Purchase priorities differ from actual fuel savings
Consumer Reports released survey findings October 2 showing fuel economy remains important to prospective vehicle buyers. Its nationally representative July 2026 survey covered 2,124 U.S. adults. Among those expecting to buy or lease another vehicle, 94% said fuel economy was at least somewhat important and 68% called it very or extremely important.
The research also looks at electric vehicles. Among people who were not definite EV buyers, cited barriers included charging logistics at 57%, range anxiety at 51% and purchase or ownership costs at 45%. Those percentages describe a defined survey group, not reasons given by every American.
EV experience and interest are associated, not proven cause
Only 11% reported driving an electric-only vehicle in the past year. EV consideration was higher among that group: 68% would definitely buy or seriously consider an EV, compared with 20% among those who had not driven one. The association does not prove that one test drive causes a purchase preference.
For a household choosing a car, the survey is context rather than a fuel-cost quote. Compare expected driving, actual vehicle efficiency, local fuel or electricity costs, insurance and financing. The findings cannot establish a guaranteed saving for a particular model or predict how much gasoline will cost next year.