Survey Says 93% of Drivers Trying to Save Money on Gas, Considering Hybrids, Higher-Mileage Gas Vehicles, BEVs

High fuel prices from the Iran war are causing lots of pain at the pump in America. Drivers are trying a variety of ways to save money on gas. For regular gas in the US, AAA reported the current average at $4.076, and the year ago average at $3.167, on April 17, 2026.

Numerator, a consumer data and technology firm, has published new insights into how rising gas prices are impacting U.S. consumers. The report, “Consumers React to Rising Gas Prices,” is based on an April 2026 Verified Voices survey of more than 1,000 U.S. vehicle owners who made purchases in the gas and convenience channel in March. Concern is nearly universal, with almost all respondents reporting higher gas prices in their area over the past month and 93% actively seeking ways to save at the pump.

Sustained price increases could influence vehicle purchasing decisions. About 23% of drivers say they would consider buying a new or used vehicle with lower fuel costs if gas prices keep rising. Hybrid vehicles lead interest (12%), followed by more fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicles (10%) and electric vehicles (5%).

Nearly all drivers (95%) said they have noticed an increase in gas prices, including 78% who described the rise as significant and 17% who observed a slight uptick. As prices climb, consumer behavior is shifting. A total of 93% of drivers are taking steps to reduce fuel costs, including using gas station loyalty programs or apps (45%), choosing stations based on price rather than convenience (36%), filling up at lower-cost locations such as club stores (32%), and redeeming grocery or retail fuel rewards (26%).

Drivers are also working to cut overall fuel consumption. About 78% report efforts to limit usage, such as combining errands (36%), driving less (35%), avoiding non-essential trips (31%), adopting more fuel-efficient driving habits (20%), and postponing or canceling longer trips (15%).

Rising gas prices are also straining household budgets. Sixty-one percent of respondents said higher fuel costs have moderately or significantly affected their ability to cover other expenses, with stronger impacts among low-income households (73%) and those in the Western U.S. (72%). As a result, 73% of drivers are reducing spending in other areas, including dining out or takeout (43%), travel (30%), and entertainment (29%). Some are also cutting back on essentials such as groceries (28%) and household goods (24%). These patterns closely mirror consumer responses seen during the gas price spikes of 2022.

Looking ahead, 64% of drivers expect gas prices to be higher in April than in March. Nearly half (47%) are very or extremely concerned about their ability to afford fuel in the coming months, while only 13% report no concern. If prices continue to rise, 86% say they will shift spending away from other categories.

Beyond fuel costs, consumers are worried about broader economic effects, including higher prices for everyday goods (56%), uncertainty about how high gas prices could climb (49%), increased utility costs (49%), and rising delivery or shipping expenses (41%), as well as travel costs (41%). Additionally, 31% are concerned about potential fuel shortages or limited availability.

The survey was conducted on April 2, 2026, among 1,025 U.S. vehicle owners who made purchases in the gas and convenience channel in March 2026. Numerator is a data company focused on improving understanding of consumers and markets.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Are the Best Option for Saving on Gas

Rising gas prices tend to trigger the same short-term behaviors: driving less, hunting for cheaper stations, or stacking loyalty rewards. Those tactics help at the margin, but they don’t solve the core problem. As long as a vehicle depends on gasoline, it remains exposed to volatile fuel costs. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) change that equation entirely by removing gasoline from the equation.

With a BEV, your “fuel” is electricity, which is typically more stable in price and can be significantly cheaper per mile than gasoline. Home charging further improves the economics, especially with time-of-use rates or managed charging programs. For drivers with access to workplace or multifamily charging, the cost advantage becomes even more consistent. The result is predictable operating expenses instead of reacting to price spikes at the pump.

The used EV market is also working in buyers’ favor right now. Inventory has expanded as early adopters trade in first-generation models and lease returns hit the market. That supply is pushing prices down, creating strong value across a range of segments, from compact commuters to larger crossovers. At the same time, demand is climbing as more consumers connect the dots between fuel savings and total cost of ownership. Higher turnover and improving battery durability data are helping normalize used EV purchases.

For drivers not ready to go fully electric, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a practical bridge. They can cover daily driving on electricity alone, then rely on gasoline for longer trips. However, the economics only work if the vehicle is consistently plugged in. Treating a PHEV like a conventional hybrid leaves most of the savings on the table. Regular charging is what converts it into a low-cost, low-emissions daily driver.

The broader point is straightforward: managing gas prices is a reactive strategy, while eliminating gasoline use is a structural one. BEVs provide the cleanest break from fuel volatility, and the current used market makes that transition more accessible than it has been in years. For those easing in, PHEVs can deliver meaningful savings, provided they are used as intended. Either way, the path to insulating yourself from rising gas prices is to depend on less gasoline, or none at all.

Going fully electric is easier than many people believe. Public charging is growing fast, EV ranges are increasing, while charging time is decreasing. There’s no better time than now to go EV.