Rising Gas Prices Add $706 to the Cost of Driving a Gas-Powered Car

Gasoline prices surged nearly 46% between January 1 and April 30, 2026, significantly increasing fuel costs for gas-powered vehicles. iSeeCars analyzed 2.1 million used cars from 2025 and found that annual fuel costs for non-hybrid gas vehicles jumped $706, while electric vehicles (EVs) saw only an $11 rise in fuel expenses over the same period. Internal combustion engine vehicles faced the largest financial impact, with annual fuel costs climbing from $1,533 in January to $2,240 in April. Conventional hybrids experienced a $486 increase, plug-in hybrids saw a $291 rise, and EVs remained largely unaffected, increasing by just $11. The study highlights how drivetrain type and vehicle usage influence fuel cost sensitivity. Minivans and trucks were hardest hit among gas-powered vehicles, with minivans seeing a $1,139 increase in annual fuel costs due to high mileage averaging 19,292 miles per year. Trucks followed with a $992 increase, despite lower average annual miles of 14,369, due to poor fuel efficiency. SUVs and passenger cars saw smaller increases of $681 and $606, respectively. Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst at iSeeCars, noted that while gas price spikes occur periodically, hybrids and plug-in hybrids offer financial relief from volatile fuel costs. The study underscores the cost advantage of EVs and hybrid alternatives in mitigating the impact of rising gasoline prices. Data from the analysis shows that gas-powered vehicles are disproportionately affected by fuel price fluctuations, while EVs provide stability. The findings suggest that drivetrain choice plays a critical role in managing fuel expenses amid rising energy costs.