Fuel prices are putting a serious dent in car ownership. Here’s the latest on which new models are costing owners the most to fill up their tanks and some used vehicle models Consumer Reports analysts recommend as the most fuel-efficient models you will want to consider.
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The Cost of Feeding Your Vehicle
There’s no denying that the prices we pay for gasoline significantly affect car ownership and behavior. Especially this past week when the national average for gasoline has risen to $4.32 a gallon. Compound that with the larger newer models with large gas tanks and fuel economy that ranges from 14 to 17 mpg overall---the cost of filling an empty tank can run over $100! Ouch.
Taking the Pain Out of Fuel Costs
While there is not much we can do about the current geo-political situation affecting current oil pricing, there are some measures we can take that will make the cost of fuel less painful as pointed by Torque News writer John Goreham. Furthermore, there are a plethora of recent news stories about how to penny pinch inflated gas prices a little closer to what we paid just a few months ago.
Related article: Consumer Reports Analysts Find That Bicycles Can Significantly Affect Your Car’s Gas Mileage
However, the biggest difference that can be made toward lowering your gasoline costs---aside from going the full-EV route---is in choosing the best vehicle for the job. In other words, giving up on driving a honking big SUV or truck for now except when necessary and making a fuel-efficient vehicle your primary second ride.
Related article: Consumer Reports Analysts Rate These Used Cars as The Best for Uber and Lyft Drivers
Related article: The Best Used Affordable Economical Commuter Car Recommended by This Mechanic
To help car shoppers identify the most expensive and least expensive of vehicles when it comes to controlling your fuel-related expenses, CR analysts have recently reported on the two extremes:
Vehicles That Cost the Most to Gas Up
1. 2022 Ford Expedition
Price Range: $50,110 - $81,815
MPG: Overall 16 / City 11 / Hwy 23 MPG
Cost per full tank: $122
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 28.3
Range per tank, miles: 453
2. 2022 Chevrolet Suburban
Price Range: $51,600 - $76,200
MPG: Overall 16 / City 11 / Hwy 22 MPG
Cost per full tank: $121
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 28
Range per tank, miles: 448
3. 2022 Toyota Sequoia
Price Range: $50,500 - $69,775
MPG: Overall 15 / City 10 / Hwy 21 MPG
Cost per full tank: $114
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 26.4
Range per tank, miles: 396
4. 2022 Nissan Armada
Price Range: $48,900 - $68,300
MPG: Overall 14 / City 10 / Hwy 20 MPG
Cost per full tank: $112
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 26
Range per tank, miles: 364
5. 2022 Infiniti QX80
Price Range: $70,600 - $84,850
MPG: Overall 15 / City 11 / Hwy 21 MPG
Cost per full tank: $112
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 26
Range per tank, miles: 390
6. 2022 Nissan Titan
Price Range: $38,310 - $60,280
MPG: Overall 16 / City 11 / Hwy 22 MPG
Cost per full tank: $112
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 26
Range per tank, miles: 416
7. 2022 Ram 1500
Price Range: $35,900 - $76,780
MPG: Overall 17 / City 11 / Hwy 24 MPG
Cost per full tank: $112
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 26
Range per tank, miles: 416
8. 2022 Cadillac Escalade
Price Range: $76,295 - $107,595
MPG: Overall 16 / City 10 / Hwy 23 MPG
Cost per full tank: $104
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 24
Range per tank, miles: 384
9. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Price Range: $30,400 - $66,300
MPG: Overall 17 / City 11 / Hwy 24 MPG
Cost per full tank: $104
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 24
Range per tank, miles: 408
10. 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe
Price Range: $48,900 - $73,500
CR MPG: Overall 17 / City 11 / Hwy 24 MPG
Cost per full tank: $104
Gas tank capacity, gallons: 24
Range per tank, miles: 408
Used 5-Year-Old Models with the Best Fuel Economy
1. 2017 Toyota Prius Prime
Price Range: $22,975 - $26,575
Owner Reported MPG: 70 MPG
2. 2017 Ford C-Max
Price Range: $15,575 - $18,425
Owner Reported MPG: 42 MPG
3. 2017 Hyundai Ioniq
Price Range: $15,800 - $19,250
Owner Reported MPG: 51 MPG
4. 2017 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $19,700 - $23,350
Owner Reported MPG: 53 MPG
5. 2017 Kia Niro
Price Range: $17,825 - $22,050
Owner Reported MPG: 46 MPG
6. 2017 Toyota Prius C
Price Range: $15,950 - $18,250
Owner Reported MPG: 52 MPG
7. 2017 Toyota Prius V
Price Range: $20,450 - $22,575
Owner Reported MPG: 40 MPG
8. 2017 Lexus CT 200H
Price Range: $23,525
Owner Reported MPG: 43 MPG
9. 2017 Ford Fusion
Price Range: $16,250 - $23,550
Owner Reported MPG: 25 MPG
10. 2017 Hyundai Sonata
Price Range: $15,875 - $23,225
Owner Reported MPG: 29 MPG
11. 2017 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $19,075 - $23,225
Owner Reported MPG: 28 MPG
12. 2017 Lexus ES
Price Range: $28,725 - $28,850
Owner Reported MPG: 24 MPG
13. 2017 Lincoln MKZ
Price Range: $21,650 - $32,050
Owner Reported MPG: 24 MPG
The Value of Knowing CR’s Vehicle Listings
The value of the above listings is that it serves not only to help consumers understand what the real differences are between some models of gas guzzlers and more fuel-efficient vehicles, but that it can also be an aid to help consumers calculate whether they are better served in buying a fuel-efficient vehicle right now or if the cost of doing so actually negates any real savings over the long-term picture.
Related article: Mechanic Talks Candidly About the Best Used Car You Should Not Buy
In other words, car purchasing—whether toward a new or used vehicle; or, a gas hog over a fuel sipper---is a multi-factorial consideration that can affect your budget. And only by taking in the pluses and minuses of each choice selection can a consumer make an intelligent and informed decision.
For example, what good does it to your budget sinking into loan debt for a currently over-priced new fuel sipper when the final cost analysis shows that hanging onto your current vehicle with less fuel efficiency is a better financial decision?! Especially when automotive experts are recommending that car owners hold off on buying new vehicles right now until the market prices lower and stabilizes.
It's something to think about.
And finally…
For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the Consumer Reports website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.
For additional articles about fuel efficiency here is one titled “Fuel Efficient Used Cars to Hold You Over Till Your Tesla Arrives” and “Top Tier Gas Recommended by AAA Automotive Experts for These Cars.”
COMING UP NEXT: Automotive Expert Explains Why Car Owners Should Not Use E10 Fuel
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
Image Source: Pixabay
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