Published February 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST
Carl Anthony, based in Detroit, Michigan, is the Automotive Lead for How-to-Geek, as well as the host and producer of AutoVision News Radio. This podcast focuses on the future technology in vehicles, such next-generation ADAS innovation, electrification and software-defined car. He has been a broadcaster for years, appearing on radio and podcasts such as Wrench Nation and Cars Yeah. Carl has been a popular resource to car enthusiasts for the past decade, thanks to his frequent appearances at MotorMouth Radio (90.3FM) and the AutoSens Insights Series.
Prior to this, Carl served as a dealer trainer and new vehicle launcher for Ford, Honda and Mercedes-Benz. Carl served as a product specialist for Chevy’s National Truck Team (an experiential marketing team that tours the United States) and was also a member of FCA’s national auto show, serving as a resident expert on Dodge Chargers and Challengers. Carl worked as a DJ, Producer, and Programmer at popular Midwest Radio Stations, such as KIWR KEZO KJAN and KELO FM, before entering the automotive industry. Carl is a recent graduate from Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree for both television and radio broadcasting.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Automotive Trends report, Honda has the highest fuel efficiency among automakers in the United States. This report is a thorough analysis of the fuel economy data and vehicle technologies across all U.S. light duty vehicle markets from 1975 to 2024. It also includes preliminary data for 2025. The EPA began collecting data in 1975 on each new model of light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. This was done either through testing at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, Ann Arbor, Michigan or by directly contacting manufacturers who used official EPA tests.
In 1976, the Honda Civic 1975 was the vehicle that had the highest fuel efficiency. It achieved a fuel consumption of 28,3 mpg in real world driving. The EPA’s report from 50 years ago shows that the Honda Civic 2025 is currently the leader in gasoline vehicle fuel economy, with a combined 36.6 mpg. Honda is the automaker with the best fleet average fuel economy, including gasoline vehicles and electric cars.
Honda’s overall fleet has the best fuel efficiency among all manufacturers. According to the most recent EPA statistics, Honda’s U.S.
Fleet averages 31 mpg, which is 3.8 mpg more than the average industry.
Cost of buying new cars is on the rise
Honda is still as competitive as it has ever been
Honda Credit
This news cannot be bad for Honda as today’s average price of a new car tends to exceed $50,000. The cost of vehicle ownership, along with general living costs in 2026 may make a six-figure income seem inadequate. The price of a Honda new in 2025 averaged $35,060. This was well below the national average of $50,000.
Honda offers competitive entry-level pricing, but some of the most popular models are still priced below average for their trim levels. The Touring Hybrid version of the 2026 Honda Accord, for example, starts at less than $41,000. A stylish, well-equipped Ridgeline Black Edition 2026 starts at under $49,000.
The EX-L trim of the HR-V 2026, which is one of today’s smartest purchases on the market, begins around $31,000. Honda is a leading automaker in fuel efficiency and offers affordable cars. However, its reasonable MSRPs and industry-leading fuel consumption will appeal to families that are looking for an affordable car and juggling household finances and multiple responsibilities. Related
Each new Honda that you can purchase in 2026 ranked according to reliability
An overview of which Hondas are the best in 2026.
Fuel efficiency and vehicle size (19459009)
Honda Credit
The latest EPA Automotive Trends report highlights the fact that the real-world average fuel efficiency for new cars has reached a record high of 27.2 mpg. Fuel economy overall has increased 41% from 2004.
According to the EPA, SUVs now make up 60% of production. This is a shift from wagons and sedans which have less than a quarter share. The combined production of light trucks (defined as vans and pickups), reached a record-high 66% by 2024.
The EPA’s report concluded that while individual vehicles are getting more fuel efficient, the shift to larger and heavier cars has offset some of the gains in fuel economy from the new technologies. The average horsepower in the auto industry has increased 23% since 2004, while the vehicle weight increased 6%. According to the EPA report, the 2024 average model year vehicle can reach 60 mph within 7.5 seconds. The average size of the vehicle (i.e. footprint) increased 5.4% from 2008 and now stands at 51.5 square foot. To give you a sense of size, the 51.5 square foot area is about equal to a king-sized bed plus a nightstand.
Changing regulatory landscape
The EPA published a final rule in February 2026 that eliminated the greenhouse gas standard for medium and heavy duty vehicles. This latest edition of Automotive Trends Report does not include the greenhouse gas compliance data for previous years.
Honda’s Triple Action to ZERO initiative remains unchanged despite the changing federal landscape. Three pillars drive the automaker’s sustainability strategy that aims for zero environmental impact by 2050. These are carbon neutrality and clean energy use, as well as total resource distribution.
Honda’s Saitama Factory, located in Japan, is set to become the first carbon-neutral factory by March 20, 2026.