- As the federal government weakens standards, CR data shows that fuel economy is still a major priority as people shop for a new or used vehicle
- Survey finds consumers’ concerns about electric vehicles easing, but limited first-hand experience and other barriers to purchase interest remain
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Consumer Reports (CR) today released new survey data showing that fuel economy remains vitally important to prospective buyers of new and used vehicles, even as the federal government finalizes revised, substantially weaker standards for auto manufacturers.
Chris Harto, Manager, Energy Impact at Consumer Reports, said, “Consumers have long told us that fuel economy was important to them, so it comes as no surprise that hybrids are flying off dealer lots as automakers—encouraged by strong fuel economy standards over the past few years—finally start delivering more hybrid options. What is unknown is if automakers continue to respond to strong consumer demand for efficient hybrids, or if momentum slows in the face of weak and toothless efficiency standards.”
The new data comes from a July 2026 Consumer Reports nationally representative survey of 2,124 U.S. adults, which found that fuel economy remains a major priority for Americans shopping for their next vehicle. According to the survey, 94% 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—on par with the results of other nationally representative CR surveys of drivers in 2022 and 2024.
CR’s survey also asked about electric vehicles, and while CR found a modest easing in Americans’ concerns about EVs compared to previous research, this shift has not yet translated into increased consumer interest in purchasing an EV.
On the one hand, there has been a statistically significant decrease in all of the top 5 barriers to EV adoption since a previous nationally representative survey in 2023. Among Americans who are not definite EV buyers, the most common barriers remain charging logistics (57%), range anxiety (51%), and purchase/ownership costs (45%). Also, since 2023, the shares of people who have seen an EV, know someone who owns an EV, or have ridden in an EV have noticeably increased.
On the other hand, the share of those who reported having driven an EV in the past year has improved only slightly since 2023. Specifically, just 11% of Americans reported having driven an electric-only vehicle in the past year. Overall, a quarter of Americans (25%) said they would definitely buy or seriously seriously consider buying an EV if they were to get a vehicle today, but this varies depending on whether they have already driven one. Of those 11% who reported having driven an EV in the past year, 68% say they would definitely buy or seriously consider buying an EV today. Among those who have not driven one, only 20% say the same.
A 2024 CR nationally representative survey of 2,146 US adults found that half of consumers would be interested in test-driving a battery electric vehicle while car shopping, even if they were not ready to buy one, indicating an opportunity for dealers to potentially capitalize on.
“Time behind the wheel doesn’t guarantee that someone will become interested in an EV, but it’s a necessary step for them to realistically consider purchasing one,” Harto added. “People can’t reasonably be expected to adopt a new technology that they have very limited hands-on experience with, especially something as important to their daily lives as their car.”
Because most shoppers’ hands-on experience with battery electric vehicles remains limited, and concerns around charging, range, and cost remain significant, Consumer Reports advises that fuel-efficient hybrids can be good options for many drivers. The growing availability of hybrid models can provide a practical stepping stone for car buyers and lessees, allowing consumers to enjoy savings at the pump with lower barriers to entry.
For other recent CR materials to help consumers choose the vehicle that meets their needs, please see:
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Media Contact: Emily Akpan, emily.akpan@consumer.org