Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Report Shows Top 10 Vehicles With Highest Fuel-Economy Gains Between 2008 and 2012

SANTA MONICA, CA – A new report from Edmunds.com shows the brands and vehicles that achieved the largest fuel-economy gains, on a percentage basis, between 2008 and 2012.

by Staff
March 15, 2012
1 min to read


SANTA MONICA, CA – A new report from Edmunds.com shows the brands and vehicles that achieved the largest fuel-economy gains, on a percentage basis, between 2008 and 2012.

According to Edmunds, the Audi A3 has achieved the greatest increase in fuel economy since 2008, more than any other vehicle on the U.S. market. The A3’s fuel economy increased 38.5%, from 21.0 mpg in its 2008 model-year, to 29.1 mpg in its 2012 model-year.

New car registration data shows that the nationwide marketshare of four-cylinder vehicles has risen to 44.4% as of December 2011, up from 36.7% in 2008. The overall increase in fuel economy for the auto industry during that period is 16.4%, according to Edmunds.

Ad Loading...

The chart below shows a list of the brands that have achieved significant fuel-economy gains by make, model, and mpg, based on model-year.


Top 10 Vehicles with Biggest Jumps in Fuel Economy — 2008 to 2012

Rank

Make

Model

2012 MPG

2008 MPG

MPG Improvement

1

Audi

A3

29.1

21.0

38.5%

2

Chevrolet

Equinox

25.1

19.0

32.0%

3

Kia

Sorento

22.2

17.0

30.4%

4

Dodge

Challenger

19.5

15.0

30.3%

5

Mercedes-Benz

SLK-Class

23.0

17.9

28.3%

6

Ford

Explorer

19.5

15.4

27.0%

7

Hyundai

Sonata

27.7

22.0

25.8%

8

Porsche

Cayenne

18.3

14.7

24.8%

9

Buick

LaCrosse

26.0

20.9

24.1%

10

Volkswagen

Passat

27.0

21.8

23.7%


INDUSTRY


24.5

21.0

16.4%

More Fuel

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 →
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 →
Graphic showing U.S. gas prices April 2026 with line chart near $4.04 per gallon and regional bars: West Coast highest at $5.41, others around $3.68–$4.02, indicating rising fuel costs.
Fuelby Faith HowellApril 29, 2026

April Fuel Update: Prices Climb Above $4 as Spring Surge Accelerates

National average jumps to $4.04 per gallon, up sharply from last year, with West Coast prices topping $5 and further increases expected amid rising oil tensions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic reading “Fuel-Saving Strategies” with fuel pump and droplet icons, representing fleet management tips on policy, in-network fueling, and maintenance to reduce fuel costs.
Fuelby Faith HowellApril 27, 2026

Tips from Fleet Managers on Saving Fuel Costs

Fleet leaders share practical strategies to reduce fuel spend through smarter policy, routing, and driver guidance.

Read More →
Graphic showing U.S. average gas prices for March 2026 with a line chart and regional breakdown, highlighting rising prices and highest costs on the West Coast above $5 per gallon.
Fuelby Faith HowellMarch 31, 2026

March Fuel Update: Prices Settle With a $4 Average

Fuel prices significantly slowed this week, but a $4 national average is still expected.

Read More →
Two men seated at a table during an interview about fleet fuel strategy, with on-screen text reading “AWP Safety Bob Adamski Senior Director of Fleet.”
Fuelby Chris BrownMarch 20, 2026

Bob Adamsky on Fuel Volatility: “Don’t Panic — Have a Plan”

With oil prices rising again, AWP Safety’s fleet manager shares how to respond to rising fuel costs and how the right strategy can turn fuel spikes into cost-saving opportunities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
gas pump dispensing money on Middle East map
Fuelby Chris BrownMarch 13, 2026

Oil Market Turbulence Is Complicating Fleet Cost Planning

Rapid swings in crude oil prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East could create longer-term cost pressures for fleets, affecting fuel prices, supply chains, and vehicle strategy, says NTEA’s Andrew Wrobel.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Report: How AI Is Reshaping Fleet and Field Service Operations

AI is rapidly transforming fleet and field service operations, from predictive maintenance and intelligent scheduling to customer self-service and real-time diagnostics. But while organizations are seeing measurable gains in uptime, productivity, and efficiency, many are still navigating workforce adoption, cybersecurity concerns, and data readiness challenges. Explore the latest trends, investment priorities, and emerging AI use cases shaping the future of fleet operations.

Read More →
A chart with EIA data shows an increase in U.S gas prices. Next to it, a chart breaks down the prices by region.
Fuelby Faith HowellFebruary 25, 2026

February Fuel Update: Prices Inch Higher for Third Week in a Row

The final February fuel update reveals prices continuing to inch higher for the third week in a row.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue background has two fuel pumps overlaying it with text on the left side.
Fuelby Faith HowellFebruary 10, 2026

The 2026 Fuel Economy Guide: Updated Cost and Efficiency Benchmarks for Fleets

Fleet managers can use the DOE’s 2026 Fuel Economy Guide to benchmark MPG across powertrain types using side-by-side vehicle ratings and compare new model-year options.

Read More →