The average fuel economy of cars on American roads reached a record 27.2 miles per gallon in 2024, while SUVs now account for over 60% of new vehicle registrations in the US.
California posted the best state result at 33.5 miles per gallon, and rising gasoline prices amid the Middle East conflict have increased attention on operating costs and consumer buying preferences.
The article references the XJ-generation Jeep Cherokee, introduced in 1983 by American Motors Corporation, as an early model linked to SUV growth and the use of regulatory loopholes. It also highlights commentary suggesting a possible shift toward station wagons—citing the Volvo V60 as an example—because wagons can offer similar cargo space, lower load floors, and potentially better fuel efficiency than many SUVs.
Read the full article at jalopnik.com.
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