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
Chevrolet	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*
Chevrolet	Express 3500 Cargo
Ford	E Series Passenger (w/ 6.8L Triton or 6.0L Diesel Engine)*
Ford	E Series Cargo (w/ 6.8L Triton or 6.0L Diesel Engine)
GMC	Savanna 2500/3500 Passenger*
GMC	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.