One of the most important factors to consider when buying an automotive vehicle is the gas tank capacity. With a big gas tank, we can avoid frequent fuel stops. However, a big gas tank doesn’t always equate to fuel efficiency and good fuel mileage.
Large cars with big gas tanks can decrease fuel efficiency. For example, a large gas tank weighs more, especially when fully loaded. As a result, the car needs more energy to function, leading to more fuel consumption and engine activity.
So, how big are car gas tanks? A car gas tank’s size and capacity vary per vehicle type, size, trim level, and model. Usually, large cars or trucks can accommodate more significant amounts of fuel.
What Is The Average Car Gas Tank Capacity Per Type?
A car gas tank capacity ranges between 12 to more than 30 gallons. Some larger car types, like large SUVs and pickup trucks, can hold up to 33.5 gallons of fuel or more.
Let’s explore the gas tank capacity for every car type alongside some examples:
- Sedan
For sedans, the gas tank capacity can range between 13 to 18.5. For example, 2010 sedans like the Honda Accord have a fuel tank of 18.5 gallons.
Also, the 2013 Honda Civic, has a 13.2 gallon gas tank capacity.
- SUV
Small SUVs like the 2021 Mazda CX-5’s gas tank can accommodate up to 15.3 gallons.
Large SUVs, on the other hand, usually have bigger gas tank capacity. The fuel capacity for large SUVs is 22 gallons and above.
The 2022 Ford Expedition, for example, can hold 27.8 to 28.3 gallons of fuel, depending on the model.
Meanwhile, previous SUV models like the 2010 Nissan Armada can hold 28 gallons of gas.
- Pickup Truck
Regarding massive car tank capacity, pickup trucks top the list. One of the Toyota trucks with a large fuel tank capacity is the Tundra model from 2002 to 2023.
Toyota Tundras can fill between 22 to 38-gallon tanks.
Ford Ranger, on the other hand, has up to 19.5 fuel capacity. Meanwhile, Nissan’s leading truck models, the Frontier and Titan, have a fuel capacity of 21 to 26 gallons.
- Coupe
Coupes have tank capacity that’s almost within the range of sedans. One of the most-bought coupes, the Ford Mustang, has a fuel tank capacity of 16 gallons.
Meanwhile, the Audi TT and Chevrolet Camaro have fuel tank sizes between 14.5 to 19 gallons.
- Luxury
The 2022 Lexus RX, one of the bestselling luxury cars in 2022 according to Motor 1, has a 19.2 fuel tank capacity.
Another notable luxury car is the Bentley Continental GT, with a gas tank size of 23.7 gallons.
- Minivan
The gas tank capacity of minivans ranges between 15 to 20 gallons.
For example, the eight-seater Honda Odyssey 2022 model has a fuel capacity of 19.5 gallons.
Another popular minivan model is the Toyota Sienna, with an 18-gallon fuel tank capacity.
- Convertible
Some of the best convertible cars have a gas tank capacity range of 11.9 to 21.9 gallons.
The Mazda MX-5 has an 11.89-gallon fuel capacity, while Audi R8 Spyder’s gas tank capacity ranges between 19.28 to 21.9 gallons.
- Hatchback
Volkswagen GTI, one the most popular hatchbacks in the US, has a gas tank capacity between 13.2 to 14 gallons. Note that the fuel capacity of the GTI varies per trim level.
Another popular hatchback car is the Toyota Corolla, with a gas tank capacity of 13.2 gallons.
- Station Wagon
Fuel tank capacity for station wagons can range between 13.2 gallons to 21.1 gallons.
For example, the Volvo V90 Cross Country, which is the off-terrain version of the V90 wagon, has a 15.9-gallon capacity.
- Crossover
The gas tank capacity of crossovers can range from 14 to above 20 gallons.
Toyota RAV4, the best-selling crossover in the US, holds a 14.5-gallon gas tank capacity. It has the same gas tank capacity as the Nissan Rogue, another bestseller.
Jeep Wrangler, another notable bestseller, has a fuel capacity of 21.5 gallons.
Car Gas Tank Sizes of Best-Selling Cars in the US
According to CNBC, the following cars are listed as the bestselling models in the US for 2022. Let’s find out the gas tank capacity for each:
- Chevrolet Silverado: 22 to 28.2 gallons
- Ford F-Series: 23 to 26 gallons
- Ram 1500/2500/3500: 26 gallons
- Toyota RAV4: 14.5 gallons
- Honda CR-V: 14 to 15 gallons
- Toyota Camry: 15.8 gallon
- GMC Sierra: 24 to 28 gallons
- Toyota Corolla: 13.2 gallons
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: 19 to 24.6 gallons
How Do I Find My Car Gas Tank Size?
To find your car’s gas tank capacity, check your owner’s manual. For Ford owner’s manuals, you may find details of your car tank in the Capacities and Specifications section.
One trick in finding your car tank details quickly is checking your manual’s index. Look up similar keywords like fuel tank, gas tank capacity, fuel tank size, and other related words and go directly to the corresponding pages.
You can also look up your car model and specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Similarly, check out the car’s labels, as they may contain crucial information like your car tank capacity.
While running empty is risky, and we strongly recommend against it, it’s also one way to determine your car’s gas tank capacity.
Is a Large Gas Tank Better?
Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and the same principle applies to gas tanks and fuel consumption. While big gas tank sizes can mean high fuel capacity and fewer trips to the gas stations, you can’t save on fuel by buying a car with a large tank.
That said, it’s essential to note the importance of your car’s fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency refers to the energy your vehicle converts from fuel needed for performance. Therefore, increased fuel efficiency is preferred. It allows owners to cut back on fuel costs and carbon emissions.
What Is the Disadvantage of a Large Gas Tank?
Some cars with large gas tanks may compromise on fuel efficiency, which means that despite having an extensive fuel reservoir, your car could be consuming lots of fuel to function.
This phenomenon happens because cars with big fuel tanks tend to be heavier. According to Natural Resources Canada, when a vehicle is heavier, they have greater inertia and rolling resistance.
In effect, it burns more fuel and requires more engine power. The agency suggests purchasing a lighter vehicle with a more fuel-efficient engine. In fact, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study states that a 35-percent reduction in vehicle weight allows vehicle owners to save up to 20% on fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a 10% change in the weight of a vehicle affects the fuel economy by up to 6%.
Cars With Big Gas Tanks
Here are some car models known for their large gas tank capacity:
- Ford Expedition EL: up to 33.5 gallons
- 2022 Toyota Tundra SR5: up to 32.2 gallons
- Ford F-250: 48 gallons
- Ram 2500: 50 gallons
Conclusion
Car gas tank capacities vary based on the car model, trim level, size, and type.
Bigger cars, like SUVs and trucks, usually possess gas tanks with bigger capacities.
Examples of vehicles with big fuel tank capacity are the 2022 Toyota Tundra SR5, Ford Expedition EL, and Ram 2500.