Why do compact crossovers have small fuel tanks

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I’m curious as to why small crossovers have tiny fuel tanks. I’ve seen the Buick Envista and that vehicle is plenty big enough to accomodate a 15-16 gallon tank to enable it to go at least 600 miles if not more at the 32mpg interstate rating. Why do automakers keep putting 11-13 gallon tanks in vehicles that only allow it to go around 300 miles on a tank. Wouldn’t the bigger fuel tank be the better and more sensible option?

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13 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

I think it would be easy to fit larger tanks. But there is probably no need for it (except maybe if you try to cross a desert or such). I think the average distance traveled per day is about 25km to 50km. Most cars have a range which well exceeds this. I live in Europe and I think I barley ever need to drive more than 5 minutes to find a gas station.
I mean, even when the empty tank light goes on, most cars probably run another 100km (which suffices to reach a few thousand gas stations).

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