Car fuel cost calculator
Compare what two vehicles cost to fuel or charge in a year, using EPA ratings and this week's prices in your state.
Compare two vehicles
What it costs to fuel a car for a year
- At $4.28 a gallon for regular (US average, week of October 19, 2026), a typical 2026–2027 gas vehicle (23 mpg combined) costs about $2,794 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles.
- A typical electric vehicle (32.5 kWh per 100 miles) costs about $893 a year to charge at home at the US average residential rate (18.31¢ per kWh, July 2026).
- The most fuel efficient non-electric model is the 2026 Toyota Prius at 57 mpg.
official EPA ratings and EIA prices; estimated yearly costs. Methodology.
Most fuel efficient vehicles by type
| Ranking | Top model | Rating | Yearly cost (US) | Models ranked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most fuel efficient cars | 2026 Toyota Prius | 57 mpg | $1,127 | 112 |
| SUVs with the best gas mileage | 2026 Kia Niro FE | 53 mpg | $1,212 | 147 |
| Pickup trucks with the best gas mileage | 2026 Ford Maverick HEV FWD | 38 mpg | $1,691 | 20 |
| Minivans with the best gas mileage | 2026 Toyota Sienna 2WD | 36 mpg | $1,785 | 6 |
| Most fuel efficient hybrids | 2026 Toyota Prius | 57 mpg | $1,127 | 94 |
| Cost to charge an electric car at home | 2027 Lucid Air Pure RWD with 19 inch wheels | 23.1 kWh/100 mi | $634 | 81 |
Related
Sources and limits
- Fuel economy: fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), 2026–2027 models, downloaded 2026-10-23. Plug-in hybrids, diesel and natural-gas vehicles are not included.
- Gas: EIA weekly retail prices, regular grade. Where EIA has no state series, the tool uses the EIA region. Premium is priced at 1.24× regular.
- Electricity: EIA average residential price, July 2026. Home charging only; public fast charging usually costs more.
- Fuel and electricity only; purchase price, insurance and maintenance are not included.