Miles per gallon (mpg) is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles. It represents the distance, measured in miles, that a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. A higher mpg value indicates better fuel economy, meaning the vehicle can travel farther on the same amount of fuel. For instance, a car with an mpg of 30 can travel 30 miles on one gallon of gasoline.
Understanding this measurement is important for several reasons. It provides consumers with a means to compare the fuel efficiency of different vehicles, assisting in making informed purchasing decisions. Better fuel economy directly translates to lower fuel costs over the lifespan of the vehicle, and contributes to reduced emissions, which benefits the environment. Historically, this metric has played an increasingly significant role as concerns over fuel conservation and environmental impact have grown.