Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

EPA Fuel Economy Labels Now More Accurate

Fuel economy labels attached to new vehicles now more accurately reflect real-world fuel consumption, refuting a decade-old study that claimed the labels mislead buyers, according to a new analysis from Consumer Reports.

by Staff
November 14, 2016
EPA Fuel Economy Labels Now More Accurate

Chart courtesy of CR.

1 min to read


Chart courtesy of CR.

Fuel economy labels attached to new vehicles now more accurately reflect real-world fuel consumption, refuting a decade-old study that claimed the labels mislead buyers, according to a new analysis from Consumer Reports.

The findings update a 2005 analysis that found that fuel economy ratings printed on the EPA label differed significantly from fuel economy tests conducted by CR at the time. The EPA was off by an average of 3.3 mpg, or 10.3%, in the earlier analysis because the agency continued to use outdated testing procedures, CR had claimed.

Ad Loading...

EPA updated its testing procedures in 2008 to include faster driving speeds, faster acceleration, air conditioning use, and colder temperatures.

Corporate average fuel economy has steadily climbed in recent years, reaching 29.4 mpg for the 2015 model year, the EPA announced on Nov. 4.

Read the full CR report here.

More Fuel

title card with Ramel Lindsay, US Bank, and Chris Brown
Sponsoredby Chris BrownJuly 22, 2026

Turning Fleet Payment Data into Executive Insights

Ramel Lindsay of U.S. Bank Voyager discusses how fleets can transform payment and transaction data into actionable intelligence to reduce costs, improve oversight, and support executive decision-making.

Read More →
fuel pump and rising price graph
Fuelby Chris BrownJuly 21, 2026

Why the IRS Raised Its Mileage Rate in the Middle of 2026

Fuel-price volatility drove the rare increase to 76 cents per mile, the fifth midyear adjustment since 2000.

Read More →
Graphic showing the U.S. average gasoline price rising to $3.82 per gallon after eight weeks of declines, with regional fuel price comparisons and GasBuddy data dated July 14, 2026.
Fuelby Faith HowellJuly 14, 2026

July Fuel Update: Prices Jump for the First Time in Two Months

As the U.S.-Iran ceasefire collapses, so do the gas prices.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail on fuel volatility.
FuelJune 30, 2026

Bob Adamsky on Fuel Volatility: "Don't Panic, Have a Plan."

When it comes to up and down fuel prices, Adamsky has a message for fleets: “Don’t panic.”

Read More →
A blue, orange, and black graphic with Chris Brown and Ramel Lindsay.
Sponsoredby Chris BrownJune 29, 2026

How Fleets Can Gain Control of Non-Fuel Spend

Fuel often gets the spotlight, but non-fuel expenses can have a major impact on fleet costs. Ramel Lindsay of U.S. Bank Voyager discusses how fleets can gain better visibility and control over these often-overlooked expenditures.

Read More →
Map of the Middle East beside fuel pump nozzles illustrating how regional supply disruptions are increasing fuel prices and raising fleet maintenance costs for petroleum-based products.
FuelJune 25, 2026

Fuel is Just the Start: How Middle East Tensions are Driving Up Fleet Maintenance Costs

The Middle East conflict is doing more than pushing up fuel prices. It’s also raising the cost of key maintenance products your fleet depends on, from motor oil to tires to windshield wipers. Here’s what you need to know about this budget-busting situation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Infographic showing U.S. average gasoline prices through June 2026, with prices falling after a May peak. Regional chart shows the West Coast with the highest fuel prices among major U.S. regions.
Fuelby Faith HowellJune 23, 2026

June Fuel Update: Prices Fall Below $4

Drivers are finally getting some relief at the pump. The national average gas price has dropped below $4 a gallon for the first time in months, with prices falling in 47 states as oil markets react to developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Read More →
Row of fuel nozzles at gas station
Fuelby Chris BrownMay 30, 2026

Study: How 2026's Gas Price Hikes Affect Different Vehicle Types

New data from iSeeCars reveals how rising fuel costs have affected different vehicle segments as gasoline prices climbed nearly 46% over the past four months.

Read More →
fleetio coast pay
SponsoredMay 29, 2026

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An EIA and Automotive Fleet graphic breaks down fuel prices for the week of 5/28/2026.
Fuelby Faith HowellMay 5, 2026

May Fuel Update: All Regions Experience Declines

Gas prices are finally easing in much of the country, but experts warn global tensions could quickly reverse the trend as the national average remains well above last month’s levels.

Read More →