The average fuel economy of light vehicles sold in the U.S. hit 25.5 miles per gallon (mpg) in May, the 16th consecutive month the average has been at least 25 mpg, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
In a separate study, AAA found that eight out of ten drivers report getting better fuel economy than the EPA ratings posted on their vehicles’ window stickers. After an earlier AAA survey indicated that approximately 33% of vehicle owners doubt the accuracy of the EPA’s window stickers, the association did its own analysis and testing. AAA found that driver behavior and environmental conditions are more likely responsible than vehicle shortcomings for real-world fuel economy variations from the EPA ratings.