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  2. Green Vehicle Guide

Learn More about the Fuel Economy Label (Text Only)

See: Infographic version of this information

Buying a vehicle? Want to compare fuel economy?

Use the Fuel Economy Label

  • Use the Fuel Economy (MPG) values on the vehicle’s window sticker (label) or go to fueleconomy.gov

Why should I rely on the label values?

Label values are based on tests that reflect real-world driving conditions for the average U.S. driver. These tests take into account:

  1. City Driving
  2. Highway Driving
  3. Cold Weather
  4. Air Conditioning
  5. Fast Acceleration and High Speed

This testing provides a common yardstick for comparing the MPG of different cars because it is

  • controlled and repeatable
  • correlated with real-world driving data
  • reviewed and updated regularly

Will I always get the label values?

  • No, your mileage may vary based on how you drive and the road and weather conditions…
  • …but, however you drive, EPA’s fuel economy estimates ensure that you can compare MPG in an apples-to-apples way.

"I go to the gas station much less often!"

"I can’t believe how much I’m saving since buying a higher-MPG vehicle!"

  • So now, you can find a more fuel efficient vehicle and save money at the pump!

Look for the label when you shop, and visit fueleconomy.gov for more information.

Green Vehicle Guide

  • Learn About Green Vehicles
    • What is a Green Vehicle?
    • Consider a SmartWay Vehicle
    • EVs and Plug-In Hybrid EVs
    • EV Charging - The Basics
    • EV Charging – The Details
    • Setting up Home EV Charging
    • Tips for EV Drivers
    • EV Myths
    • EV Testing
    • Hydrogen in Transportation
  • Help Make Transportation Greener
    • Compare Your Gas Car to an EV
    • True Cost of Car Ownership
    • Buy Green / Save Green
    • We've Done Big Things. We Can Do Big Things.
    • Promoting Green Vehicles
    • Advanced Gas and Diesel Vehicles
  • Vehicles, Greenhouse Gases & Smog
    • Smog Vehicle Emissions
    • GHG Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle
    • Fast Facts on Transportation GHG Emissions in the US
    • Routes to a Lower GHG Transportation Future
    • Automotive Trends Report
    • 50 Years of Automotive Trends
  • Fuel Economy
    • Learn about the Fuel Economy Label
    • How MPG Affects Fuel Costs
    • Your Mileage May Vary
    • Testing at Our Lab
  • Transportation Down the Road
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Shared Mobility
    • What if: Ideas for Reducing Transportation GHG
  • Find a SmartWay Vehicle
  • Sign up for E-Updates
Contact Us About the Green Vehicle Guide
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 28, 2025
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