Even the most efficient car can be undermined by rough driving, and even an average car can do better with a few small changes. Fuel economy is partly built into the vehicle and partly built into how you drive it.
Habits that pay off
- Accelerate gently and anticipate stops
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Remove roof racks and unnecessary cargo
- Ease off the highway speed a few miles per hour
- Combine errands into one trip
- Use cruise control on flat highways
- Keep up with basic maintenance like air filters and oil
How much it adds up
Individually these are small, but together they can improve real-world economy by a noticeable margin. Slowing from 75 to 65 on the highway alone can meaningfully raise your mpg, and properly inflated tires add a little more.
None of these require spending money, and starting with an efficient, well-scoring vehicle simply gives these habits more to work with.
Vehicles named here are well-known examples cited for illustration and reflect these models’ general reputations across sources like EPA fuel-economy data and NHTSA and IIHS safety testing. Ratings vary by model year, trim, and engine, so always run the exact vehicle through the VIP Score before you buy.