Consumer Alert: Following a workplace injury, avoid these most common mistakes

The hidden cost of choosing the wrong vehicle

• Honda leads across its lineup: Honda tops ~31 mpg, meaning consistent efficiency across more vehicles.

• MPG gaps hit your wallet: The difference vs. low-20s mpg can cost $500+ a year in gas.

• Dont rely on brand reputation: Toyota isnt automatically #1 anymore be sure to always compare MPG.

According to the latest Automotive Trends Report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Honda ranks as the most fuel-efficient non-electric automaker in the U.S., with a fleet average of 31 mpg.

Thats ahead of Hyundai, Kia, and yes, Toyota, which tied for fourth with Nissan.

Honda has now won this for two years running, and it signals where real-world savings are heading for everyday drivers.

What changed (and why Honda is on top)

Fuel economy isnt just about one great car anymore. The EPA looks at entire vehicle lineups, and Honda has quietly built one of the most efficient across the board.

Even more impressive is that when you strip out electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, Honda still holds strong with about 30.1 mpg

In other words, they beat out most of their competitors on traditional gas engines alone.

Meanwhile, automakers like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis lag behind, largely because of their heavy focus on trucks and SUVs, which drag down overall MPG.

Why this matters for car shoppers

This isnt just industry trivia. It directly impacts what youll pay at the pump.

Gas prices are already creeping up again, and even a small difference in miles per gallon adds up fast.

Example:

If you drive 12,000 miles a year:

• A 31 mpg vehicle uses about 387 gallons.
• A 23 mpg vehicle uses about 522 gallons.

Thats a difference of 135 gallons a year. At $4 per gallon, that adds up to $540 in extra fuel costs.

Thats some very significant money, especially for families with multiple drivers.

What to watch for next

The EPAs early numbers for 2026suggest things are shifting again. Toyota and BMW are expected to close the gap, while Hondas average may dip slightly.

And while Tesla still dominates overall efficiency thanks to EVs, most Americans are still buying gas or hybrid vehicles, making these rankings more relevant than ever.

How to use this info to your advantage

1. Dont just shop the badge:Toyota has a very strong reputation, but its no longer the automatic winner on fuel economy. Be sure to always compare miles per gallon across specific models and vehicle types.
2. Look at the full lineup trend:Brands leading in fleet averages (like Honda) tend to offer more consistently efficient options across all price points and vehicle sizes.
3. Do the fuel cost math before buying:When car shopping, keep in mind that just a slightly more efficient car can potentially save you hundreds per year. Over five to sevenyears, that can easily outweigh a higher purchase price.