Exploring the Mileage of America’s Favorite Cars on a $100 Budget
As gas prices fluctuate and electric vehicles become more popular, understanding how far $100 can take different types of cars is increasingly relevant. This exploration looks into the mileage potential of popular U.S. vehicles, from electric models to gas-guzzling trucks, based on current energy costs.
Data sources include Kadoa, utilizing EPA fuel-economy ratings, EIA energy prices, and Cox Automotive EV sales estimates. The figures reflect U.S. fuel prices from October 19, 2026, and electricity rates from August 2026, with an assumption that electric vehicles charge at home.
Electric Vehicles: Cost Efficiency Champions
The ranking is led by electric vehicles, with the Tesla Model Y topping the list by covering 2,110 miles on $100 of home-charged electricity. Close behind is the Tesla Model 3 at 2,086 miles, and the Toyota bZ at 2,025 miles. In contrast, the Rivian R1S, a larger electric SUV, manages 1,278 miles, underscoring the cost-effectiveness of electricity despite higher energy consumption.
These figures represent cumulative driving distances over multiple charges, based on home electricity rates. Public charging could incur higher costs.
Hybrids: A Balanced Approach
Hybrid vehicles provide a middle-ground in the rankings, offering improved fuel economy compared to traditional gasoline models without the need for plugging in. The Toyota Prius spearheads this category, achieving 1,237 miles per $100, followed by the Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic. Notably, the Toyota Corolla hybrid outperforms its gasoline version by nearly 40%, traveling 1,109 miles on $100 compared to 794 miles.
Pickup Trucks: High Costs, High Popularity
Large pickup trucks rank lower due to their size and energy demands. The gasoline Ford F-Series covers 444 miles on $100, with the hybrid version extending slightly further to 548 miles. Despite these costs, pickup trucks remain among the best-selling vehicles in the U.S.
Top Selling Vehicles
Sales figures reflect the popularity of various models beyond just fuel efficiency. The Ford F-Series leads the market with 562,000 units sold as of September 2026, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado and Honda CR-V. Among electric vehicles, the Tesla Model Y is the frontrunner, with estimated sales of 262,491 units, significantly surpassing the Tesla Model 3’s 106,962 units, according to Car and Driver.
For further insights, explore Will American Consumers Buy Cars Made in China? on Voronoi.
Original Story at www.visualcapitalist.com