Not every V8 is a gas guzzler
Most V8 fans accept the fact that choosing a vehicle with such an engine means higher gas bills and overall running costs. As addictive as a V8 roar is, boosted and/or hybridized six-cylinder powertrains have largely taken over for their better balance between performance and efficiency. But there are still a few V8-powered cars out there capable of hitting 20 mpg combined. The list is a short one, but these are the most efficient V8-powered models you can buy in 2026, based on the latest EPA ratings. Where plug-in hybrids are listed, we’ve only included their gas-only mpg rating to make for a fairer comparison with non-hybrid models.
Lamborghini Urus SE: 20 MPG
2026 Lamborghini Urus SELamborghini
The appearance of a Lamborghini on any list of efficient vehicles surprised us, especially since this is a high-performance, heavy SUV. Helped by a plug-in hybrid system, the 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 in the Urus SE gets a combined EPA rating of 20 mpg. With the hybrid system in action, you can get up to 48 MPGe, plus it has a 35-mile all-electric range. Remarkably, it’s the most fuel-efficient V8 in a current SUV.
Considering the performance of this vehicle, its efficiency is astounding. It produces 789 horsepower combined and has a claimed 0-60 mph time of under 3.5 seconds. It can repeat this performance easily, thanks to a grippy all-wheel-drive system. Even though gas bills are unlikely to worry anyone who can afford a $250,000 SUV, it’s nice to know that the Urus SE can be surprisingly efficient when you aren’t using its full performance potential.
Related: Ranking The 5 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs You Can Buy in 2026
BMW 760i xDrive: 18/25/20 MPG
2026 BMW 760iBMW
The current range-topper of the 7 Series lineup can get up to 25 mpg in highway driving and has an average range of 526 miles when the tank is full. The 4.4-liter turbocharged V8’s gas mileage is reasonable, but it’s also a potent mill that makes 536 hp, enough for a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. AWD is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While its looks are divisive, the 760i is a highly accomplished luxury sedan. It’s as close as it has ever been to the S-Class in terms of sheer comfort, and the gorgeous interior is lined with top-class materials. As with most V8s, expect the efficiency to take a dive if you often use the car’s full power.
A refreshed BMW 7 Series is on the way, which is expected to retain V8 power.
Related: Most Fuel-Efficient Gas Cars That Still Deliver 35+ MPG in 2026
Mercedes-Maybach S580: 16/27/20 MPG
2026 Mercedes-Maybach S580Mercedes-Benz
One of the most fuel-efficient V8 cars is also one of the most luxurious in the world. Although less efficient than the BMW 760i in city driving, the S580 is more efficient on the highway. Being a Maybach, it’s also exceptionally comfortable. At 5,126 lbs, the ability to get 20 mpg combined is impressive, and the 20.1-gallon gas tank will get you a range of just over 400 miles.
The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine has a mild hybrid system and produces 496 hp. With AWD and a nine-speed automatic, it takes 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, so it’s not quite as quick as the cheaper 7 Series. The Maybach has unparalleled interior opulence and luxury, though—only Rolls-Royce can match this car’s standard feature list, exemplary quality, and supreme refinement.
Mercedes-Benz S580: 17/27/20 MPG
2026 Mercedes-Benz S580Mercedes-Benz
One of the most fuel-efficient V8 engines accomplishes near-identical results in the regular S-Class. This S580 is a little lighter than the fully loaded Maybach, so is 1 mpg more efficient in city driving; both get 20 mpg combined, though. With the same V8 mild hybrid powertrain making 496 hp, the S580 can reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The 2027 S-Class is coming with a new V8, so it’ll be interesting to see if it improves on this version’s efficiency.
The rest of the S-Class package is reassuringly familiar. It’s one of the smoothest, quietest sedans in the world, and it’s packed with an astounding array of self-driving and safety technologies. The back seat remains the highlight, though, with access to reclining seats, infotainment displays, and much more.
Related: How American Buyers Kept the Mercedes V8 Alive
Honorable Mentions: The 19-MPG Club
View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article
While only a handful of V8-powered vehicles can hit 20 mpg on the EPA’s combined cycle, there are quite a few models that can reach 19 mpg. This group is also more varied and includes luxury sedans, high-end coupes, SUVs, sports cars, and even two pickups. Here’s every 2026 model that can manage 19 mpg combined:
Bentley Continental GT and GTC: 19 mpg
BMW M850i Convertible/Coupe/Gran Coupe: 19 mpg (discontinued earlier in the 2026 model year)
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: 19 mpg
Ford F-150: 19 mpg (5.0L V8)
Ram 1500: 19 mpg (5.7L V8 with RWD)
In this group, the Bentleys are plug-in hybrids and the Corvette E-Ray is a hybrid. All other models are either mild hybrids or non-hybrids.
Final Thoughts
2026 Ram 1500 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque engine bayStellantis
With more relaxed rules pertaining to vehicle emissions, the V8 engine is expected to stick around for many years, despite the rise of smaller six-cylinder options with turbos and electrification. There’s no V8 on the market that can be described as truly efficient, but the models on this list represent the best of them. From sports cars to pickup trucks, the distinctive soundtrack, trusted durability, and effortless power of the V8 continue to find favor with a new generation of enthusiasts.
This story was originally published by Autoblog on Apr 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
