The EPA or environmental protection agency deals with fuel economy, efficiency, consumption and performance ratings of vehicles. The Fuel Economy Labels that appear on every new car and light truck sold in the U.S. can be found on a window sticker label, and can offer some hints and tips regarding fuel economy that will otherwise probably go unnoticed.
This indicator or industry label has all the city and highway miles-per-gallon estimates. These metrics are oftentimes used to compare and shop for autos, trucks, vans and the like.
The EPA (environmental protection agency) is currently in the process of revising its test methods of ascertaining what the fuel economy is for both city and highway driving. Learn more about the EPA fuel economy rating at www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/
Here is a VEHICLE SUMMARY, TOP PERFORMERS listing based on the EPA Fuel Economy Rating
Highest EPA Fuel Economy Models by Vehicle Class 2006 Model Year (Class Model MPG/city/highway):
- Two-Seater Honda Insight (manual) 60/66
- Mini-compact Car Mini Cooper (manual 5 speed) 28/36
- Subcompact Car Volkswagen New Beetle Diesel (man.) 37/44
- Compact Car Volkswagen Golf diesel (manual) 37/44
- Midsize Car Toyota Prius (hybrid) 60/51
- Large Car Hyundai Sonata (manual) 24/34
- Station Wagon Pontiac Vibe (manual) 30/3
- Toyota Corolla Matrix (manual) 30/36
- Sport Utility Vehicle Ford Escape Hybrid FWD 36/31
- Minivan Honda Odyssey 2WD 20/28
- Pickup Truck Ford Ranger Pickup 2WD (manual) 24/29
- Mazda B2300 2WD (manual) 24/29
- Van (Cargo and Passenger) Chevrolet G1500/2500 Chevy
- Van 2WD 15/20 (4.3 and 5.3 liter engines)
- GMC G1500/2500 Savana 2WD Cargo 15/20 (4.3 and 5.3 liter engines)
The EPA fuel economy ratings are provided to assist consumers in comparing and contrasting selling and buying features and decisions, considering fuel economy and gas mileage. The optimal fuel economy of your vehicle might vary from the EPA rating, as other factors like A/C, road conditions, weather, your driving, condition of your vehicle etc. will all figure into your final outcome and readings.
According to EPA standards and calculations:
Urban or city driving, is adjusted downward by 10 percent.
Highway driving is adjusted downward by 22 percent.
The equation for calculating the city or highway average fuel economy, given in miles per gallon (mpg), is:
FEave = (total sales / [(sales1/FE1)+ (sales2/FE2) + ...+ (salesn/FEn)]
The calculation for combined fuel economy weights the city at 55 percent and the highway at 45 percent using the following equation:
FEcomb = 1 / (( .55 / city FE) + (.45 / hwy FE))
The EPA fuel economy rating is a great way to help you decide which vehicle is the right one for you. This will save you money in the long run when it comes to gas consumption.
(Source: EPA Fuel Economy website)
