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Which Vehicles Are Tested

Manufacturers do not test every new vehicle offered for sale. They are only required to test one representative vehicle—typically a preproduction prototype—for each combination of loaded vehicle weight class, transmission class, and basic engine.

Some vehicles are exempt from these requirements:

  • Motorcycles
  • Large vehicles prior to 2011: Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 8,500 pounds, such as larger pickup trucks and SUVs
  • Large vehicles from 2011 onward:
    • Pickup trucks with GVWR over 8,500 pounds and interior bed length of 72 inches or more
    • Cargo vans with GVWR over 8,500 pounds
    • Passenger vehicles, such as SUVs and passenger vans with GVWR of 10,000 or more

Popular Vehicles Exempt from Federal Fuel Economy Standards

Manufacturer Model
Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Series ¾ Ton
Silverado 2500/3500 Series
RAM 2500/3500 Series
Ford F-250/350 Series
GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Series
Manufacturer Model
Chevrolet Suburban ¾ Ton*
GMC Yukon XL ¾ Ton*
Manufacturer Model
Chevrolet Express 2500 Passenger*
Express 3500 Cargo
Ford E Series Passenger (w/ 6.8L Triton or 6.0L Diesel Engine)*
E Series Cargo (w/ 6.8L Triton or 6.0L Diesel Engine)
GMC Savanna 2500/3500 Passenger*
Savanna 3500 Cargo

* Exempt prior to 2011

Note: These vehicles are given as examples. This is not a comprehensive list. Since regulations and vehicle model weights and configurations can change over time, certain models/configurations may be exempt for some model years and not for others.

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE and the U.S. EPA.