Learn More About the Top Cars in the US and their Gas Tank Sizes
In America, there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a new car. With a wide variety of sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and electric cars to choose from, sometimes making a decision can become overwhelming.
If finding a new car is on your mind this year, one of the most important things you’ll need to consider is the gas tank size of the vehicle you may drive. Gas prices have skyrocketed recently, and finding a car that has a large tank with a fuel-efficient engine is sure to be a top priority for most people. On top of that, finding a car with good fuel capacity is a good way to ensure that it will last a long time and maintain its value throughout the years.
Below are some of the current top-selling cars in the U.S. along with their fuel capacities to help you make an educated decision on your car buying journey.
Honda Accord/MPG City: 30 Highway: 38; Tank Capacity: 14.8 Gallons
If you’re familiar with the Honda Accord, that’s because it’s been a consistently popular vehicle for the last few decades– and for good reason. This car is a great value for any kind of American, due to its classic design and fantastic gas mileage. When it comes to the gas tank capacity, it’s on the larger end compared to other cars in its class, which means you can expect to get more bang for your buck while on the road with this vehicle.
Ford F-Series Pickup/MPG City: 25 Highway: 25; Tank Capacity: 26 Gallons
If you’re in the market for a pickup truck, this is one of the most popular options out there today. Although the Ford F-Series Pickup has a large gas tank, it doesn’t have a very high MPG, but that’s pretty common for most trucks of this size.
It may not be as fuel-efficient as the Honda Accord or other sedans on this list, but what it lacks in that department, it makes up for in other areas, like its many pickup truck accessories.
Honda Civic/MPG City: 32 Highway: 42; Tank Capacity 12.4 Gallons
The Honda Civic isn’t the most luxurious car on this list, but it’s one of the most fuel-efficient and affordable compared to what others bring to the table. The MPGs on this vehicle can be high, which means you’ll be able to go long distances without stopping for gas all the time.
You should consider this popular car with its efficient gas tank size if you’re looking for something simple that delivers all the necessities at a very fair price.
Toyota Corolla/MPG City: 31 Highway: 40; Tank Capacity: 13.2 Gallons
The Toyota Corolla happens to be one of the most common cars driven around the U.S. at any given moment, so it’s no surprise that it made this year’s top car list. Similar to the Honda Civic in its simple design, this car is meant to go long distances while also lasting its driver a long time.
With a high MPG ratio, the Toyota Corolla has a gas tank size that’s big and efficient enough to take you on great adventures.
Chevrolet Malibu/MPG City: 29 Highway: 36; Tank Capacity: 15.8
When it comes to midsize cars, the Chevrolet Malibu is at the top of its class. Not only is it one of the most popular cars in the U.S. this year, but it also happens to have an excellent fuel economy for its size and is one of the most driven cars around the midwest.
Smaller sedans have better MPG, but if you’re in the market for a very solid midsize vehicle, you can’t go wrong here.
Chevrolet Silverado/MPG City: 23 Highway: 31; Tank Capacity: 24 Gallons
The largest vehicle on this list, the Chevrolet Silverado, does not disappoint. If you’re looking for a car with power, this is the choice for you. With all of its towing capacity and high ground clearance, it’s no surprise that it made it onto the list of the most popular cars in the U.S. This country is vast and has lots of rural places– therefore, many American drivers are looking for vehicles that check all these boxes. A Silverado is definitely a popular choice for a lot of Americans!
The only downside to a big and powerful car is that it doesn’t have outstanding fuel economy, but that’s ok if you’re looking for strength over efficiency. If you are on the market for a new car, choose the option that is the right fit for your needs!
Jeep Grand Cherokee/MPG City: 19 Highway: 21; Tank Capacity: 24.6
It doesn’t get much more classically American than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which probably explains why it’s one of the most popular cars of the year. It’s the best of both worlds for many reasons– it’s great for driving down bumpy country roads but it won’t feel too bulky when driven around a crowded city. It’s almost the perfect size and it gets you where you need to be!
While it excels in other areas, it’s pretty average when it comes to MPG. It’s not the most fuel-efficient midsize SUV out there, but that might not matter if the other things it offers are more important to you. Only you can decide what the best fit is for you!
Toyota Highlander/MPG City: 21 Highway: 29; Tank Capacity: 17.9
The Toyota Highlander is another midsize SUV to top this list. It has slightly better MPG than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but that doesn’t mean it’s a better value overall. There’s a reason it’s a popular car among U.S. drivers, and it has lots of family-friendly perks to offer, like an extra row of seating.
As far as fuel economy goes, it’s about the same as the other cars in its class– not the best but not the worst of all the vehicles you could find.
Nissan Altima/MPG City: 28 Highway: 39; Tank Capacity: 16.2
The Nissan Altima is a great midsize sedan with comfortable features at an affordable price. On top of that, it has excellent fuel economy, with a large gas tank and MPG that can take you places.
You may not be able to go off-roading in this vehicle like you could in a Chevrolet Silverado, but it’s certainly a good option for someone looking to save money on gas expenses over the years.
Hyundai Sonata/MPG City: 28 Highway: 38; Tank Capacity: 14.8
This midsize sedan is similar to the Nissan Altima in its fuel economy, comfort, and style. It’s less affordable than the other sedans mentioned on this list, but if it’s in your price range, it’s definitely a vehicle that you should consider.
As one of the top cars in America, the Hyundai Sonata doesn’t disappoint with its sizable gas tank and great MPG.
What Is Fuel Economy and How Does It Affect My Vehicle?
Knowing exactly what fuel economy means and how it relates to your vehicle is an important thing to understand as a driver. In short, fuel economy means how far a car can travel using a specific amount of gas. If a car has a high fuel economy, that means it uses fewer amounts of gas when traveling.
This is measured in Miles Per Gallon (MPG), which was mentioned many times when describing the top cars in the U.S. above. The measurement refers to how far a vehicle can go while only using one gallon of gas.
If your car has good fuel economy, you will end up spending less money over time to fill up the gas tank because it won’t need it as often. This is why paying attention to the MPG is an important thing to consider when purchasing a new vehicle.
What Is an Example of a Great MPG?
There are a couple of examples of cars with great MPG listed above, which is unsurprising considering they’re some of the top cars in the U.S. right now. According to the EPA, if your car has an MPG of around 22, that is considered a good score.
However, this number depends on what type of car you’re talking about. A smaller sedan and a large pickup truck will take different amounts of fuel to move. The best way to check the score of any car’s fuel economy, and MPG is by going to the EPA’s website and entering your information. This will tell you everything you need to know about how efficient a vehicle is with its gas consumption.
Will an Electric Car Save Me Money?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Cars with the best fuel economy, according to the EPA, tend to be hybrid powertrain vehicles or electric cars. This means you will spend much less money on gas over the years compared to regularly fueled cars, and these savings can be significant. Certain electric and hybrid cars may also be eligible for tax credits.
So while these vehicles cost less to drive on a daily basis, they tend to cost a lot more to buy outright. If you’re willing to fork over a higher price than you would for a regular gas-run car, you could save a significant amount of money in the long term. In the end, where you save money on this decision is up to you.
How Can I Optimize My Car’s Fuel Economy?
The standardized test used to find the fuel economy of cars is not necessarily a reflection of how the car will perform in real life. If a driver takes poor care of their car, it may run less efficiently over time.
On the other hand, this means there are ways that you can optimize your car’s fuel economy and make sure it remains as high as the day it was purchased. Below are some examples of how.
Avoid Harsh Weather
This may be difficult to avoid depending on where you live, but it’s important to keep your car out of the elements as much as possible. Harsh weather, like extreme cold, can affect a car’s fuel economy. That means if you leave it out during a big winter storm, you could be damaging your vehicle’s overall value.
Try to keep your car parked in garages or under a covering if you have the opportunity to do so. This can help to maintain a car’s fuel economy for a longer amount of time.
Avoid Speeding
Sometimes you need to drive faster than usual for an emergency but it’s important to avoid doing this regularly. Not only is it unsafe to drive over the speeding limit, but rapid acceleration and sudden braking can also do significant damage to your vehicle’s fuel economy, decreasing efficiency by as much as 30%.
Check Your Tires
Underinflated tires can affect your fuel economy by reducing your gas mileage. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly inflated tires can save you as much as 11 cents per gallon on fuel. That’s a lot of money added up over the years!
Get Rid of Extra Weight
We’ve all been guilty of storing random items in our trunk or backseat– it’s an easy place to throw things and then forget about them. All that extra weight adds up over time, however, and can affect your car’s fuel economy negatively. Keep your car running smoothly and efficiently by lightening up the load, and you may even appreciate a clean and clutter-free vehicle.
Buying One of the Top Cars in the U.S.
You have to sift through a lot of information when you’re in the market for a new car. Some people want interior luxuries, others want off-roading capabilities, while a handful just want a car that can get them from point A to point B.
The one thing most car buyers have in common is the desire to spend as little money on gas as possible. That’s why it’s essential to look at the fuel economy and MPG of each car you’re deciding between.
It’s crucial that you take good care of your car, no matter which one you choose, to optimize its fuel economy. Don’t leave it out in freezing temperatures, don’t drive aggressively, keep your tires filled up, and avoid adding extra weight.
Electric and hybrid cars can save you money on gas over the years, but they tend to cost more upfront. This list of top cars in the U.S. gives you a good idea of what all the different types of cars have to offer when it comes to fuel efficiency.