New 2008 EPA Fuel Mileage Calculations: What Do the Changes Mean?

EPA ratings for Model Year 2008 vehicles will reflect new calculations that go into effect with the 2008 model year. Consequently, new Model 2008 fuel economy estimates will be lower than Model Year 2007 estimates on the same make and model vehicle.

The new calculations reflect how Americans' driving habits have changed since 20 years ago when the EPA last updated its calculations. Today, we typically drive at higher speeds, accelerate faster, and use more air conditioning.

This does not mean the vehicle has changed-or that the manufacturer is building the vehicle with lower fuel economy. The estimates for Model Year 2008 vehicles are based on different calculations that reflect a broader range of real world factors. This was done so the estimates more closely match the fuel consumption drivers will actually experience.

Fuel economy will still vary. There is no perfect number that will reflect the differences in how and where people drive. Even with the new, lower estimates, customers' fuel economy will vary based on many factors such as where they drive, how they drive, how they maintain their vehicle, and the climate where they live.