From Federal Energy Department and EPA...
2015 Fuel Economy Guide Now Available

The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the 2015 Fuel Economy Guide, providing a resource for consumers to choose the most fuel-efficient vehicles. The Energy Department and EPA will update the guide online as more 2015 vehicles become available.

The 2015 models include a greater number of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles in a broader variety of classes and sizes than in previous years, and include a range of electric vehicles. The subcompact Chevrolet Spark EV earned the top rating, with a combined 119 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). The best-rated compact was the Volkswagen e-Golf, with a combined 116 MPGe. The Nissan Leaf EV was rated top midsize vehicle with 114 MPGe, and the four-cylinder Ford C-MAX hybrid was the top-rated large vehicle with 40 MPG.

Among other popular vehicle options, the Dodge Ram 1500 2WD was the top-rated pickup with 23 MPG. In the small sport utility vehicles class, the Lexus NX was on top with 33 MPG, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid headed the standard sport utility vehicles category.

The Guide provides "Top Ten" lists allowing consumers to see the most efficient advanced technology vehicles as well as the most efficient gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Consumers will also find a broad range of information in the guide that can be helpful while shopping for a new vehicle — including an estimated annual fuel cost for each vehicle. The estimate is based on the vehicle's miles per gallon rating and national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices. An online version of the guide, available through www.fueleconomy.gov, allows consumers to enter local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate. Also, the Guide includes a 1-10 greenhouse gas rating for each model, providing a quick and easy way for consumers to identify vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA fuel economy estimates are the best way to compare the fuel economy among vehicles. Official fuel economy testing is controlled, repeatable, and accounts for a variety of real-world conditions for the average driver, like air conditioning usage and a variety of speed and temperature conditions. Individual mileage will vary depending on factors such as driving style, high air conditioning usage, carrying extra weight and towing, and weather.

For tips on more efficient driving check out the gas mileage tips at http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml.