Driverless Cars and the Future

[Kevin]

Do automatic transmissions get better mileage than manuals yet?

It depends. In most cases, a well practiced manual driver will still do better. However, automatics are closing the gap, especially with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The CVT introduces some reliability issues as well as a driving experience that some don't like due to extra noise and the feel of acceleration and engine revving without the feel of shifts.

Of course (and you had to know this was coming), YMMV!

Last time I looked BMW's and most of the Toyota offerings were getting better mileage on the automatics compared to the manual version, being tested with professional drivers. With computers doing shifting control in some cases they are programmed to shift in more fuel efficient manners.