The 1996 Geo Tracker has a fuel tank capacity of 11.1 to 14.5 gallons (42–55 liters), depending on the trim. The most common size is 14.5 gallons, used on 4 trims.
A full tank is good for roughly 266–348 highway miles or 233–305 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
020 gal40 gal
14.5 gal · Smaller than 88% of 1996 models we list.
LSi 4dr SUV 4WD1.6L 4cyl 5M · 4WDMPG 21 / 24Range 305 / 348 mi
1.6L 4cyl 5M
4WD
14.5 gal55 L
21 / 24
305 / 348 mi
No trim matches all of these filters.
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 1996 Geo Tracker goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 22 MPG, a full 14.5-gallon tank covers about 319 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
14.5
348
305
3/4
10.9
261
228
1/2
7.3
174
152
1/4
3.6
87
76
1/8
1.8
44
38
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 682 gallons, roughly 47 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
Other 1996 SUVs of a similar size, one model per brand.
1996 Geo Tracker fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 1996 Geo Tracker, out of 1 recall in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Storage · Tank assemblyJul 1, 1996 · NHTSA 96V121001 · General Motors Corp. · 18,121 vehicles
The fuel tank on these vehicles can become punctured by a fuel tank flange attachment reinforcement during rear-end collisions. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel tank integrity."
Risk and remedy
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: if an ignition source was present, fuel leakage resulting from this puncture could result in a post-crash fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install two new shield gussets between the fuel tank and attachment brackets to prevent the reinforcement from puncturing the fuel tank wall.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1996 Geo Tracker?
The 1996 Geo Tracker holds between 11.1 and 14.5 gallons, depending on the trim. 14.5 gallons is the usual size; the smaller 11.1-gallon tank is on the 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top.
How many gallons and liters does the 1996 Geo Tracker gas tank hold?
The 1996 Geo Tracker tank holds 42–55 liters, or 11.1–14.5 gallons in US gallons.
Which 1996 Geo Tracker has the biggest gas tank?
The 14.5-gallon tank is on the 4dr SUV, 4dr SUV 4WD, LSi 4dr SUV and 1 other trim. The smallest tank, 11.1 gallons, is on the 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top.
Does 4WD change the 1996 Geo Tracker gas tank?
No. 4WD and RWD versions of the 1996 Geo Tracker use the same 11.1–14.5 gal tank.
How far can a 1996 Geo Tracker go on a full tank?
About 266–348 miles on the highway and 233–305 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 1996 Geo Tracker go on a quarter tank?
About 87 highway miles or 76 in town from the 14.5-gallon tank, which has roughly 3.6 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 1996 Geo Tracker take?
Regular unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 1996 Geo Tracker?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 14.5-gallon tank from empty costs $61.91. It ranges from $53.65 in the Gulf Coast to $85.41 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 1996 Geo Tracker?
About 90 pounds for the 14.5-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 1996 Geo Tracker have a bigger gas tank than the Suzuki Sidekick?
No. The 1996 Suzuki Sidekick holds up to 18.5 gallons; the 1996 Geo Tracker holds up to 14.5.
Has the 1996 Geo Tracker had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 1996 Geo Tracker: 96V121001 (storage · tank assembly). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).