Mercedes Mullins
When shopping for a new car, fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors for many buyers. The good news is that most modern vehicles are far more efficient than older models, and some are better than others. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the fuel economy of new vehicles so consumers can make an educated decision. In addition, the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and EPA, sets stringent fuel economy and carbon dioxide standards that increase 1.5% per year from 2021 to 2026 for both passenger cars and light trucks. This means that car buyers have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a vehicle that is both fuel-efficient and safe.
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Fuel economy ratings
Fuel economy is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car. It impacts your weekly operating costs and can help you save money in the long run. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the fuel economy of new vehicles, and their ratings are a valuable resource for consumers.
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue is the cheapest car with the best gas mileage, starting at $25,450. The 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is the most efficient car you can buy, with EPA ratings of 127 MPGe and 52 mpg. It also has a safety score of 9.6 out of 10. The 2025 Toyota Camry, which has been fully redesigned for the 2025 model year, boasts the best ratings, with a US News overall score of 9.6 out of 10.
The Honda Civic is the most efficient non-hybrid compact car you can buy, with impressive fuel efficiency. The 2024 Honda Civic EX is rated at 33/42/36 mpg, while the base model is rated at 31/40/35 mpg in the LX trim and 30/37/33 mpg in the Sport trim. The Honda Civic Sedan with a 1.5-liter engine and CVT automatic transmission is rated at 33/42 mpg. The Honda Civic Hatchback with the same engine and transmission is rated at 31/39 mpg.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback with a 2.0-liter engine and 10-speed automatic transmission is rated at 32/41 mpg. The compact 2024 Toyota Corolla also offers a hybrid powertrain, which is known for its impressive fuel economy and is rated at 50 mpg. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car sold today and is also the most affordable, with a starting price of just under $18,000. The Mirage hatchback is rated at 36/43/39 mpg, while the Mirage G4 sedan is rated at 35/41/37 mpg.
Other fuel-efficient cars include the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, which offers spacious seating for five and plenty of easy-to-use technology features. The 2024 Nissan Rogue is rated at 30/37 mpg with a 1.5-liter engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2024 Kia K5 is rated at 29/38 mpg with a 1.6-liter engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2024 Lexus ES is a reasonably priced mid-size luxury sedan with a smooth driving experience, lots of safety features, and a plush interior.
When choosing a fuel-efficient car, it is important to consider not only the fuel economy but also other factors such as safety, performance, comfort, and technology features.
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Electric vehicles
The high efficiency of electric-drive components in EVs results in lower fuel costs and reduced emissions. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) emit nothing when operating in all-electric mode. The use of electricity as a power source for transportation improves public health and the environment, and provides safety benefits. EVs also have performance benefits, with electric motors providing quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration, requiring less maintenance than internal combustion engines.
EVs have a shorter driving range than most conventional vehicles, although this is improving. Most EVs can travel more than 100 miles on a single charge, and some can exceed 200 or 300 miles, depending on the model. The battery charging efficiency of EVs can vary but is often between 84% and 93%.
The purchase price of EVs can be significantly higher than that of conventional vehicles, but this is likely to change as production volumes increase and battery technologies mature. These initial costs can be offset by fuel cost savings, federal tax credits, and state and utility incentives.
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Hybrid vehicles
Hybrids are more efficient in city driving because they reduce idling by turning the engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarting when the accelerator is pressed. This, along with regenerative braking, makes hybrids more efficient than conventional vehicles in city driving, which includes a significant amount of idling. The Toyota Prius, for example, is known for its reliability and offers an overall fuel economy of 43 mpg. The 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid is another excellent choice, offering reliability and fuel economy in a midsize sedan package.
The Kia Niro is another practical and efficient hybrid SUV with advanced technology and an impressive warranty. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is also a good option, offering 51/58/54 mpg, while the Toyota Corolla Hybrid provides 53/46/50 mpg. The 2024 Honda Civic is another fuel-efficient option, with the most efficient model being the mid-level EX, rated at 33/42/36 mpg.
While hybrids have improved significantly over the years, drawbacks such as slower acceleration and higher costs compared to conventional vehicles may still be present. However, with advancements in technology, these issues are being addressed, making hybrids a more attractive option for those seeking fuel efficiency and safety.
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Safety ratings
When it comes to choosing a car, fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider, as it impacts your weekly operating costs. Many modern vehicles offer impressive fuel efficiency, and you can choose from a range of options, including gas-only, gas-electric hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.
While selecting a fuel-efficient car, you may also want to consider its safety ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a list of the safest cars on sale, which includes sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and EVs. The IIHS conducts rigorous testing, including crash tests and evaluations of automatic emergency braking (AEB) and headlight systems.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a reliable choice, offering both sedan and hatchback variants. It is known for its fuel efficiency, with the sedan LE and hatchback SE being the most efficient, rated at 32/41/35 mpg. The 2024 Toyota Corolla also offers a hybrid powertrain, making it a fuel-efficient and safe option.
Honda Civic
The 2024 Honda Civic provides excellent fuel efficiency, with a choice of sedan or hatchback body styles and three engine options. The most efficient version is the mid-level EX with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 33/42/36 mpg.
Toyota Prius
The 2024 Toyota Prius has improved fuel economy and driving dynamics, offering up to 196 horsepower. The base LE trim with FWD is the most efficient, rated at 57/56/57 mpg. The Prius has undergone a redesign, resulting in a dramatic swept-back exterior but a compromise on rear headroom and cargo space.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish and pragmatic choice, offering good fuel economy and standard tech features. It is available as a gas-only or hybrid model. The gas-only version is rated at 32/41/36 mpg, while the hybrid model provides even better fuel efficiency, with the base Blue variant rated at 51/58/54 mpg.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is a reasonably priced mid-size luxury sedan that offers a smooth driving experience, a plush interior, and an array of safety features.
It is important to note that safety standards and ratings are constantly evolving, and organisations like IIHS are updating their testing criteria to make vehicles safer. When making a purchase decision, be sure to refer to the latest safety ratings and consider your specific needs and preferences.
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Cost
Fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car, as it has an impact on your weekly operating costs. While electric vehicles are an option, they may not suit the driving needs or budgets of many car shoppers. Therefore, a frugal gas-only, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be a more ideal choice.
The cost of a fuel-efficient car varies depending on the make and model. Here are some examples of fuel-efficient cars currently on the market, along with their starting prices:
- The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most affordable car on this list, with a starting price of just under $18,000. The Mirage hatchback is the most fuel-efficient version, rated at 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined, while the Mirage G4 sedan is rated at 35/41/37 mpg.
- The 2024 Honda Civic offers both sedan and hatchback body styles and three engine choices. The most efficient version is the mid-level EX, rated at 33/42/36 mpg. The 2025 version of the Honda Civic is also the most efficient nonhybrid compact car you can buy.
- The 2023 Nissan Versa is one of the most affordable new cars on the market, with a starting price of around $15,000. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, which helps improve fuel economy to 27/35/30 mpg.
- The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that delivers better-than-average mileage at an affordable price.
- The 2023 Kia Forte is a roomy and budget-friendly compact sedan with modern styling.
- The 2023 Nissan Sentra is a stylish, fuel-efficient, and compact sedan with modern technology at an affordable price.
- The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that blends style with value.
- The 2023 Toyota Crown is a full-size sedan with a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.
- The 2023 Lexus UX 250h is a spacious hybrid SUV that gets more than 42 mpg. The front-wheel-drive version has a combined fuel economy of 43 mpg, while adding all-wheel drive drops the fuel economy to 39 mpg.
- The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue has an average fuel consumption of 38 mpg, with 38 mpg in both city and highway driving.
- The 2023 Toyota Venza AWD is a hybrid SUV that gets around 40 mpg overall.
- The 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and fuel economy.
- The 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid is a well-rounded family sedan with spacious seating and easy-to-use technology features. While it is expensive for its class, it is more upscale than most of its competitors.
- The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is one of the most affordable and efficient small hybrid cars on the market. Even the base trim is well-equipped, and it is a great commuter vehicle that won't break the bank. The Elantra Hybrid Blue trim level is the most affordable and efficient version, with a combined fuel economy rating of 54 mpg.
- The Kia Niro is a hybrid SUV that is on the small side but has a roomy and comfortable cabin with modern styling and great technology features. It falls short of most competitors in terms of cargo space. The Niro is available with plug-in hybrid and EV powertrains, which can further improve fuel economy.
It is worth noting that fuel economy can vary depending on factors such as driving style and vehicle maintenance. Additionally, the cost of owning and operating a vehicle includes more than just the fuel expenses, such as insurance, maintenance, and repairs. Therefore, it is important to consider the overall cost of ownership when deciding on a fuel-efficient car.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some safe and fuel-efficient car options:
- 2024 Hyundai Elantra (non-hybrid)
- 2024 Honda Civic (non-hybrid)
- 2024 Toyota Corolla (non-hybrid)
- 2023 Toyota Prius (hybrid)
- 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
- 2025 Toyota Camry
- 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage (non-hybrid)
- 2021 Mazda CX-9
- 2025 Honda Civic (hybrid)
- 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid
- 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue
It is important to consider the fuel economy ratings of the car, which can be found on the EPA website. You should also think about your budget and driving needs, as switching to an electric vehicle may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, keep in mind that idling can waste a lot of fuel, so it is best to avoid it.
Fuel-efficient cars can help you save money on fuel in the long run and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
