Get your automotive data ad-free: become a premium member today!

Real World Data

Real World Fuel Economy Results

Real-world fuel economy results can differ from official ratings for various reasons. Official fuel economy ratings are based on standardized laboratory testing under controlled conditions. There are numerous factors that can affect fuel economy in the real world

Fuel Economy Results in the Real World

Not every vehicle is driven on the same roads, nor are they driven over the same distance. The weather certainly isn’t identical. To read more about the review outcomes, a test vehicle’s specifications, and special circumstances which could exclaim extraordinarily terrific or especially poor real world fuel economy results, click the vehicle name. Every week, a manufacturer parks a new vehicle in front of GCBC Towers when the previous week’s vehicle is driven away. We test the vehicles for a week – getting groceries, taking pictures, visiting family, sometimes taking longer trips – and at the end measure our fuel consumption. The laboratory tests follow a prescribed driving cycle that may not accurately represent all real-world driving conditions. Factors like traffic congestion, frequent stops, quick acceleration, high speeds, or mountainous terrains can negatively impact fuel economy. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can significantly reduce fuel economy compared to smooth, steady driving. Differences between testing protocols, like the NEDC versus WLTP, can lead to different ratings. Some protocols might be more representative of real-world conditions than others.

Not A Member? Activate Yours Today For Instant Access

Premium content and exclusive coverage created for the serious data fan. More data, more exclusive analysis and a faster and more optimized web and mobile experience with no pesky ads. 

ACTIVATE NOW