Rajan Wilcox
With rising fuel prices, choosing a car with good fuel efficiency is increasingly important. While electric vehicles are a great option, they are not for everyone. For those looking for a car with low fuel consumption, there are several options available. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) releases an annual list of the least efficient cars, which is dominated by high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles. However, there are also many vehicles known for their impressive fuel economy, such as the Toyota Prius, which returns 52 mpg overall, and the Ford C-Max Hybrid, which delivers 37 mpg. The Peugeot 208 diesel hybrid is another impressive option, officially returning more than 70 mpg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Car with the least fuel consumption | Toyota Prius |
| MPG | 52 |
| Annual gas | 231 gallons |
| Annual gas cost | $650 |
| Car with the second least fuel consumption | Ford C-Max Hybrid SE |
| MPG | 37 |
| Annual gas | 324 gallons |
| Annual gas cost | $914 |
| Car with the third least fuel consumption | Lexus ES 300h |
| MPG | 36 |
| Annual gas | 333 gallons |
| Annual gas cost | $939 |
| Car with the worst fuel economy | Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport |
| MPG | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
Tips to reduce fuel consumption
Fuel economy is a concern for most drivers, especially with the ever-rising prices of gasoline. While choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle is a good start, there are several other ways to reduce fuel consumption. Here are some tips to help you save fuel and money:
Choose a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
When purchasing a new car, consider choosing a model with excellent fuel efficiency. Hybrid and electric cars are known for their impressive fuel economy, with some hybrids offering up to 58 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway. For example, the Toyota Prius is a sensible choice, known for its efficiency and low running costs. It can drive solely on electric power at lower speeds and has an improved overall mpg compared to its previous generation.
Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly
Regular maintenance and servicing can significantly improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil changes, tire rotations, and replacements of parts such as air filters and spark plugs. Properly inflated tires are crucial, as underinflated or overinflated tires adversely affect fuel economy. Additionally, clogged air filters can reduce gas mileage, so make sure to replace them as needed.
Drive at Optimal Speeds
The speed you drive at has a significant impact on fuel consumption. Typically, cars are most efficient at speeds between 45 and 50 mph. Driving at or near the speed limit and maintaining a constant speed can help improve fuel economy. When approaching a hill, accelerate slightly before reaching it and then ease off as you drive up to minimize additional fuel consumption.
Accelerate and Brake Steadily
Apply steady and consistent pressure to the accelerator pedal. Heavy acceleration and constant braking waste fuel and reduce fuel economy. Driving at a steady pace and coasting when possible can help improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Reduce Drag and Wind Resistance
Keep your windows closed, especially when driving at speeds above 35 mph. Open windows create more drag and wind resistance, increasing fuel consumption. Additionally, minimize the use of air conditioning when possible, as it can impact fuel economy. Instead, consider using the regular fan settings for ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature.
By following these tips and adopting more fuel-efficient driving habits, you can significantly reduce your fuel consumption and save money at the pump.
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Fuel-efficient cars in 2025
With the retail price of gasoline being $3.30 per gallon in 2024 and the prices not showing any significant drop, buying a fuel-efficient car is more important than ever. Fuel-efficient cars not only save money but also help reduce carbon footprint.
The 2025 Toyota Crown is a unique offering among luxury sedans with its unconventional looks and rich interior. The Crown achieves an EPA-certified 41 mpg combined, which is 3 mpg higher than the Crown Signia SUV. The Honda CR-V is another popular choice among buyers looking for a family-friendly yet reasonably priced SUV. The car achieves an average of 40 mpg combined, saving buyers around $2,500 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is another affordable option, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that achieves 47 mpg combined, translating to savings of $3,250 on fuel over five years.
For those looking for a compact SUV, the Ford Escape is a strong contender, offering a competitive efficiency figure of 39 mpg for its 2025 mild hybrid model. The Lexus ES, a mid-size luxury sedan, offers a smooth driving experience, lots of safety features, and a plush interior at a reasonable price. The Toyota Prius is another excellent choice, delivering an impressive 52 mpg overall and offering a quiet, comfortable ride.
While some cars excel in fuel efficiency, others fall short. High-performance sports cars and luxury rides, such as the Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, and Bugatti Chiron, tend to have poor fuel economy. For example, the 2020 Bugatti Chiron has a combined mpg rating of just 11.
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Least fuel-efficient cars
When it comes to the least fuel-efficient cars, high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles tend to dominate the rankings. These cars may offer powerful engines and impressive performance, but they often come at the cost of poor fuel economy. Here are some examples of vehicles that fall into this category:
Bugatti Chiron
The Bugatti Chiron, a high-performance sports car, has consistently ranked among the worst fuel economy vehicles. In 2020, the base model of the Chiron tied for the absolute worst fuel economy of all vehicles, achieving just 11 miles per gallon. The Chiron Pur Sport, an even more performance-focused variant, has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 8 miles per gallon in the city, making it one of the least fuel-efficient cars on the market.
Lamborghini Aventador
The Lamborghini Aventador, available in both coupe and roadster versions, offers 13 miles per gallon combined and 15 miles per gallon on the highway. While it delivers an impressive 730 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque, its fuel efficiency is significantly lower than that of more fuel-conscious vehicles.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Introduced in 2021, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury car known for its opulent features and dismal fuel economy. With a 6.7-liter V-12 engine and a weight of over 5500 pounds, it achieves a combined rating of 14 miles per gallon, with 19 miles per gallon on the highway.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES, while offering sound handling and a quiet cabin, falls short of being engaging or fun. The hybrid version returns 36 miles per gallon overall and 44 miles per gallon on the highway, which is good for its class but not as impressive as some of the more efficient vehicles on the market.
Ford C-Max Hybrid
The Ford C-Max Hybrid is a clever and practical hatchback, but it falls short in terms of fuel efficiency compared to other hybrids. It delivers 37 miles per gallon overall, which is lower than what some of its hybrid competitors offer.
It's worth noting that while these vehicles may have lower fuel efficiency, they often cater to specific performance, luxury, or other niche market requirements. Additionally, advancements in technology and engine design may lead to improvements in fuel economy for future models.
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Fuel-efficient cars by class
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many car buyers, especially with rising fuel prices. While all-electric vehicles are an option, they may not suit everyone's budget or driving needs. Therefore, a frugal gas-only, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid vehicle is ideal for many. Here is a list of some of the most fuel-efficient cars by class:
Hybrid Vehicles
The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid vehicle that has always been about efficiency and low running costs. The latest model can drive solely on electricity up to about 25 mph and achieves an overall mileage of 52 mpg. The Ford C-Max Hybrid is another excellent choice, delivering 37 mpg overall. The Lexus ES 300h is a hybrid that combines size and fuel economy, offering 36 mpg overall and 44 mpg on the highway.
Gas-Only Vehicles
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is currently the most fuel-efficient gas-powered car on the market. It comes in both hatchback and sedan versions, with the hatchback rated at 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined and the sedan rated at 35/41/37 mpg. The 2024 Honda Civic is another efficient option, with its most efficient variant rated at 33/42/36 mpg. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra offers excellent fuel economy as well, with its base model delivering 32/41/36 mpg.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
The Kia Niro is a versatile option, offering buyers a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric powertrains. The Niro hybrid base model achieves impressive fuel efficiency figures of 53/54/53 mpg. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is another excellent choice, with its base model rated at 51/53/52 mpg. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid, available in both FWD and AWD, is a practical and efficient compact sedan.
Luxury Vehicles
While luxury cars are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, some options offer better mileage than others. The Skoda Octavia, known for its incredible fuel economy and reliability, is a good choice in this category. The VW Golf, sharing many parts with the Octavia, offers a premium feel and impressive fuel efficiency.
It is worth noting that fuel efficiency can vary depending on driving style and conditions. Additionally, this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other fuel-efficient vehicles in each class.
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Fuel-efficient car features
Fuel efficiency in cars is dependent on several factors, including engine parameters, aerodynamic drag, weight, AC usage, and rolling resistance. Here are some features to look out for when considering a fuel-efficient car:
Aerodynamic Design
Aerodynamic design is crucial for a fuel-efficient car. Automakers invest significant time and money in creating body designs that can effortlessly slice through the wind, reducing drag and optimising fuel efficiency. The shape of the vehicle plays a significant role in how air flows around it, affecting fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds.
Hybrid or Electric Powertrains
Hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric vehicles are often more fuel-efficient than traditional combustion engines. They use two or more power sources, combining a combustion engine with electric motors. The electric motor recaptures kinetic energy during braking, converting it into electrical power, improving fuel efficiency. Electric motors are the most efficient machines for converting energy to rotary motion, and all-electric cars are considered zero-emission vehicles.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking systems, found in some hybrids, recharge the battery when slowing the car, further improving fuel economy. This technology helps reduce fuel consumption and lowers running costs.
Efficient Engine and Drivetrain
A fuel-efficient car should have an engine and drivetrain designed to minimise energy losses. This includes reducing wind resistance, tyre drag, and power required for vehicle systems like ignition and air conditioning. Some modern engines, like the Toyota Prius, can run solely on electric power at lower speeds, improving fuel efficiency in city driving.
Lightweight Construction
Weight plays a role in fuel efficiency. Lighter vehicles generally consume less fuel than heavier ones. Aluminium body panels and lightweight composite materials can contribute to improved fuel efficiency.
Driving Habits and Maintenance
Driving habits and maintenance also impact fuel efficiency. Maintaining proper tyre pressure, avoiding excessive idling, and practising smooth acceleration and deceleration can significantly improve fuel economy. Using cruise control on highways can help maintain a consistent speed and reduce fuel consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
The Peugeot 208 diesel hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient cars, officially returning more than 70mpg. The Skoda Octavia is also a good choice, with its 150hp 2.0-litre TDI unit offering incredible fuel economy.
The Toyota Prius is a sensible choice for efficiency and low running costs, returning 52 mpg overall. The Ford C-Max Hybrid SE is another clever and quiet option, with an overall mpg of 37. The Lexus ES 300h is a good hybrid, returning 36 mpg overall and 44 on the highway.
The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport has one of the worst fuel economies, with just 8-11 mpg. The Rolls-Royce Ghost also has a dismal fuel economy, with a combined rating of 14 mpg. The Lamborghini Aventador and the Ferrari GTC4Lusso are other cars with poor fuel efficiency.
Choosing a car with efficient fuel economy is essential, but there are also driving habits that can help. Maintaining a steady speed on the motorway and avoiding short trips can improve fuel consumption.
Yes, there are battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs have larger batteries than regular hybrids, allowing them to travel further using electricity.
