Explainers

Explainers

Seven questions about EPA fuel economy ratings, each answered from the full set of ratings since 1984: how the typical rating has changed, which versions led each year, what hybrids, all-wheel drive and city driving do to a rating, and which pickups and SUVs rate highest. Written by Daniel Parker.

• How EPA MPG ratings changed from 1984 to 2026

  The median rated version went from 19 to 22 MPG; most of the gain came after 2008.

• The highest-rated car of every model year

  Small gas cars led until 1998; since 2000 a hybrid or plug-in hybrid has always held the top rating.

• Pickup trucks with the best EPA ratings by year

  In 2026 the Ford Maverick hybrid leads small pickups at 38 MPG.

• SUVs with the best EPA ratings by year

  The 2026 Kia Niro FE leads small SUVs at 53 MPG; the best non-hybrid is at 32.

• How much more a hybrid version is rated

  A median 27.3% more combined MPG than the gas version of the same model.

• What AWD and 4WD do to an EPA rating

  A median 1 MPG (5.0%) below the two-wheel-drive version.

• City vs highway MPG

  Gas versions rate about 26% lower in the city; most electric versions rate higher there.