Fuel Cost Comparison by Vehicle Class

Fuel cost in the U.S. varies by vehicle class—sedans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids, and EVs can have very different fuel or charging cost. Here's how to compare and factor it into total cost.

TL;DR Fuel cost = miles ÷ MPG × price per gallon (gas) or miles × kWh/mile × price per kWh (EV). Compare vehicle classes using real-world MPG or efficiency; factor fuel into total cost of ownership. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership and gas vs electric calculator.

Fuel Cost by Vehicle Class (Ballpark, US)

• Compact/midsize sedan — 28–35 MPG; lower fuel cost.
• SUV/crossover — 22–28 MPG; moderate to higher fuel cost.
• Truck/full-size SUV — 15–22 MPG; higher fuel cost.
• Hybrid — 40–50+ MPG; lower fuel cost.
• EV — no gas; charging cost depends on local electricity rates and how you charge. Use autopremo.com gas vs electric to compare.

Actual cost depends on miles driven, local gas/electricity prices, and real-world efficiency. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to plug in your assumptions.

See fuel cost in total cost at autopremo.com.

How to Compare

• Same miles, same period — e.g., 12,000 miles/year, 5 years. Calculate fuel cost for each vehicle (miles ÷ MPG × price × years). Compare.
• Total cost of ownership — use a tool that includes fuel. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership. A car with higher sticker but lower fuel cost can have lower total cost.

Compare fuel and total cost at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Fuel cost varies by vehicle class—compare using real-world efficiency and your miles and local prices. Factor fuel into total cost of ownership. Use autopremo.com to see fuel cost and total cost so you don't overcommit on a gas guzzler.