Winter driving conditions and cold temperatures can have a significant effect on a vehicle’s fuel economy. For a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, fuel economy at 20°F is about 12% lower than at 77°F for short-trip city driving. For very short trips of just 3 to 4 miles, fuel economy can drop by as much as 22%. For more information on the effects of winter conditions on fuel economy, visit www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml.

Fuel Economy at 77°F and 20°F in City Driving for a Conventional Gasoline Vehicle

Supporting Information

Fuel Economy of a Conventional Vehicle at 77°F and 20°F in City Driving
77°F - City20°F - City20°F - Short Trips
(3-4 miles)
100%88%78%
Source: The U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy Website:

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