Most cars hold between 12 and 16 gallons of gas, though fuel tank capacity varies significantly by vehicle type[1]. Compact cars typically have tanks in the 10-13 gallon range, mid-size sedans hold 13-18 gallons, SUVs range from 15-24 gallons, and full-size pickup trucks can hold 20-36 gallons or more[2]. To find your specific vehicle's capacity, check the owner's manual or the fuel door sticker.
Fuel tank size directly affects how far you can drive between fill-ups. Manufacturers balance tank capacity against vehicle weight, interior space, and typical use cases for each model[1]. A compact car designed for city commuting does not need the same range as a full-size truck built for long-haul work.
The tank size alone does not determine range—fuel efficiency plays an equally important role. A 12-gallon tank in a hybrid achieving 50 mpg provides more range than a 20-gallon tank in a truck averaging 18 mpg. When evaluating vehicles, consider both capacity and EPA-estimated fuel economy together[1].
Modern vehicles also include a reserve portion within the stated capacity[1]. When your fuel gauge hits empty, approximately 1-2 gallons typically remain as a safety buffer to reach a gas station. For trip planning, understanding how long a car can sit without driving can also affect fuel conditions.
Compact vehicles prioritize fuel efficiency and lower weight, resulting in smaller tanks that still provide adequate range due to better mpg ratings[2].
| Model | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Nissan Versa | 10.8 gallons[3] |
| Nissan Sentra | 12.4 gallons[3] |
| Toyota Corolla | 13.2 gallons[3] |
| Mazda 3 | 13.2 gallons[3] |
| Kia Soul | 14.3 gallons[3] |
During a week with a Corolla as a rental, the 13.2-gallon tank combined with 32 mpg highway provided approximately 420 miles of range—more than sufficient for most commuters without frequent fill-ups.
Sedans offer a balance between capacity and efficiency, with tanks sized for both daily commuting and occasional road trips[2].
| Model | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Toyota Avalon | 13.2 gallons[3] |
| Nissan Altima | 16.2 gallons[3] |
| Ford Fusion | 16.5 gallons[3] |
| Dodge Charger | 18.5 gallons[3] |
| Subaru Outback | 18.5 gallons[3] |
Luxury sedans often feature larger tanks to support longer distances between stops. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for example, holds 22.1 gallons[3].
Small SUVs and crossovers have become the dominant vehicle segment, featuring tanks that balance passenger space with fuel storage[2].
| Model | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | 14.5 gallons[4] |
| Mazda CX-5 | 14.8-15.3 gallons[3] |
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox | 14.8 gallons[5] |
| Nissan Rogue | 14.5-15.9 gallons[3] |
| Jeep Wrangler | 17.5-21.5 gallons[3] |
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 with its 14.5-gallon tank achieves approximately 435-522 miles per fill-up on gas models, and over 615 miles in hybrid variants[4].
Larger SUVs require more fuel to operate and include larger tanks to maintain reasonable range[2].
| Model | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Explorer (2.3L) | 17.9 gallons[6] |
| Toyota Highlander | 17.9 gallons[7] |
| Honda Pilot | 18.5 gallons[7] |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 18.8 gallons[7] |
| 2025 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L) | 20.2 gallons[6] |
| Toyota 4Runner | 23 gallons[3] |
| Ford Expedition | 24.6 gallons[3] |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 28 gallons[3] |
For buyers comparing options in this segment, our Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 comparison includes fuel tank details alongside other specifications.
Trucks are designed for heavy-duty work and towing, requiring larger fuel reserves to compensate for higher consumption rates[2].
| Model | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 23-26 gallons[3] |
| Toyota Tundra | 22.5 gallons[3] |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | 23 gallons[3] |
| 2025 Ford F-150 (standard) | 36 gallons[8] |
| 2025 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid | 30.6 gallons[8] |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | 36 gallons[3] |
The 2025 Ford F-150 with its 36-gallon tank and 2.7L EcoBoost engine achieves approximately 900 miles of highway range (25 mpg x 36 gallons)[8].
Hybrid vehicles sometimes use slightly smaller tanks since electric assist improves overall range[4].
| Model | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Toyota Prius | 11.4 gallons[3] |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 13.2 gallons[4] |
| 2025 F-150 PowerBoost | 30.6 gallons[8] |
The Prius achieves over 500 miles per tank despite its smaller capacity due to 50+ mpg efficiency.
Several methods exist to determine your specific vehicle's tank size:
To estimate how far you can drive on a full tank:
Formula: Tank Capacity (gallons) × Fuel Economy (mpg) = Range (miles)
Example Calculations:
| Vehicle Type | Tank | MPG | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (Corolla) | 13.2 gal | 32 mpg | 422 miles |
| Mid-size SUV (RAV4) | 14.5 gal | 30 mpg | 435 miles |
| Full-size SUV (Suburban) | 28 gal | 18 mpg | 504 miles |
| Truck (F-150 2.7L) | 36 gal | 25 mpg | 900 miles |
Real-world range varies based on driving conditions, traffic, terrain, and driving style. Highway driving typically yields better efficiency than city driving[1].
If you're monitoring fuel consumption closely, understanding how many quarts of oil your car takes and other fluid capacities helps with overall vehicle maintenance.
Knowing your tank capacity and fuel economy allows accurate planning for road trips, especially when traveling through areas with limited gas station availability[1].
A larger tank costs more to fill but may require fewer stops. Smaller tanks cost less per fill-up but require more frequent visits to the pump. Understanding your vehicle's capacity helps budget fuel expenses accurately.
When purchasing a vehicle, tank capacity affects ownership experience. Commuters may prefer smaller, more efficient tanks, while frequent long-distance travelers benefit from larger capacity[1].
Running the tank consistently low can damage the fuel pump, which uses gasoline for cooling[1]. Keeping the tank above one-quarter full extends fuel system component life. For tips on maintaining vehicle systems, see our guide on why your car might smell like gas.
Please share by clicking this button!
Visit our site and see all other available articles!