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.