The production-weighted average fuel economy for model year (MY) 2022 light-duty vehicles was 26.4 miles per gallon (mpg).
September 4, 2023
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The production-weighted average fuel economy for model year (MY) 2022 light-duty vehicles was 26.4 miles per gallon (mpg). Historically, fuel economy rose in the 1970’s and 1980’s and then plateaued in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Average fuel economy began growing again in 2005 and has risen nearly every year since. The average for passenger cars in MY 2022 was 33.3 mpg while the average for light trucks, including pickups, vans, and SUVs, was 23.4 mpg. For the past 10 years, the mpg average has more closely tracked with light truck mpg since more trucks are sold in the U.S. than cars.
Notes: Data for 2022 are preliminary. Passenger cars include sedans, wagons, and some sport utility vehicles classified as cars under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulation. Production-weighted analysis is preferable because it accounts for the difference in production between cars and light trucks.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The 2022 EPA Automotive Trends Report, December 2022.