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How Accurate are MPG Figures?
October 30, 2014
As we all know, high gas prices are here to stay, which means fuel efficiency has become an important factor when it comes to choosing a new car. However, consumers need to be aware that the MPG shown on a car's window sticker may not be completely accurate. Consumer Reports recently conducted a study to see how accurately the promised city, highway and combined MPG stood up in the real world.
At the top of the list is the Honda CR-Z EX, which according to Consumer Reports promised a 34 overall MPG and performed better with an experienced overall MPG of 35. And on the other side of the spectrum is the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which fell 11 points short of its promised 45 combined MPG when tested. Below is a look at 19 vehicles tested by Consumer Reports and their results.
| Consumer Reports MPG | EPA MPG | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Overall | City/Highway | Combined | City/Highway | Difference EPA vs. CR Overall |
| Honda CR-Z EX | 35 | 26/45 | 34 | 31/38 | -1 |
| Toyota Prius V Three | 41 | 33/47 | 42 | 44/40 | 1 |
| Lexus CT 200h | 40 | 31/47 | 42 | 43/40 | 2 |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE | 38 | 32/43 | 40 | 40/38 | 2 |
| Lexus RX 450h | 26 | 22/31 | 29 | 30/28 | 3 |
| Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid | 28 | 21/35 | 31 | 29/33 | 3 |
| Honda Insight EX | 38 | 29/45 | 42 | 41/44 | 4 |
| Lexus ES 300h | 36 | 28/44 | 40 | 40/39 | 4 |
| Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited | 36 | 29/43 | 40 | 40/39 | 4 |
| Honda Civic Hybrid | 40 | 28/50 | 45 | 44/47 | 5 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | 33 | 24/40 | 38 | 36/40 | 5 |
| Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE | 37 | 35/38 | 43 | 45/40 | 6 |
| Infiniti Q70 Hybrid | 25 | 17/33 | 31 | 29/34 | 6 |
| Toyota Prius Four | 44 | 32/55 | 50 | 51/48 | 6 |
| Honda Accord Hybrid | 40 | 32/47 | 47 | 50/45 | 7 |
| Toyota Prius C Two | 43 | 37/48 | 50 | 53/46 | 7 |
| Ford Fusion SE Hybrid | 39 | 35/41 | 47 | 47/47 | 8 |
| Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid | 37 | 29/45 | 45 | 42/48 | 8 |
| Lincoln MKZ Hybrid | 34 | 29/38 | 45 | 45/45 | 11 |
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About The Author
Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate
the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.
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