Washington, DC – This morning, the U.S. Department of Transportation released a new rule to significantly reduce the stringency of the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Consumer Reports issued the following statement in response:
“Fuel economy standards are a proven way to drive down the cost of driving for consumers,” said Chris Harto, advocacy manager for consumer impact at Consumer Reports. “The standards announced this week move us backwards, freezing requirements at around 25 miles per gallon for years to come, and potentially leading to stagnation in the U.S. auto market at a time when gas prices are squeezing Americans’ budgets more than ever.”
According to a July 2026 Consumer Reports nationally representative survey of 2,124 adult U.S. residents, fuel economy remains a major priority for Americans shopping for their next vehicle. Ninety-four percent of people who expect to buy or lease another vehicle say fuel economy is at least somewhat important; about two-thirds (68%) say it is very or extremely important.
Here is recent Consumer Reports research on fuel economy and the cost of vehicles:
- CR guide to fuel economy: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/survey-americans-want-better-fuel-economy-a1173495182/
- CR buying guide for hybrids and EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/
- CR’s previous fuel economy survey: https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/consumer-reports-survey-finds-majority-of-americans-want-better-fuel-economy-and-support-standards-that-deliver-thousands-in-fuel-savings
Contact: cyrus.rassool@consumer.org