There’s nothing quite like that new car feeling\u2014the smell, the new technology, the still pristine interior.<\/p>\n
But for one woman, the best part of her new Toyota was something far more practical: how much she\u2019d now spend on gas. Her reaction to filling up from empty has struck a chord with drivers impressed by how low her bill came out to.<\/p>\n
How is Her Gas Bill So Low?<\/p>\n
In a viral video with more than 259,000 views, content creator Kieran Elaine (@kieranxelaine1331) shares her shock at how little it costs to fill up her new Toyota.<\/p>\n
“I wanna show you guys the most exciting part about the new car. Okay. You ready? Just wait. Just wait,” she says as she films the gas pump display.<\/p>\n
The numbers go up steadily and then click off at a mere $22.61 for 10.28 gallons.<\/p>\n
“Are you freaking serious? Twenty-two dollars, dude. That’s unreal, dude. That’s unreal,” she exclaims. “And that was from empty. Literally empty.”<\/p>\n
“I’m shooookkk,” she adds in the caption.<\/p>\n
The video captures a moment that anyone who’s upgraded from a gas-guzzler to a fuel-efficient vehicle understands. Depending on year and trim, Toyota Corollas<\/a> average between roughly 30 and 40 mpg\u2014and over 50 mpg for the hybrid\u2014well above that of even a smaller SUV in most cases.<\/p>\n And at roughly $2.20 per gallon, Elaine is taking advantage of relatively low fuel prices compared to recent years when gas surged past $4 or even $5 per gallon in many areas.<\/p>\n Will 2026 Be the Cheapest Year for Gas Since COVID?<\/p>\n According to CBS News<\/a>, gas prices in 2026 are projected to average $2.97 per gallon nationally, down 13 cents from 2025 and the lowest level since 2020.<\/p>\n CNN<\/a> confirms this forecast, noting that Americans are expected to spend $11 billion less at the pump than they did in 2025, translating to an average household spending of $2,083 on gas for the year, down from $2,716 in 2022.<\/p>\n The relief at the pump comes from multiple factors: strong refinery output, lower oil prices, robust crude production, and softer seasonal demand.<\/p>\n Oil prices have dropped significantly and crude is expected to average just $51 a barrel in 2026, down from $65 in 2025. While prices will fluctuate seasonally (peaking around $3.12 between spring and early summer before falling to $2.83 after June), the overall trend offers drivers a rare bright spot amid ongoing affordability concerns.<\/p>\n Regional differences matter, though. States like Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are forecast to enjoy yearly average gas prices below $2.75 per gallon, while California, the Northeast, and cities like Chicago will see higher prices.<\/p>\n Sedans vs. SUVs on Fuel Economy<\/p>\n According to Car and Driver<\/a>, sedans reign supreme when it comes to fuel economy.<\/p>\n Most sedans come with four-cylinder engines, which are always more efficient than the V-6 or V-8 engines found in SUVs. Even powerful sedans with V-6 engines<\/a> tend to be more fuel-efficient on average because of the smaller, lighter vehicles they power.<\/p>\n If fuel economy is your priority, especially if you have a daily commute or are a frequent driver, a sedan’s efficiency can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually on gas alone.<\/p>\n People who commented on Elaine\u2019s post were largely impressed.<\/p>\n “Downsizing from an SUV to a Corolla is wild,” one wrote.<\/p>\n “Def the best part [of] having a gas saver,” said a second.<\/p>\n “Now I’m seriously considering a Corolla,” another wrote.<\/p>\n Motor1 reached out to Elaine for comment via email and Instagram direct message. We\u2019ll update this if she responds.<\/p>\n \u00a0 <\/p>\n \n \t\tWe want your opinion!\n\t<\/p>\n What would you like to see on Motor1.com?<\/p>\n