The 10 Worst Cars to Own During a Gas Crisis (And Why They Struggle When Fuel Gets Expensive)

Gas crises don’t just change how much you pay at the pump—they change what kind of vehicles make sense to own. History has shown this repeatedly, from the oil shocks of the 1970s to more recent price spikes tied to global instability. When fuel becomes scarce or expensive, certain vehicles quickly turn from desirable to difficult.

This report looks at 10 vehicles that rank among the least practical during a gas crisis, based on objective factors: real-world fuel economy, tank size, required fuel grade, and overall consumption patterns. These aren’t necessarily “bad” vehicles in general—but under fuel pressure, they become significantly harder to justify.

Vehicles were evaluated using the following criteria:

• Fuel Economy (MPG): Combined real-world estimates
• Fuel Type: Regular vs premium requirement
• Tank Size & Range: Larger tanks can soften—but not solve—poor efficiency
• Engine Characteristics: Displacement, cylinder count, and forced induction
• Ownership Impact: Frequency of fill-ups and cost sensitivity during price spikes

Ranking: Vehicles Most Affected by a Gas Crisis

1. Bugatti Chiron

• MPG: ~9 combined
• Fuel: Premium (high-octane required)
• Engine: Quad-turbo W16

The Chiron represents the extreme end of fuel consumption. While it’s not intended as a daily driver, its efficiency figures illustrate how quickly fuel costs can escalate under crisis conditions.

2. Ford F-650 / F-750 (Gas Versions)

• MPG: ~6–8
• Fuel: Regular
• Engine: Large-displacement V8

These commercial-grade trucks prioritize capability over efficiency. In a fuel-constrained environment, their operating costs rise sharply due to sheer consumption.

3. Lamborghini Aventador

• MPG: ~10 combined
• Fuel: Premium
• Engine: Naturally aspirated V12

High-revving V12 engines deliver performance, but at the cost of efficiency. Frequent refueling becomes a reality when fuel prices climb.

4. Rolls-Royce Cullinan

• MPG: ~12 combined
• Fuel: Premium
• Engine: Twin-turbo V12

Luxury SUVs like the Cullinan emphasize comfort and power. However, their weight and engine size contribute to consistently high fuel usage.

5. Dodge Ram TRX

• MPG: ~10 combined
• Fuel: Premium recommended
• Engine: Supercharged 6.2L V8

The TRX blends off-road capability with high-output performance. That combination results in fuel consumption that becomes especially noticeable during price spikes.

6. Chevrolet Suburban (6.2L V8)

• MPG: ~14 combined
• Fuel: Premium recommended
• Engine: Large V8

Full-size SUVs offer space and versatility, but their size and weight make them less efficient than smaller alternatives.

7. Toyota Land Cruiser (Older Generations)

• MPG: ~13 combined
• Fuel: Regular
• Engine: Naturally aspirated V8

Known for reliability, older Land Cruisers still consume fuel at a rate that can become costly when prices rise.

8. Jeep Grand Wagoneer

• MPG: ~13 combined
• Fuel: Premium recommended
• Engine: Twin-turbo inline-six

Despite modern engineering, the Grand Wagoneer’s size and luxury focus keep fuel economy relatively low.

9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G550 / AMG G63)

• MPG: ~13–14 combined
• Fuel: Premium
• Engine: Twin-turbo V8

The G-Class combines off-road capability with luxury, but its boxy shape and weight contribute to higher fuel consumption.

10. Nissan Armada

• MPG: ~14 combined
• Fuel: Regular
• Engine: 5.6L V8

While more accessible than others on this list, the Armada still falls into the category of vehicles that feel the impact of fuel price increases more than average.

Fuel Cost Comparison Snapshot

*Assumes elevated fuel pricing conditions; exact cost varies by region and market.

Why These Vehicles Stand Out

Across all ten vehicles, a few consistent themes emerge:

• Low MPG magnifies cost increases quickly
• Premium fuel requirements add another layer of expense
• Large engines and heavy platforms drive sustained consumption
• Frequent refueling becomes a practical inconvenience

During stable fuel periods, these trade-offs may be acceptable. But in a crisis, they become much harder to ignore.

Final Takeaway

A gas crisis doesn’t affect all vehicles equally. For some, it’s a minor inconvenience. For others, it fundamentally changes the ownership experience.

The vehicles on this list highlight how quickly fuel efficiency—or the lack of it—can become a defining factor. While many of them excel in performance, luxury, or capability, those strengths come with trade-offs that become especially visible when fuel is expensive or limited.

If history is any guide, the next fuel crunch won’t be a question of if—but when. And when it happens, what you drive will matter more than ever.

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