Why did older cars get better gas mileage?

The Hondas and other subcompact cars of 20 or 25 years ago recorded fuel economy that seems amazing today. That’s mainly because they were lighter and their engines were tuned to generate far less horsepower than modern cars.

What was the average mpg in 1970?

In the gas-guzzling heights of the 1970s, American cars got an abysmal 11.9 MPG on average.

What used SUV has the best gas mileage?

1) 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid tops the list of the most fuel efficient used SUVs, thanks to its practical configuration and its EPA ratings of 29 mpg city, 33 mpg highway.

What cars get more than 40 miles to the gallon?

10 Best Used Cars That Get 40 MPG

• 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt.
• 2013-2018 Ford C-Max.
• 2018-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid.
• 2017-2019 Hyundai Ioniq.
• 2017-2019 Kia Niro.
• 2017-2020 Kia Optima Hybrid.
• 2019-2020 Lexus UX 250h.
• 2017-2020 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Why do cars get better gas mileage than trucks?

Smaller cars typically get better fuel economy than trucks and SUVs because of weight, both of the car itself and the size of the engine needed to move it.

What was the fuel efficiency of the average American car in 1972?

12.0
Annual Energy Review

Table 2.8 Motor Vehicle Mileage, Fuel Consumption, and Fuel Economy, 1949-2010
Year	Light-Duty Vehicles, Short Wheelbase 1	All Motor Vehicles 4
1972	10,171	12.0
1973	9,884	11.9
1974	9,221	12.0

What was the average mpg rating in 1975?

27.5
Between 1975 and 1985, average passenger- vehicle mileage doubled from about 13.5 mpg to 27.5, while fuel economy for light trucks increased from 11.6 mpg to 19.5. At industry’s urging, NHTSA kept fuel-economy levels for each of the next three years at 26 mpg, below the benchmark set by Congress.