Worst Fuel Economy Cars Revealed

Avatar Author

Ikhsan Rizki

Published - public Nov 13, 2025 - 00:00 31 Reads
Share:
Avoid wallet-draining gas guzzlers! Discover the worst fuel economy cars of 2024/2025 and learn how to save big on gas.

Photo: Avoid wallet-draining gas guzzlers! Discover the worst fuel economy cars of 2024/2025 and learn how to save big on gas.

Worst Fuel Economy Cars Revealed: Don't Let These Gas Guzzlers Drain Your Wallet!

Are you feeling the pinch at the pump? With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, the cost of keeping your vehicle running can be a significant burden on your budget. While many car manufacturers are striving for greater efficiency, some vehicles still stand out as notorious gas guzzlers, capable of draining your wallet faster than you can say "fill 'er up!"

This comprehensive guide will reveal the cars with the worst fuel economy, helping you make informed decisions whether you're buying a new vehicle or looking to maximize the efficiency of your current ride. We'll dive into why these vehicles consume so much fuel and provide actionable tips to help you save money on gas.

Why Fuel Economy Matters More Than Ever

In today's economic climate, understanding your vehicle's fuel economy is crucial. It's not just about environmental responsibility; it's about your personal finances. High fuel consumption directly translates to higher operating costs over the lifetime of your vehicle. Imagine spending thousands more on gas over five years – that's money that could be invested, saved, or used for other essential expenses. Beyond the immediate financial impact, poor fuel economy also contributes to a larger carbon footprint, making it a concern for environmentally conscious drivers.

The Unveiling: Worst Fuel Economy Cars Revealed

When it comes to abysmal fuel economy, a few categories consistently top the list: ultra-luxury performance SUVs, high-horsepower sports cars, and heavy-duty pickup trucks. These vehicles often prioritize immense power, size, and luxury over fuel efficiency, leading to frequent and costly trips to the gas station.

Here are some of the models identified as having particularly low combined MPG ratings for 2024 and 2025:

Ultra-Luxury & Performance SUVs: Power Comes at a Price

These opulent behemoths offer unparalleled comfort and performance, but their powerful engines and substantial weight make them incredibly thirsty.

  • 2025 Ferrari Purosangue: This performance SUV registers a combined 12 MPG, making it one of the most fuel-inefficient SUVs on the market. The EPA estimates that five years of fuel could cost an extra $16,500 compared to the average new car.
  • 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan: With a twin-turbo 6.8-liter V12 engine and a curb weight over 6,000 pounds, the Cullinan achieves a combined 14 MPG.
  • 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V: This high-performance luxury SUV offers a combined 13 MPG.
  • 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 Maybach: Expect around 15 MPG combined from this luxurious SUV.
  • 2025 Ineos Grenadier Trailmaster: Its boxy, un-aerodynamic shape and over 6,000-pound weight contribute to its 14 MPG combined rating.
  • 2024 Audi RS Q8: This performance crossover SUV typically gets around 15 MPG in combined driving.
  • Aston Martin DBX707: This high-performance luxury SUV has a combined MPG of just 17.
  • Infiniti QX80: A full-size SUV, the QX80 offers a combined MPG of 18.

High-Powered Sports Cars & Supercars: Speed Over Savings

While exhilarating to drive, the immense horsepower and specialized engineering of these vehicles are not designed with fuel efficiency in mind.

  • 2025 Bugatti Mistral: Considered one of the worst overall, this supercar posts a dismal 9 MPG combined (8 MPG city, 12 MPG highway).
  • 2025 Lamborghini Revuelto: This supercar checks in at 12 MPG combined.
  • 2024 Cadillac CT5 V: This sporty performance sedan achieves around 15 MPG.

Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks: Built for Work, Not Efficiency

Large trucks, especially those with powerful V8 engines and four-wheel drive, are built for towing and hauling, which inherently demands more fuel.

  • 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD ZR2 / GMC Sierra 4WD AT4X: These robust pickup trucks, equipped with 6.2-liter V8 engines, typically offer around 15 MPG.
  • Ford F-150 Raptor R: This supercharged truck is rated at 12 MPG combined.
  • Dodge Durango Hellcat: Despite being an SUV, its powerful engine places it in a similar league, with a combined 13 MPG.

Beyond the Numbers: Factors Affecting Real-World Fuel Economy

While a car's official MPG rating provides a baseline, several factors can significantly impact your real-world fuel economy. Understanding these can help you mitigate the "gas guzzler" effect, even if you own one of the vehicles listed above.

  • Aggressive Driving: Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding are major fuel drains. Smooth, consistent driving is key.
  • Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can reduce efficiency. A clogged air filter, for instance, restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
  • Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder. Properly inflated tires can significantly improve fuel economy.
  • Excess Weight: The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or back seat.
  • Aerodynamics: Roof racks, open windows at high speeds, and even certain aftermarket accessories can increase drag and reduce efficiency.
  • Short Trips: Traditional combustion engines need time to warm up. Frequent short trips where the engine doesn't reach optimal temperature can be less fuel-efficient.
  • Idling: Leaving your engine running while stationary burns fuel unnecessarily.

How to Avoid Buying a Gas Guzzler

Knowledge is power, especially when making a significant purchase like a car. Here's how to ensure your next vehicle doesn't become a financial black hole at the gas pump:

  • Check EPA Fuel Economy Ratings: Always look up the official EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) combined MPG ratings for any vehicle you're considering. These provide a standardized comparison.
  • Consider Your Needs: Do you really need a full-size SUV or a high-performance sports car for your daily commute? Often, a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle can meet your needs perfectly.
  • Explore Alternatives: Hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs) offer significantly better, or even zero, fuel consumption. Many compact SUVs and sedans now offer over 30 MPG combined, with some hybrids reaching 40-50 MPG or more.
  • Read Real-World Reviews: While EPA ratings are a good start, real-world owner reviews can offer insights into actual fuel consumption under various driving conditions.
  • Test Drive Thoughtfully: Pay attention to how the car feels. Does it feel heavy? Does the engine rev high with minimal acceleration? These can be subtle clues to its fuel appetite.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Car's Fuel Economy (Even if it's a Gas Guzzler)

Even if you already own a vehicle known for its thirst, there are still ways to improve its fuel economy and save money.

  • Drive Smoothly: Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic and maintain a consistent speed. Using cruise control on highways can help maintain efficiency.
  • Regular Maintenance is Key: Stick to your car's recommended maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks ensure your engine runs efficiently.
  • Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly, at least once a month. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
  • Lighten the Load: Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle, such as heavy items in the trunk or roof racks when not in use.
  • Limit Idling: If you're going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, it's generally more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine and restart it when ready to go.
  • Combine Errands: Plan your trips efficiently to combine multiple errands into one longer drive, allowing your engine to reach optimal operating temperature.
  • Use the Right Fuel: Always use the octane level recommended by your car's manufacturer. Using a higher octane than required won't improve performance or fuel economy.

Conclusion

Understanding which vehicles are the biggest gas guzzlers is the first step toward making smarter financial and environmental choices. While high-performance and luxury vehicles often come with the trade-off of poor fuel economy, being aware of the worst offenders can help you avoid unexpected costs. By combining smart car choices with mindful driving habits and regular maintenance, you can significantly reduce your fuel expenses and contribute to a healthier planet.

What's your experience with fuel economy? Share your tips for saving at the pump in the comments below! Or, if you're looking for the opposite end of the spectrum, check out our article on the "Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2025" to see which vehicles lead the pack in savings.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered "bad" fuel economy for a car?

A1: While it varies by vehicle type, generally, a combined MPG (miles per gallon) rating below 20 MPG is considered poor for most passenger cars and smaller SUVs. For large trucks and high-performance vehicles, anything below 15-18 MPG would be considered low, especially compared to the average new car which achieves around 26.4 MPG.

Q2: Do larger engines always mean worse fuel economy?

A2: Generally, yes. Larger engines, especially V8s, V10s, and V12s, are designed for power and torque, which typically requires burning more fuel. However, modern engine technologies like turbocharging and cylinder deactivation can help improve the efficiency of larger engines to some extent.

Q3: Are electric vehicles (EVs) truly more fuel-efficient than gas cars?

A3: Electric vehicles use no gasoline at all, running purely on electricity. While they consume energy, their "fuel economy" is measured in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), which often far surpasses the efficiency of gasoline cars. They offer significant savings on fuel costs and produce zero tailpipe emissions.

Q4: How much money can I really save by choosing a fuel-efficient car?

A4: The savings can be substantial. For example, the EPA estimates that choosing a 2025 Ferrari Purosangue (12 MPG combined) could cost an extra $16,500 in fuel over five years compared to the average new car. Conversely, opting for a highly efficient hybrid like the Toyota Camry Hybrid (51 MPG combined) could save buyers thousands over the same period.

worst fuel economy cars gas guzzlers high fuel consumption fuel costs luxury SUVs

Business

View All
"LLC UIC" demystified! Learn what business ID numbers (like EIN) truly matter for your LLC's compliance and smooth operation.
Business

November 14, 2025

What LLC UIC Means for Your Business

"LLC UIC" demystified! Learn what business ID numbers (like EIN) truly matter for your LLC's compliance and smooth operation.

Make your RI business search easy! This comprehensive guide helps you quickly find any Rhode Island business information you need.
Business

October 25, 2025

RI Business Search Made Easy

Make your RI business search easy! This comprehensive guide helps you quickly find any Rhode Island business information you need.

Master your professional image! Our guide decodes shirt size charts for business wear, ensuring a perfect fit and boosting your confidence.
Business

October 31, 2025

Shirt Size Chart for Business Wear

Master your professional image! Our guide decodes shirt size charts for business wear, ensuring a perfect fit and boosting your confidence.

Launch a profitable car wash! Your ultimate guide to business models, startup costs, operations, and marketing strategies for success.
Business

August 29, 2025

What to Know About Car Wash Businesses

Launch a profitable car wash! Your ultimate guide to business models, startup costs, operations, and marketing strategies for success.

Tired of pointless meetings? Discover practical tips to transform your business gatherings into productive, results-driven sessions.
Business

October 19, 2025

Tips for Successful Business Meetings

Tired of pointless meetings? Discover practical tips to transform your business gatherings into productive, results-driven sessions.

Curious about Healthcare Business Management pay? Explore salary ranges, key factors, and how to increase your earning potential in this vital field.
Business

August 27, 2025

Healthcare Business Management Pay

Curious about Healthcare Business Management pay? Explore salary ranges, key factors, and how to increase your earning potential in this vital field.

Economy

View All
Economy September 13, 2025
Where to get free economy clipart

Elevate your content with stunning visuals! Discover where to get free economy clipart to enhance presentations, marketing, and blogs, even on a tight budget.

Economy November 21, 2025
Civic Type R fuel economy facts

Honda Civic Type R MPG: Get the surprising truth about its fuel economy. Performance meets practicality. Learn real-world facts!

Economy August 26, 2025
What Is the Economy Shop Oak Park

Discover The Economy Shop Oak Park: a century-old non-profit thrift store fueling local charities & sustainability. Shop smart, do good!

Economy November 11, 2025
Is US Economy Still World’s Envy

Is the US economy still the world's envy? Explore its enduring strengths and emerging challenges in this balanced look at America's economic standing.

Economy November 20, 2025
British Airways 787 premium economy

Considering British Airways 787 Premium Economy? This guide unveils enhanced comfort, more space, & great value for long-haul flights on the Dreamliner.

Economy October 4, 2025
Honda CRV Fuel Efficiency Review

Your ultimate guide to Honda CR-V fuel efficiency. Explore MPG for gas & hybrid models, 2025 ratings, and tips to maximize savings at the pump.

Education

View All
November 11, 2025 Best State for Education Rankings

Unravel the Best State for Education Rankings! Understand the key metrics for K-12 & higher ed quality to make informed choices for your family's future.

Read More
October 31, 2025 New Haven Adult Education Programs Near You

Discover New Haven adult education programs! Achieve career goals, earn your GED, improve English, or gain vocational skills. Flexible & supportive pathways awa...

Read More
August 21, 2025 Universalisation of Elementary Education

Unlock potential with Universalisation of Elementary Education (UEE). Discover its meaning, vital importance, and global efforts to ensure quality education for...

Read More
September 28, 2025 Remote Nurse Patient Educator Jobs

Nurses: Discover remote patient education jobs! Empower patients from home, achieve work-life balance, and leverage your expertise. Your guide to this evolving...

Read More
August 7, 2025 Inside Arrillaga Outdoor Education Center

Discovering Wellness and Adventure: Inside the Arrillaga Outdoor Education Center Are you seeking a place where personal growth meets thrilling adventure? Do yo...

Read More
September 17, 2025 Educators Rising What You Should Know

Discover Educators Rising! Learn how this national organization empowers middle & high school students to become the next generation of impactful educators.

Read More

Health

View All
Unlock your future! Explore top Health Information Management (HIM) jobs in this growing field. Combine healthcare, tech & business, no direct patient care.
Health

September 2, 2025

Top Health Info Management Jobs

Unlock your future! Explore top Health Information Management (HIM) jobs in this growing field. Combine healthcare, tech & business, no direct patient care.

Sanford Health is hiring! Discover a rewarding career making a difference in healthcare. Explore diverse roles, strong values, and growth opportunities.
Health

September 25, 2025

Sanford Health Is Hiring Now

Sanford Health is hiring! Discover a rewarding career making a difference in healthcare. Explore diverse roles, strong values, and growth opportunities.

Navigating healthcare in Ventura County? Discover Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) for Medi-Cal eligibility & comprehensive, affordable benefits.
Health

September 1, 2025

Gold Coast Health Plan Overview

Navigating healthcare in Ventura County? Discover Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) for Medi-Cal eligibility & comprehensive, affordable benefits.

Discover a rewarding healthcare career at Ballad Health in the Appalachian Highlands. Explore diverse roles & how to apply.
Health

September 30, 2025

Start Your Ballad Health Career

Discover a rewarding healthcare career at Ballad Health in the Appalachian Highlands. Explore diverse roles & how to apply.

M Health MyChart simplifies your healthcare. Access records, message doctors, schedule appointments, and manage bills securely online. Take control of your heal...
Health

November 17, 2025

Use M Health MyChart Today

M Health MyChart simplifies your healthcare. Access records, message doctors, schedule appointments, and manage bills securely online. Take control of your heal...

Choose Zufall Health Center for comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare in New Jersey. Your trusted partner for patient-centered care.
Health

October 6, 2025

Why Choose Zufall Health Center

Choose Zufall Health Center for comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare in New Jersey. Your trusted partner for patient-centered care.

Popular Articles

View All

Lifestyle

View All
Elevate your baseball game! Discover quality bats, gloves & essential gear at Dick's Sporting Goods – your one-stop shop for every player.
Lifestyle

October 11, 2025

Dick’s Baseball Style Gear

Elevate your baseball game! Discover quality bats, gloves & essential gear at Dick's Sporting Goods – your one-stop shop for every player.

Unpack the "rockstar lifestyle" in music lyrics. Explore themes of wealth, parties, fame, and rebellion, plus their deeper meanings.
Lifestyle

September 28, 2025

Rockstar Lifestyle Lyrics Explained

Unpack the "rockstar lifestyle" in music lyrics. Explore themes of wealth, parties, fame, and rebellion, plus their deeper meanings.

Struggling with bland health content? Discover how healthy lifestyle clipart can elevate your wellness messages, making them engaging and inspiring!
Lifestyle

August 29, 2025

Healthy Lifestyle Clipart Ideas

Struggling with bland health content? Discover how healthy lifestyle clipart can elevate your wellness messages, making them engaging and inspiring!

Don't guess your condom size! A proper fit is vital for safety, pleasure & preventing breakage. Learn how to measure correctly & choose the right condom for you...
Lifestyle

September 28, 2025

Choosing the Right Condom Size

Don't guess your condom size! A proper fit is vital for safety, pleasure & preventing breakage. Learn how to measure correctly & choose the right condom for you...

Meet the passionate experts behind our lifestyle content. Learn how their expertise & authenticity deliver trustworthy guides for a better life.
Lifestyle

November 13, 2025

Meet the team behind lifestyle staff

Meet the passionate experts behind our lifestyle content. Learn how their expertise & authenticity deliver trustworthy guides for a better life.

Discover Arborwood Preserve: Fort Myers' resort-style community with luxury homes, vibrant activities & unmatched amenities. Live your dream life!
Lifestyle

August 23, 2025

Life at Arborwood Preserve Today

Discover Arborwood Preserve: Fort Myers' resort-style community with luxury homes, vibrant activities & unmatched amenities. Live your dream life!

Elevate your style with Puma Park Lifestyle Sneakers! Discover urban cool, comfort, and versatile design. Your must-have for daily grind & weekend adventures.
Lifestyle

September 25, 2025

Puma Park Lifestyle Sneakers Drop

Elevate your style with Puma Park Lifestyle Sneakers! Discover urban cool, comfort, and versatile design. Your must-have for daily grind & weekend adventures.

Explore the Bose Model 5 Music System. Get immersive, room-filling sound from a sleek, compact home audio solution. Rediscover your music!
Lifestyle

October 8, 2025

Bose Model 5 Music System

Explore the Bose Model 5 Music System. Get immersive, room-filling sound from a sleek, compact home audio solution. Rediscover your music!

Technology

View All

October 5, 2025

Jobs at Tyler Technologies You Should Know

Read More

August 4, 2025

Payne Technology Future Trends

Read More

November 25, 2025

Coast Pump Water Technologies

Read More

October 19, 2025

Stanley Access Technologies Features

Read More

November 12, 2025

Technology in the 1950s Changed the World

Read More

October 28, 2025

Bronx Engineering and Tech Academy

Read More

Travel

View All
Planning your next trip? Explore our review of Michael Kors Jet Set travel bags, blending style, durability, & organization for your ultimate journey.
Travel

August 31, 2025

Kors Jet Set Travel Bags Review

Planning your next trip? Explore our review of Michael Kors Jet Set travel bags, blending style, durability, & organization for your ultimate journey.

Find your perfect men's travel pants! Our guide helps you choose comfortable, stylish, and versatile trousers for any destination. Travel smarter.
Travel

October 6, 2025

Best Men’s Travel Pants for Any Destination

Find your perfect men's travel pants! Our guide helps you choose comfortable, stylish, and versatile trousers for any destination. Travel smarter.

Unlock affordable Florida travel! This guide reveals how to find budget-friendly packages for beaches, parks & more, making your dream trip a reality.
Travel

November 25, 2025

Florida Travel Packages Affordable

Unlock affordable Florida travel! This guide reveals how to find budget-friendly packages for beaches, parks & more, making your dream trip a reality.

Medical Assistants: Explore the exciting world of Traveling MA jobs! Combine healthcare skills with wanderlust for a dynamic, flexible, and rewarding career.
Travel

November 10, 2025

Traveling Medical Assistant Jobs Guide

Medical Assistants: Explore the exciting world of Traveling MA jobs! Combine healthcare skills with wanderlust for a dynamic, flexible, and rewarding career.

Unlock ultimate comfort & space on the road! Discover 2 bedroom travel trailers, perfect for families & groups seeking privacy & enhanced adventures.
Travel

September 19, 2025

2 Bedroom Travel Trailers

Unlock ultimate comfort & space on the road! Discover 2 bedroom travel trailers, perfect for families & groups seeking privacy & enhanced adventures.

Unravel the science of ballistics! Discover how far bullets really travel, influenced by gravity, drag, and wind. Beyond straight lines, learn the truth.
Travel

August 13, 2025

How far bullets can travel

Unravel the science of ballistics! Discover how far bullets really travel, influenced by gravity, drag, and wind. Beyond straight lines, learn the truth.