Against 344 other Hybrid cars rated 2024–2026, the G-Class trails their 28 mpg average by 10 mpg, about $762 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2002, the 3L 6-cyl Hybrid (2025–2026), does 18 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (2002–2008), 12.4: $964 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz G-Class engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl Hybrid | 17 / 19 | 2025–2026 | $2,133 | |
| 4L 8-cyl | 13.8 / 16.3 | 2019–2024 | $2,560 | |
| 5.5L 8-cyl | 11.9 / 14.7 | 2003–2018 | $2,954 | |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 11.5 / 14.5 | 2004–2009 | $3,072 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 11.4 / 13.8 | 2002–2008 | $3,097 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other Hybrid cars, 2024–2026 | +$762 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $5,706 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class gives up 2 mpg in town: 19 on the highway against 17 in the city, $238 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (12%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the G-Class changed over the years
The G-Class peaked in 2026 at 18 mpg (17 city, 19 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 12 — 6 mpg apart, or $1,067 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2025: 14 to 18 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 / 19 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2025 | 17 / 19 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2024 | 13 / 16 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2023 | 13 / 16 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2022 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2021 | 17 / 19 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2020 | 13 / 15 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2019 | 13 / 15 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2018 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2017 | 12 / 14 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2016 | 12 / 14 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2015 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2014 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2013 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2012 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2011 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2010 | 11 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2009 | 11 / 15 | 1 | $3,200 | |
| 2008 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2007 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2006 | 11 / 13 | 1 | $3,200 | |
| 2005 | 11 / 13 | 1 | $3,200 | |
| 2004 | 12 / 14 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2003 | 12 / 14 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2002 | 11 / 13 | 1 | $3,200 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 25 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class — 5 engines across 2002–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $5,706. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class get?
18 mpg combined, 17 city and 19 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2002 the G-Class has averaged 13.7 mpg.
Is the 2026 G-Class more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which G-Class year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 18 mpg combined (17 city, 19 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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