2009 EPA Fuel Economy Guide, Gas Mileage Ratings

Miles per Gallon & Annual Fuel Cost Estimates on fueleconomy.gov

Jul 30, 2009 Lena Gott

See annual fuel cost estimates and gas mileage (miles per gallon) ratings for new vehicles in the 2009 EPA Fuel Economy Guide. Free download available on fueleconomy.gov.

In conjunction with the United States Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a 2009 fuel economy guide. This free guide is available for download on fueleconomy.gov.

2009 Fuel Economy Guide – Annual Fuel Cost Estimates, EPA Gas Mileage

Most notably, the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide provides annual fuel cost estimates and gas mileage ratings for new vehicles by automobile class. Vehicle classes covered in this guide include two-seater cars, sedans, station wagons, pickup trucks, vans, minivans, sports utility vehicles, and special purpose vehicles. Some of those categories are further broken down; for instance, the guide distinguishes small pick up trucks from standard pickups.

Consumers should note that while the annual fuel cost estimates are useful in comparing one new vehicle to another, they are not necessarily indicative of actual fuel costs. This is because in coming up with fuel cost estimates, the EPA assumes each vehicle is driven 15,000 miles per year (55% city miles and 45% highway miles) and that regular unleaded gas costs $2.44 per gallon ($2.66 for premium).

New hybrid-electric vehicles, ethanol flexible-fuel vehicles, and automobiles that run on compressed natural gas, diesel fuel, and electricity are also covered.

2009 Vehicles with Best Fuel Economy

The 2009 Fuel Economy Guide also lists automobiles with the best fuel economy in each class. This list indicates whether the vehicles have automatic or manual transmissions, and it shows estimated city and highway miles per gallon for quick comparison.

Estimated Miles per Gallon – City, Highway, Combined EPA Fuel Economy

The EPA refers to gas mileage in three ways: city, highway, or combined fuel economy. What is the difference between each of these designations?

City MPG – estimated miles per gallon while driving in city-like stop-and-go traffic conditions. For this calculation, the EPA assumes the car is not warmed up prior to driving.
Highway MPG – estimated miles per gallon while driving longer stretches without much stopping. For this calculation, the EPA assumes the vehicle has been warmed up.
Combined MPG – a blend of city and highway miles per gallon.

Consumers who wish to obtain more realistic annual fuel cost estimates can do so at fueleconomy.gov. The EPA offers a handy calculator that computes gas mileage based on actual gas prices, a specific vehicle's MPG, and how many miles the consumers actually drives in a year. To access this calculator, visit fueleconomy.gov, click on “Why is fuel economy important?” at the top of the page, then click on “See how much you can save!” under the Save Money header.

Gas Mileage Ratings for 2009 Cash for Clunkers & New Car Tax Rebates

The EPA provides these cost estimates so consumers can compare the gas mileage potential of new vehicles before making purchases. American consumers also need to know this important information if they plan on taking advantage of 2009 federal government new car incentives such as the new car tax rebate or Cash for Clunkers programs. Read more about those new vehicle incentives in the articles below.

2009 Car Tax Deduction for Automobile Purchase

Cash for Clunkers Stimulus – U.S. Car Rebates

Government Car Rebate & $3,500 or $4,500 Voucher

Resources:

2009 Fuel Economy Guide

Fueleconomy.gov

The copyright of the article 2009 EPA Fuel Economy Guide, Gas Mileage Ratings in Consumer Education is owned by Lena Gott. Permission to republish 2009 EPA Fuel Economy Guide, Gas Mileage Ratings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Get EPA Gas Mileage on fueleconomy.gov	Use Fuel Economy Guide for New Vehicle Incentives	U.S. Federal Government Cash for Clunkers 2009
Find Estimated Miles per Gallon, Combined & City