These 10 Cars Have The Absolute Worst Fuel Economy In 2025

We’re looking at the cars with the worst fuel economy in 2025 because efficiency is a critical factor in today’s automotive landscape. With rising fuel costs, growing concerns about climate change, and stricter emissions regulations, choosing a vehicle with better fuel efficiency is more important than ever. 

Efficient cars not only reduce the financial burden on drivers by cutting fuel expenses, but they also contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions—a pressing priority in the global fight against environmental degradation. 

However, not all cars rise to the occasion. While many prioritize performance, luxury, or sheer power, others fail to strike a balance between performance and efficiency. 

Among the vehicles making headlines for poor fuel economy in 2025 are the Bugatti Mistral, Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55 4matic Plus, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Ford Mustang GTD, Cadillac CT5 V, Rolls-Royce Ghost, and others. These models showcase exceptional engineering and power but at the expense of fuel efficiency. 

This article dives deep into the reasons why these cars rank low on fuel economy and explores the impact of their inefficiency on drivers and the environment. Their trade-offs become clear, and you can decide whether their allure outweighs the drawbacks. 

See also: 

Best Small Car With Best Gas Mileage 

What Determines Fuel Economy?

Fuel efficiency is impacted by several crucial factors, especially when evaluating the worst fuel economy cars in 2025. 

Engine size is a key determinant; larger engines often consume more fuel due to their increased power output. Vehicle weight also plays a significant role—heavier cars require more energy to move, leading to lower miles per gallon (low MPG). 

Aerodynamics further influences fuel economy; less streamlined designs increase drag, forcing the engine to work harder and resulting in fuel-inefficient vehicles. Technological advancements, however, have been transformative in addressing these challenges. 

Hybrid and electric powertrains, improved engine designs, and lightweight materials are being integrated to enhance efficiency. Even so, certain models continue to lag in adopting these innovations, contributing to their classification as low MPG cars. 

Regulations have also played a major role. Many governments impose strict fuel economy standards to combat climate change and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Automakers must adhere to these rules, pushing the industry toward greener solutions. 

Nonetheless, some cars still fail to meet expectations, earning their spot among the worst fuel economy cars of 2025. As technology and regulations advance, fuel-inefficient vehicles may become a rarity in the years ahead. 

The Worst Fuel Economy Cars Of 2025

Our criteria rely on EPA ratings, focusing on vehicles with notably low miles per gallon (MPG). Key factors include engine inefficiency, excessive weight, poor aerodynamics, and outdated technology. 

Cars failing to meet fuel economy standards, especially those with large engines and minimal eco-friendly innovations, are categorized as the worst fuel economy vehicles.  

Two-Seaters With The Worst Fuel Economy

Bugatti Mistral

• EPA Rating: 9 MPG combined

^{Photo Credit: Bugatti.}

The Bugatti Mistral, priced at $5 million, boasts an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine delivering 1,578 horsepower and a top speed exceeding 260 mph. This two-seater roadster features all-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

However, its fuel efficiency is the lowest in 2025. The EPA rates it at 9 MPG combined, with 8 MPG in the city and 12 MPG on the highway. 

Gulping 11.1 gallons per 100 miles, the car incurs an annual fuel cost of $6,700. Despite its performance, the Mistral exemplifies a fuel-inefficient vehicle in the luxury sports car category. 

Lowest MPG Minicompact Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55 4matic Plus

• EPA Rating: 16 MPG Combined

^{Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA.}

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55 4matic Plus is a luxury roadster priced at $144,650. It features a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine producing 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. 

With a curb weight of 4,277 lbs, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. However, its fuel efficiency is unimpressive, earning a combined EPA rating of 16 MPG—13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. 

Burning 6.2 gallons per 100 miles, it will set owners back an estimated $3,850 anually, making it a fuel-inefficient vehicle in 2025. 

2025 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

• EPA Rating: 16 MPG Combined

^{Photo Credit: Porsche.}

The 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, priced at $210,000, features a 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 572 horsepower. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offering a top speed of 199 mph. 

Despite its performance, its fuel efficiency is disappointing, with an EPA rating of 16 MPG combined—14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Consuming 6.2 gallons per 100 miles, it incurs an annual fuel cost of $3,750. 

This luxury sports car exemplifies a fuel-inefficient vehicle, combining high performance with low MPG, making it a contender among the worst fuel economy cars of 2025. 

Subcompact Cars With The Worst Fuel Economy

2025 Ford Mustang GTD

• EPA Rating: 12 MPG Combined

^{Photo Credit: Ford.}

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD, priced at approximately $325,000, is a high-performance supercar featuring a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a top speed of 202 mph and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Despite its impressive performance, the Mustang GTD is among the least fuel-efficient vehicles of 2025. The EPA rates it at 12 MPG combined—10 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. 

Consuming 8.3 gallons per 100 miles, it incurs an annual fuel cost of $3,850, making it a prime example of a fuel-inefficient vehicle. 

Compact Cars With The Worst Fuel Economy

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 4matic Plus

• EPA Rating: 14 MPG Combined

^{Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz.}

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 4matic Plus, priced at $179,050, features a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and includes a 9-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. 

Despite its performance, its fuel efficiency is among the lowest in 2025. The EPA rates it at 14 MPG combined—12 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. 

Drinking 7.1 gallons per 100 miles, the car has an estimated $4,300 annual fueling cost, making it a prime example of a fuel-inefficient vehicle. 

Midsize Cars With The Worst Fuel Economy

2025 Cadillac CT5 V

• EPA Rating: 15 MPG Combined

^{Photo Credit: Cadillac.}

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 V, priced between $56,995 and $95,595, features a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 668 horsepower. It includes a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, offering a top speed of 200 mph. 

Despite its performance, its fuel efficiency is among the lowest in 2025. The EPA rates it at 15 MPG combined—13 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. 

It burns 6.7 gallons per 100 miles, translating to an annual fueling cost of $4,250. This midsize luxury sedan exemplifies a fuel-inefficient vehicle, combining high power with low MPG. 

Large Cars With The Worst Fuel Economy

2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost

• EPA Rating: 14 MPG Combined

^{Photo Credit: Rolls-Royce.}

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost, priced at $355,000, features a 6.7-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine delivering 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It includes an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offering unmatched luxury and performance. 

However, its fuel efficiency is among the lowest in 2025. The EPA rates it at 14 MPG combined—12 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Consuming 7.1 gallons per 100 miles, it incurs an annual fuel cost of $4,300. 

Station Wagons With The Worst Fuel Economy

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 4matic

• EPA Rating: 21 MPG Combined

^{Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz.}

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 4matic, priced at $67,100, features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with mild hybrid assist, delivering 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

It includes a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. 

Despite its performance, its fuel efficiency is underwhelming, with an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined—19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. Consuming 4.8 gallons per 100 miles, owners can expect to spend an estimated $2,900 on fuel annually. 

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 43 4matic Plus

• EPA Rating: 21 MPG Combined

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 43 4matic Plus, priced at $101,100, features a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid assist, delivering 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

It includes a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Despite its performance, its fuel efficiency is underwhelming, with an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined—19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. 

Deleting 4.8 gallons per 100 miles, owners should budget an annual fueling cost of $2,850. This luxury sedan exemplifies a fuel-inefficient vehicle, combining power with low MPG. 

2025 Audi RS 6 Avant

• EPA Rating: 17 MPG Combined

^{Avant Performance / Photo Credit: Audi.}

The 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant, priced at $126,600, features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with mild hybrid assist, delivering 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It includes an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. 

Despite its performance, its fuel efficiency is disappointing, with an EPA rating of 17 MPG combined—14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. 

Consuming 5.9 gallons per 100 miles, it incurs an annual fuel cost of $3,550. This luxury performance wagon exemplifies a fuel-inefficient vehicle, combining power with low MPG. 

See also: 

Top Small Luxury SUVs for 2025 

Quick Reference Comparison Table 

Why These Cars Struggle With Fuel Economy

The poor fuel economy of the cars listed in the table is primarily attributed to their high-performance engineering and design choices. 

For instance, the Bugatti Mistral's 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine is designed for extreme power output, prioritizing performance over efficiency. Similarly, the Ford Mustang GTD's 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 815 horsepower, is optimized for speed and power, resulting in significant fuel consumption. 

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 4matic Plus and Rolls-Royce Ghost both feature large, twin-turbocharged V8 and V12 engines, respectively, which are inherently less fuel-efficient due to their size and power demands. 

Additionally, the Cadillac CT5 V's 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine contributes to its low MPG, as it prioritizes performance over fuel savings. Aerodynamics and weight also play a role. 

For example, the Audi RS 6 Avant, despite its hybrid assist, suffers from reduced efficiency due to its weight and design. 

These findings are supported by EPA ratings and analyses from the 2025 Fuel Economy Guide, which highlight the trade-offs between high performance and fuel efficiency in these vehicles. Each car's engineering reflects a focus on power and luxury, often at the expense of fuel economy. 

Alternatives To Consider

Considering the typical reasons low-mileage cars struggle with fuel economy, one might conclude we are doomed to a trade-off or to choose between performance and efficiency. 

While people can’t have extreme performance and extreme efficiency in one package, many compelling alternatives succeed where these fuel-inefficient vehicles fail. 

Below is a careful comparison of more fuel-efficient alternatives to the listed cars: 

Bugatti Mistral (9 MPG) 

Alternative: Porsche Taycan Turbo S (238 Miles)

^{Photo Credit: Porsche.}

A more efficient alternative to the Mistral is the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, an all-electric two-seater with 238 miles of range and zero emissions. While both are high-performance luxury vehicles, the Taycan eliminates fuel consumption entirely. 

Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55 4matic Plus (16 MPG)

Alternative: BMW i8 Roadster (69 MPGe)

^{Photo Credit: BMW.}

The BMW i8 Roadster, a plug-in hybrid, offers 69 MPGe combined. Both the i8 Roadster and AMG SL55 4matic Plus are luxury roadsters, but the i8’s hybrid powertrain significantly reduces fuel consumption. 

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet (16 MPG) 

Alternative: Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (24 MPG)

^{Photo Credit: Chevrolet.}

The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, a hybrid sports car, achieves 24 MPG combined. Both the E-Ray and 911 Turbo deliver thrilling performance, but the E-Ray’s hybrid system improves efficiency. 

Ford Mustang GTD (12 MPG) 

Alternative: Toyota GR Supra 3.0 (26 MPG)

^{Photo Credit: Toyota.}

The Toyota GR Supra 3.0, with 26 MPG combined, offers a sporty driving experience with better fuel economy, though it lacks the GTD’s extreme power. 

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 4matic Plus (14 MPG) 

Alternative: Tesla Model S Plaid (348 Miles)

^{Photo Credit: Tesla.}

The Tesla Model S Plaid electric sedan provides unmatched acceleration and zero fuel consumption, making it a greener alternative to the AMG GT 63 4matic Plus. 

Cadillac CT5 V (15 MPG) 

Alternative: Lexus ES 300h (44 MPG)

^{Photo Credit: Lexus.}

The Lexus ES 300h, a hybrid midsize sedan, achieves 44 MPG combined, offering CT5 V-like luxury with exceptional efficiency. 

Rolls-Royce Ghost (14 MPG) 

Alternative: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Plug-in Hybrid (54 MPGe)

^{Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz.}

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Plug-in Hybrid delivers 54 MPGe, combining luxury with reduced emissions and fuel use. 

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 4matic (21 MPG) 

Alternative: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (40 MPG)

^{Photo Credit: Toyota.}

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid isn’t classified a luxury SUV but achieves 40 MPG combined, offering similar practicality as the AMG GLC43 4matic with better efficiency. 

Audi RS 6 Avant (17 MPG) 

Alternative: Volvo V60 Recharge (63 MPGe)

The Volvo V60 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid wagon with 63 MPGe, blending performance with eco-friendliness. These alternatives are prime examples of how advanced technology can balance performance and fuel economy. 

Tips For Improving Fuel Efficiency

• Lighten your load: Remove excess weight, including unused items in your trunk.
• Opt for smoother tires: High-performance tires designed for better aerodynamics can reduce drag and improve mileage.
• Use cruise control wisely: On flat highways, it maintains constant speeds, reducing fuel waste.
• Reduce idling time: Turn off your engine during prolonged stops.
• Ensure wheel alignment: Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, consuming more fuel.
• Refuel in the morning: Cooler temperatures prevent fuel evaporation.

 All MPG ratings from fueleconomy.gov