With rising fuel costs, automotive efficiency has become a primary concern for many new vehicle buyers. An accurate estimate of fuel efficiency must take into account a number of factors, including driving style, engine type, vehicle option packages and overall efficiency under a range of different conditions. Fuel-economy ratings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can be a good source for initial efficiency projections, but should also be followed up with driver feedback on real-world performance in various settings.
Gather EPA fuel efficiency ratings. You should be able to find these ratings on the window stickers of new vehicles; dealers should provide this information for all new or used cars on their lot. As of 2011, EPA fuel economy stickers include ratings for city and highway conditions, along with an estimated overall rating. Most vehicles' fuel economy ratings can also be found online (see References 1).
Focus on vehicles that meet your driving needs. For example, if you usually drive with few or no passengers, smaller vehicles and sedans may provide all the car you need. On the other hand, if you frequently travel with many passengers or haul heavy or bulky cargo, you'll likely need a larger vehicle with more engine power. Focusing on cars that meet your usage profile helps narrow down the candidates to make more accurate comparisons.
Evaluate your driving style. If most of your trips involve long stretches of highway driving, you'll want to look for vehicles with better highway ratings. Conversely, if you tend to make frequent shorter trips or do a lot of driving in cities or in heavy traffic, you'll want to find vehicles with higher city ratings.
Obtain real-world feedback. While the EPA has changed its fuel-economy testing procedures in recent years in an effort to be more responsive to realistic usage conditions (see References 2), nothing substitutes for the real-world experiences of drivers and owners. Talk with relatives, friends, mechanics and even salespeople to gather a picture of how the car you're considering performs out on the road. Online users groups and forums can also add critical insight.
Consider engine packages and vehicle options. Some vehicle models come with both 4- and 6-cylinder engine options. While 6-cylinder engines provide more acceleration and power than 4-cylinder ones, they also burn more fuel. Direct efficiency comparisons are most valid between models with equivalent or similar engine types. Also ask about newer engine technologies, such as variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation, as well as hybrid-electric engines, which can improve fuel efficiency (see References 3, 4).
Tips
- Remember that the EPA's efficiency ratings only address fuel consumption; they don't consider issues of safety, performance and reliability. Fuel economy is just one element of the research needed to determine whether a vehicle is right for you.
Aaron Ziv has been a writer and photojournalist for 10 years in Washington, D.C., and the Middle East. A student of political science and psychology from the University of Maryland, he also does technical and market analysis for a green technology company. His work has appeared in local newspapers, commissioned research and a patent or two. He began writing professionally in 1998.
