Mercedes Mullins
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration when buying a car, with many factors influencing a vehicle's efficiency beyond its engine and specifications. Driving habits, such as speeding and rapid acceleration, can significantly decrease fuel efficiency, while regular tune-ups, proper tyre inflation, and using the recommended motor oil can improve it. With fuel prices rising, choosing a fuel-efficient car is one of the best ways to save money. Electric vehicles offer zero fuel bills, but for those who need a gas-powered car, a frugal gas-only, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be a great option. So, which cars offer the best fuel efficiency?
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What You'll Learn
Fuel-efficient SUVs
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration when shopping for a new car, and it's highly dependent on the size of the vehicle. Many modern SUVs are fuel-efficient, offering both power and performance. Here are some of the best fuel-efficient SUVs on the market:
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a popular choice, known for its impressive fuel efficiency. With a 2.5-liter I-4 hybrid powertrain, it delivers better power, acceleration, and fuel economy than its non-hybrid counterpart. It has a very impressive EPA city mpg rating of 41, making it Toyota's second most fuel-efficient SUV. While it is more expensive than the gasoline-only model, its improved efficiency, refinement, and quicker acceleration make it a compelling option.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue is a stylish and relatively inexpensive SUV with good fuel efficiency. It offers a spacious interior and improved performance compared to its previous models. However, it lags behind some rivals in terms of fuel efficiency by upwards of 7 mpg.
Lexus NX 350h AWD
The 2025 Lexus NX 350h AWD is a luxurious and refined SUV with excellent fuel efficiency. Its highly efficient electric motors and 2.5-liter I-4 engine make it one of the best gas mileage SUVs on the market. While it may not be the most exciting option, it offers a comfortable ride and a generous resale value.
Toyota Crown Signia AWD
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia AWD is a premium midsize crossover SUV with impressive fuel efficiency. With fuel efficiency nearing 40 mpg, it outperforms many other hybrids thanks to Toyota's advanced hybrid system. The Crown Signia also comes loaded with Toyota Safety Sense tech features, making it a safe and efficient choice.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a highly fuel-efficient "crossover SUV" that delivers an impressive average of 55 mpg. It offers a simple drivetrain, good power, and a spacious interior. The Kia Niro is a great choice for those seeking a practical and efficient SUV.
In addition to these models, other fuel-efficient SUVs worth considering include the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2025 Nissan Rogue, 2025 Honda CR-V, and the 2024 Toyota Venza. When choosing an SUV, it's important to consider factors such as size, budget, and the specific features that are most important to you.
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Hybrid cars
Hybrids are particularly efficient in stop-start traffic and at low speeds, where electric motors are most effective. This makes them ideal for city driving and short journeys, which may use little to no petrol at all. The Toyota Prius, for example, has been a leader in hybrid fuel efficiency for years, with the 2017 model achieving 50 mpg overall in real-world driving. The 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid takes this even further, with EPA ratings of 127 MPGe and 52 mpg. The Prius is also enjoyable to drive and has a fantastic all-electric range of 44 miles in its most efficient base trim.
Other hybrid models also offer impressive fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, for instance, is one of the most affordable and efficient small hybrid cars on the market. It shares its powertrain with the Kia Niro, which gets 55 mpg. The Corolla Hybrid from Toyota adds the brand's fantastic hybrid technology to its compact car, resulting in excellent fuel economy ratings. The Honda Civic and Accord have also been praised for their fuel efficiency, with the 2020 Civic achieving 50 mpg on the highway in eco mode.
When considering the efficiency of hybrid cars, it's important to note the differences between full hybrids and mild hybrids. Full hybrids can be charged with electricity, dramatically increasing their overall efficiency. In contrast, mild hybrids offer little to no fuel efficiency benefit in real-world conditions, and their primary purpose is often to meet emissions standards. When choosing a hybrid car, it's also worth considering factors beyond fuel efficiency, such as performance, technology, and safety features.
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Electric cars
Another highly efficient electric car is the Kia EV6, which offers a range of trim levels to suit different preferences. The 2024 Kia EV6 is a 5-seater vehicle with a distinctive, sculpted exterior and a modern, spacious interior. While it has a higher starting price and limited cargo space, it delivers impressive efficiency, estimated at 134 MPGe in the city and 101 MPGe on the highway.
The BMW i4 is another notable electric vehicle, sharing its design with the gas-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe. It offers a sporty feel, high-performance trims, and a range of 276 to 310 miles, depending on the model. However, like the Kia EV6, the BMW i4 has limited cargo space.
The 2025 Kia Niro EV is a smaller, yet surprisingly spacious 5-seater electric car. With two trim levels available, the Niro EV offers a good balance of efficiency and range, estimated at 126 MPGe in the city and 101 MPGe on the highway, with a total range of 253 miles.
It is worth noting that the efficiency of electric vehicles can be measured in different ways, such as kilowatt-hours per 100 miles or miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). The MPGe value attempts to provide a comparable measure of fuel economy between electric and gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, the size of an electric vehicle's battery and its efficiency are crucial factors in determining the overall range, similar to the fuel tank size and engine efficiency in conventional cars.
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Affordable fuel-efficient cars
When it comes to affordable fuel-efficient cars, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the top choices:
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a popular choice for those seeking fuel efficiency. The 2025 model year Prius Plug-In Hybrid has EPA ratings of 127 MPGe and 52 mpg, making it one of the most efficient vehicles on the market. It offers sleek styling, a smooth ride, and a long list of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2024 model has improved fuel economy and driving dynamics, with up to 196 horsepower.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is another highly efficient and affordable option. It offers up to 51 mpg in the city and 58 mpg on the highway. The Elantra is known for its spacious cabin, competitive price, and ample features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It delivers a gentle ride and is an excellent choice for those prioritizing comfort over handling agility.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a compact car with impressive fuel efficiency. It offers sedan and hatchback body styles, front- or all-wheel drive, and a hybrid powertrain. The Corolla Hybrid provides a smooth ride, roomy front seats, and standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is an excellent value proposition, combining fantastic fuel economy with a generous list of user-friendly tech features.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, particularly the 2022 model, stands out for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior. It offers superb cabin quality, comfortable seats, and intuitive controls. The 2.0-liter engine produces 158 horsepower and achieves an EPA-estimated 41 MPG on the highway. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic pre-collision braking.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a fuel-efficient option that offers a simple drivetrain and good cargo space. It has been known to average 55 mpg and comes standard with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.
These cars represent a combination of affordability and fuel efficiency, making them attractive options for budget-conscious shoppers looking to save on fuel costs without compromising on features and performance.
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Fuel-efficient driving habits
The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient car you can buy in 2025. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is also one of the most affordable and efficient cars, making it a great choice for commuters. The Honda Civic and Accord are also known to be good options for fuel efficiency.
Now, let's discuss some fuel-efficient driving habits that can help you save money and reduce emissions:
Avoid Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviours, such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and frequent or hard braking, can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Analysis by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that these behaviours can lower fuel economy by up to 30% on highways and up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Instead, try to maintain a steady speed and accelerate gently to improve fuel efficiency.
Reduce Weight and Drag
The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it will consume. Remove any unnecessary items from your car, and if you're not using a car-top cargo box, take it off to reduce weight and wind resistance. Additionally, try to minimise driving tall or bulky vehicles unless absolutely necessary, as they tend to have greater aerodynamic drag, increasing fuel consumption.
Minimise Idling
Idling wastes fuel and can reduce your vehicle's fuel economy. Turn off your engine when stopped for more than 60 seconds, except when in traffic. The average vehicle with a 3-litre engine wastes 300 millilitres of fuel for every 10 minutes of idling.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Driving with under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption and reduce the life of your tires. Check your vehicle's recommended tire pressure, usually found on the driver's door or doorpost, and ensure your tires are properly inflated.
Plan Your Route
Avoid routes with heavy traffic, multiple stoplights, and intersections. These interruptions can decrease fuel efficiency and increase travel time. Use route planning tools or applications that can help you find the most fuel-efficient route.
Combine Trips and Reduce Unnecessary Driving
The best way to reduce fuel consumption is simply to drive less. Plan your trips to combine multiple errands, and if possible, opt for alternative transportation methods such as walking, biking, or carpooling.
By adopting these fuel-efficient driving habits and choosing a vehicle known for its excellent fuel economy, you can significantly reduce your fuel costs and environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is the most efficient car you can buy in 2025, with EPA ratings of 127 MPGe and 52 mpg.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD is Toyota’s second most fuel-efficient SUV, with an EPA rating of 41 mpg in the city.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the least thirsty gas-powered car sold in 2024. The Mirage hatchback is rated at 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined, while the Mirage G4 sedan is rated at 35/41/37 mpg.
