Katerina Swanson
With gas prices constantly fluctuating, consumers are increasingly looking to save money at the pump. Fuel economy is an important factor for many car buyers, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the fuel economy of new vehicles to help consumers make informed decisions. While electric vehicles are the most efficient option, there are still plenty of efficient gas-powered vehicles on the market. This paragraph will introduce some of the best fuel-efficient cars available.
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Fuel-efficient SUVs
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration when buying a new car, and there are many options available. SUVs with the best gas mileage are often smaller, hybrid vehicles, which are also cheap to buy upfront. Here is a list of some of the best fuel-efficient SUVs:
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue
The Hyundai Tucson is a solid choice, offering a spacious interior, good looks, and plenty of space. It is more powerful and better to drive than its pure-ICE counterpart. However, it lags behind its rivals by upwards of 7 mpg.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia AWD
This premium-adjacent Toyota has a long and proud heritage. With fuel efficiency nearly topping 40 mpg, it is a great choice for a midsize crossover SUV. This is largely thanks to Toyota's mastery of hybrid powertrains. The Crown Signia also comes with a full array of Toyota Safety Sense technology.
2025 Lexus NX 350h AWD
The Lexus NX is one of the best gas mileage SUVs available and is also one of the plushest and most comfortable. It has a highly fuel-efficient set of electric motors and a 2.5-liter I-4 engine. The Lexus NX is a practical choice, and its resale value is superior to most other luxury SUVs.
2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV with impressive fuel efficiency, offering 94 mpg-e and 38 mpg combined. It has a surprising burst of speed and a family-friendly design. It also offers AWD and a CVT, with a total of 302 hp.
2024 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Niro has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 180 hp. It has a manufacturer-estimated 108 mpg-e average and an electric-only range of 33 miles. The real-world fuel economy of the Kia Niro Hybrid was, however, a disappointment in testing by Car and Driver.
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Electric cars
One of the most well-known electric car manufacturers is Tesla. The Tesla Model 3 in its standard-range form is highly efficient, officially offering 305 miles from its 62 kWh battery. The long-range version of the Model 3 provides an almost identical efficiency of 26 kWh per 100 miles but at a higher price point.
Other notable electric cars include the Renault Zoe, which has a 52 kWh battery and an official range of 239 miles, and the Fiat 500e, a modern electric take on the iconic 1957 Fiat 500. The 500e achieves 200 miles from its 42 kWh battery, making it an efficient option for city driving. The Peugeot e-208, or its British sibling, the Vauxhall Corsa-e, offers a range of up to 224 miles on a single charge.
For those seeking a more powerful electric vehicle, the Kia Niro EV provides a 64.9 kWh battery that can officially travel 285 miles between charges. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is another efficient option, using 24 kWh of electricity to go 100 miles.
It is worth noting that the efficiency of electric vehicles can vary widely, and factors such as battery size, weight, and charging infrastructure can impact their overall efficiency and charging time.
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Hybrid cars
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a well-known and venerable name in the hybrid vehicle market, with its introduction dating back to 2001. The current model offers impressive fuel efficiency, with 57 mpg combined, and even the all-wheel-drive variant provides 54 mpg. The latest Prius can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, making it relatively quick for an efficient vehicle. The new model has also been praised for its sportier and more modern design.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla is a fantastic option for those seeking a compact hybrid sedan. It offers a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with the former providing a combined 50 mpg rating. The Corolla Hybrid is an excellent value proposition, offering a generous list of user-friendly tech features and a comfortable driving experience.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a great choice for those wanting a hybrid SUV without compromising on fuel efficiency. It comes equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing an estimated 108 mpg-e average. The Niro offers a roomy and comfortable cabin, modern styling, and advanced technology features, although it falls slightly short in terms of cargo space.
Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is a well-rounded vehicle, offering both fuel efficiency and a sporty driving experience. With 50 city mpg and 232 lb-ft of torque, it provides a comfortable and chic interior at a reasonable starting price of $30,100.
Lexus ES 300h
The 2025 Lexus ES 300h is a luxurious hybrid sedan that offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, modern styling, and an impressive 44 mpg combined. With a price tag of $45,000, it provides excellent value for those seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich driving experience.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is another stylish option, featuring a sharp, shark-like nose and a sleek silhouette. It offers an impressive 54 mpg combined for the base trim, with the rest of the lineup still achieving 50 mpg. The major drawback is the extensive use of hard plastic in the interior, particularly in the back seat.
These hybrid vehicles offer a combination of fuel efficiency, performance, and modern design, making them excellent choices for eco-conscious drivers who do not want to compromise on style or performance.
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$16.25 $17.04
Plug-in hybrids
When choosing a plug-in hybrid, it is important to consider various factors such as acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value for money, and driving enjoyment. The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, for example, offers a manufacturer-estimated 108 mpg-e average and an electric-only range of 33 miles. It is equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing a total of 180 hp. The Niro is also available as a hybrid or EV, so you can choose the powertrain that best suits your needs.
Another strong contender in the compact SUV category is the 2024 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid. It features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a front electric motor, delivering a combined 210 hp and an estimated 101 mpg-e. With its impressive fuel efficiency and peppy performance, the Ford Escape is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between efficiency and driving dynamics.
For those seeking a more luxurious option, the BMW 330e offers a seamless blend of performance and luxury. It boasts an electric-only range of 62 miles and can sprint from 0-62 mph in just 5.9 seconds. The 330e also stands out for its high-quality interior, spacious cabin, and advanced infotainment system. With its low running costs and executive-level refinement, the BMW 330e is a top choice in the executive car segment.
Lastly, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV Prime-Line is worth considering if you're looking for an affordable plug-in hybrid. While its official electric range of 53 miles may not be the highest, it is still sufficient for the commutes of most buyers. The MX-30 impresses with its impeccable build quality and stylish interior. At a price of £31,495, it offers a compelling package that doesn't compromise on quality or driving experience.
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Fuel-saving driving tips
When it comes to buying a car, one of the most important factors is the vehicle's efficiency. While modern vehicles are generally more efficient than older models, some cars are more fuel-efficient than others. The Toyota Prius, for example, is known for its excellent fuel economy, while the Kia Niro is a good choice for those seeking a hybrid SUV. The Honda Accord and the Lexus ES are also praised for their efficiency and performance.
- Maintain a constant speed: Driving at a steady pace and avoiding rapid acceleration or deceleration can improve fuel efficiency. Using cruise control on flat roads can help maintain a constant speed and reduce fuel consumption.
- Look ahead: Anticipating traffic conditions and upcoming hazards can help you avoid unnecessary stops and starts, which consume more fuel.
- Minimize braking: Instead of using the brakes, gently ease off the throttle to reduce speed and maintain momentum.
- Use the correct gears: Change gears at the appropriate RPM (2,500 for petrol and 2,000 for diesel) and avoid letting your car struggle in a higher gear.
- Stick to the speed limit: Driving at high speeds can significantly increase fuel consumption. Slowing down by 5 to 10 mph can save up to 14% in fuel use.
- Reduce weight and wind resistance: Remove unnecessary items and roof racks to reduce the weight and wind resistance of your vehicle, which can improve fuel efficiency.
- Avoid idling: Turn off your engine when stationary, and avoid letting your car idle for extended periods. Many modern cars have start/stop systems that automatically turn off the engine when the car is stationary, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
- Use the recommended engine oil and tyre pressure: Using the correct type of engine oil and maintaining proper tyre pressure can improve fuel efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your vehicle.
- Limit air conditioning and heating use: Air conditioning and heating systems use engine power, increasing fuel consumption. Dress appropriately for the weather, and limit the use of these systems when possible.
- Combine trips: Plan your trips efficiently to avoid multiple short trips, which can use more fuel. A warmed-up engine is more fuel-efficient, so combining trips can help improve overall fuel economy.
By following these tips and choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle, you can save money on fuel costs and reduce your environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the best fuel-efficient cars on the market:
- Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Elantra
- Toyota Corolla
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Kia Niro
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Lexus ES
- Toyota Crown
If you are looking for a taller vehicle, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson hybrids are good options. They have a pretty good, normal-driving powertrain and can average mid-30s easily.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most affordable fuel-efficient car with a starting price of just under $18,000.
