Fuel savings calculator
See how much a more efficient car would save you in gas.
How fuel savings are calculated
Current annual cost = (Miles ÷ Current MPG) × Gas price
New annual cost = (Miles ÷ New MPG) × Gas price
Savings = Current cost − New cost
The MPG improvement that matters most
Here's something counterintuitive: improving from 15 to 20 MPG saves more money than improving from 30 to 40 MPG. That's because fuel consumption isn't linear, each MPG point matters more at lower numbers.
At 12,000 miles/year and $3.50/gal:
This is why upgrading a gas-guzzling truck to something more efficient can save dramatically more than upgrading an already-efficient sedan.
Before you buy: factor in total cost
Fuel savings alone don't always justify buying a new car. Consider the full picture:
- 💰 Purchase price difference. If the more efficient car costs $5,000 more and saves $500/year, the payback period is 10 years.
- 📉 Depreciation. Your biggest car cost is usually depreciation, not fuel. A 3-year-old efficient car often makes more financial sense than a brand new one.
- 🔧 Maintenance costs. Hybrids and EVs have lower maintenance costs. Factor in oil changes, brakes, and other services.
Free ways to improve your current car's MPG
Before buying a new car, try these zero-cost improvements:
- ✓ Check tire pressure. Properly inflated tires improve MPG by up to 3%.
- ✓ Drive smoother. Gentle acceleration and coasting to stops can improve MPG by 10–20%.
- ✓ Use cruise control. It saves 7–14% on the highway.
- ✓ Remove unnecessary weight. Clean out the trunk. Every 100 lbs costs about 1% MPG.
Track your improvements with our MPG calculator.