Fuel efficiency, expressed as miles per gallon, represents the distance a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of fuel. For the specified model year and vehicle, this metric indicates its relative economy in terms of fuel consumption. A higher figure suggests greater efficiency, meaning the vehicle can travel farther on the same amount of fuel compared to a vehicle with a lower figure. For instance, a rating of 15 mpg implies that the vehicle can travel 15 miles on one gallon of gasoline.
Understanding fuel consumption is crucial for prospective buyers, owners, and automotive analysts. It directly impacts the total cost of vehicle ownership, influencing budgeting decisions related to fuel expenses. Furthermore, this attribute plays a role in assessing the environmental impact of the vehicle, as lower consumption correlates with reduced emissions. Historically, improvements in this area have been a key focus of automotive engineering, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory pressure to enhance sustainability.