What is a Good MPG?
Understanding fuel economy and what MPG you should expect from your car in real-world UK driving conditions.
Quick Answer
Petrol cars: 40-50 MPG is good, 50+ is excellent
Diesel cars: 50-60 MPG is good, 60+ is excellent
Hybrids: 55-70 MPG is good, 70+ is excellent
Average MPG by Car Type
The MPG you should expect depends heavily on your type of vehicle. Here's what's considered good, average, and poor for each category:
| Car Type | Poor | Average | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Petrol (e.g., Fiesta) | <35 | 35-45 | 45-55 | 55+ |
| Family Petrol (e.g., Golf) | <30 | 30-40 | 40-50 | 50+ |
| Small Diesel | <45 | 45-55 | 55-65 | 65+ |
| Family Diesel | <40 | 40-50 | 50-60 | 60+ |
| SUV/Crossover | <25 | 25-35 | 35-45 | 45+ |
| Hybrid | <45 | 45-55 | 55-70 | 70+ |
*All figures in UK MPG (imperial gallons)
Official vs Real-World MPG
Car manufacturers advertise official MPG figures based on standardised WLTP tests. However, these are conducted in controlled laboratory conditions that don't reflect real driving.
In the real world, expect your MPG to be 15-25% lower than the official figure. Factors that reduce your actual MPG include:
What Affects Your MPG?
Driving Style
Your driving style has the biggest impact on fuel economy. Smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and anticipating traffic can improve your MPG by up to 30%.
Journey Type
Motorway driving at consistent speeds typically gives the best MPG. City driving with frequent stops can reduce your fuel economy by 30-40% compared to open roads.
Vehicle Condition
Under-inflated tyres, dirty air filters, and overdue servicing can all reduce your MPG. Keep your car well-maintained to maximise fuel efficiency.
Calculate Your Actual MPG
Find out how your car's fuel economy compares. Our free calculator works with UK or US gallons.
Try the MPG CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is a good MPG for a petrol car?
A good MPG for a petrol car in the UK is between 40-50 MPG. Smaller cars like the Toyota Yaris can achieve 50+ MPG, while larger family cars typically get 35-45 MPG.
What is a good MPG for a diesel car?
A good MPG for a diesel car is between 50-60 MPG. Diesels are typically 15-20% more fuel efficient than their petrol equivalents, making them better for high-mileage drivers.
Why is my real-world MPG lower than the official figure?
Official MPG figures are measured in laboratory conditions. Real-world driving includes traffic, weather, air conditioning, and varying speeds which typically reduce MPG by 15-25% compared to official figures.
Is 30 MPG good?
30 MPG is below average for most modern cars. For a small petrol car, this would be considered poor. However, for larger SUVs or performance vehicles, 30 MPG might be acceptable.
Is 50 MPG good?
Yes, 50 MPG is good for most vehicles. For a petrol car, this is excellent. For a diesel, this is average to good depending on the vehicle size.