively impacting fuel economy. Terrain plays a significant role when you compare auto mpg for heavier vehicles like SUVs. |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LT | 2.4L 169hp DOHC 4-cyl / 5-speed auto / FWD | 22mpg city / 33mpg highway | 27.5 mpg | Trips in the Malibu were conducted in heavy rain, which could explain the MPG falling below the EPA estimate. Adverse weather conditions are a factor to consider when you compare auto mpg in real-world scenarios. |
| 2013 Dodge Challenger SE | 3.6L 305HP DOHC V6 / 5-speed auto / RWD | 18mpg city / 27mpg highway | 27.1 mpg | Despite its considerable weight and boxy aerodynamics, the Challenger managed to average just above the EPA highway estimate. Tall gearing contributed to quiet cruising, although finding a comfortable driving position proved challenging. For a muscle car, the compare auto mpg is surprisingly decent. |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX | 2.5L 265hp DOHC Turbo H4 / 5-speed manual / AWD | 17mpg city / 25mpg highway | 26.4 mpg | Using cruise control, the best tank MPG was 24.5mpg, expected given the hilly terrain. Driving manually, it was easier to exceed the 25mpg highway estimate. Even for performance AWD vehicles, it’s possible to achieve good MPG by carefully monitoring driving habits when you compare auto mpg. |
| 2013 Ford Fusion SE 2.0T | 2.0L 240hp DOHC Turbo 4-cyl / 6-speed auto / FWD | 23mpg city / 33mpg highway | 26.2 mpg | Even with gentle driving on a predominantly interstate trip, the Fusion 2.0T couldn’t surpass 27mpg indicated (26.2mpg actual). This fell significantly short of Ford’s 33mpg EPA estimate. In this compare auto mpg test, the Fusion underperformed against expectations. |
| 2012 Chrysler 300C | 5.7L 363hp OHV V8 / 5-speed auto / RWD | 16mpg city / 25mpg highway | 24.2 mpg | Averaging slightly below the EPA estimate, the 300C’s MPG was still respectable for a large car equipped with a 5.7L Hemi V8. Considering the engine size, the compare auto mpg is acceptable for a powerful V8 sedan. |
| 2014 Chrysler Town & Country | 3.6L 283hp DOHC V6 / 6-speed auto / FWD | 17mpg city / 25mpg highway | 23.87 mpg | Despite an indicated 26.1mpg on a 100% highway tank, the actual MPG was below the EPA highway estimate at 23.87 mpg. As previously noted, its fuel economy lags behind the Honda Odyssey when you compare auto mpg of minivans. |
| 2012 Mazda CX-9 | 3.7L 273hp DOHC V6 / 6-speed auto / FWD | 17mpg city / 24mpg highway | 23.5 mpg | With cruise control, averaging over 24mpg indicated was achievable, but the best actual tank MPG was 23.5 mpg. For a larger SUV, the compare auto mpg result is within the expected range. |
| 2014 Ford Explorer Limited | 3.7L 290hp DOHC V6 / 6-speed auto / FWD | 17mpg city / 24mpg highway | 21.4 mpg | Whether using cruise control or not, approaching the 24mpg highway figure required driving at 55-60mph on flat ground. At 70mph, MPG dropped sharply, averaging around 21mpg for each tank on the 1000-mile trip. Speed significantly impacts MPG, especially for larger SUVs, as seen in this compare auto mpg example. |
Key Takeaways for Comparing Auto MPG
This real-world compare auto mpg test across various vehicles reveals several important points for drivers and those looking to understand fuel efficiency:
- EPA Estimates as a Benchmark, Not a Guarantee: EPA estimates provide a useful baseline for comparison, but real-world MPG can vary significantly based on driving conditions, style, and vehicle maintenance. Our compare auto mpg data shows both over and underperformance relative to EPA figures.
- Driving Style Matters: Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds reduce fuel economy. As demonstrated with the Nissan Altima, adjusting driving habits can noticeably improve MPG. When you compare auto mpg, consider your typical driving style.
- Terrain and Conditions Impact MPG: Hilly terrain and adverse weather conditions like rain can lower MPG. The Chevrolet Equinox and Malibu examples illustrate how external factors can influence fuel consumption. Always factor in typical driving routes when you compare auto mpg for your needs.
- Powertrain Efficiency Varies: Different powertrains exhibit varying levels of fuel efficiency. Modern turbocharged engines, like the VW Jetta’s 1.8L, can offer both performance and good MPG. When you compare auto mpg, consider the engine technology.
- Vehicle Class and Aerodynamics: Larger, less aerodynamic vehicles like SUVs and minivans generally have lower MPG than sedans. The Ford Explorer and Chrysler Town & Country results reflect this. Understand vehicle class impacts when you compare auto mpg across different segments.
By understanding these factors and conducting your own compare auto mpg observations, you can make more informed decisions about vehicle choices and driving habits to optimize fuel efficiency and save money at the pump.
