The Drivonomics Blog
Numbers, not opinions. Written for people who drive for work and want to stop guessing.
Featured Article
The True Cost of Driving for Work in 2026 (Most Drivers Are Shocked)
We calculated the real per-mile cost for 20 different vehicles. The difference between the best and worst option is $0.31/mile — that's $4,836/year at 1,300 miles/month.
Read Article →Key findings:
- + Toyota Prius costs $0.14/mile to operate
- ! Average SUV costs $0.45/mile to operate
- + IRS rate covers Prius costs with profit left over
- ! IRS rate doesn't cover most SUV costs at all
- + Switching saves the average driver $290+/month
All Articles
The True Cost of Driving for Work in 2026 (Most Drivers Are Shocked)
We calculated the real per-mile cost for 20 vehicles. The difference between best and worst is $0.31/mile — or $4,836/year.
Read more →IRS Mileage Rate 2026: What Changed and How It Affects Your Take-Home
The IRS rate jumped to $0.725/mile in 2026 — up from $0.70 in 2025. Here's exactly how to calculate your net take-home and whether standard mileage or actual expenses wins for you.
Read more →Best Hybrid SUVs for Gig Drivers in 2026 (Ranked by Monthly Profit)
Need space AND fuel efficiency? We ranked every hybrid SUV by net monthly take-home for a driver doing 1,300 miles/month at $0.75/mile reimbursement.
Read more →Hybrid Car Years to Avoid in 2026 — The Recall Data Nobody Shows You
The 2022 Elantra Hybrid had 13 recalls. The 2026 has zero. Year matters as much as model — here's the full breakdown.
Read more →How to Negotiate a Hybrid Car Price in 2026 — Dealer Tactics That Actually Work
Dealer markup on hybrids can be $2,000–$5,000 above MSRP in some markets. Here's exactly how to fight it.
Read more →DoorDash Car Costs in 2026: What You're Really Earning Per Hour
Most DoorDash drivers don't know their real hourly rate after car costs. We calculated it for 6 common vehicles — the results are eye-opening.
Read more →Best Car for Real Estate Agents in 2026 — Ranked by IRS Deduction Value
Realtors drive 15,000–20,000 miles/year. The right hybrid can add $3,000–$5,000 to your annual take-home — here's the ranked breakdown.
Read more →Hybrid vs. Gas Car for Work Driving: The Real Numbers (2026)
The purchase price premium on a hybrid pays for itself in 14–22 months for a driver doing 1,300 miles/month. After that, it's pure profit.
Read more →How Much Do Lyft Drivers Really Make Per Hour? (After Car Costs)
The Lyft app shows your gross earnings. Your bank account tells a different story. Here's the real hourly math — and how your car is the biggest variable.
Read more →Best Cars for Medical Sales Reps in 2026 (Ranked by Cost Per Mile)
Medical reps drive some of the highest work mileage of any profession — 2,000+ miles a month is normal. Here's which cars protect your reimbursement check instead of eating it.
Read more →Best SUVs for Sales Reps in 2026: Space Without Killing Your Mileage Check
Need cargo room and a professional look without handing your reimbursement to the gas station? These hybrid SUVs keep cost per mile close to sedan territory.
Read more →Best Luxury Cars for Sales Reps in 2026 (That Don't Eat Your Reimbursement)
In some territories, a premium car is part of the job. Here's how to get the badge and the back-seat leather without handing your mileage check to a German service department.
Read more →How Much Does It Cost Per Mile to Drive a Car in 2026?
The honest all-in number — gas, payment, insurance, maintenance, depreciation — for every class of vehicle, and why the range runs from under 40 cents to over a dollar per mile.
Read more →How Many Miles Should a Used Car Have? (2026 Guide, by Model Year)
The 12,000–13,000 miles-per-year rule, a model-year-by-model-year table for 2026, and when high mileage is actually a bargain instead of a red flag.
Read more →