Katerina Swanson
With gas prices constantly changing, it's important for consumers to save money at the pump. The good news is that most modern car engines are efficient, thanks to turbochargers and hybrid technology. The bad news is that a car's fuel economy will vary depending on the driver's style. For example, a racing driver may have a heavier foot than a more cautious driver, but there are still ways to improve your fuel efficiency. Turning off your air conditioning, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding short trips are all ways to reduce fuel consumption. If you're looking for a new car, there are plenty of options that offer great fuel efficiency, including the Toyota Prius, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Kia Niro.
Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toyota Prius Prime | 127 mpg-e combined average for electric and gas driving and 52 mpg in Hybrid mode in the entry-level SE trim; its all-electric driving range is 45 miles |
| Toyota Prius | 57 mpg |
| Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | 51/58/54 mpg |
| Kia Niro Hybrid | 53/54/53 mpg |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 51/53/52 mpg |
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid | 53/46/50 mpg |
| Nissan Versa | 32/40/35 mpg |
| Honda Accord | N/A |
| Lexus ES | N/A |
| BMW 3 Series | Runs on pure-electric power for around 30 miles and returns well over 100 miles per gallon |
| Skoda Octavia | N/A |
| Hyundai IONIQ | Up to 39 miles on a single charge |
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Fuel-efficient SUVs
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many car buyers, and SUVs have evolved to meet this need. While some models are more fuel-efficient than others, most modern SUVs are far more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. Here is a list of some of the most fuel-efficient SUVs available:
2024 Lexus UX Hybrid
The Lexus UX Hybrid is a stylish SUV that offers a refined driving experience. It boasts impressive fuel economy, with up to 45 mpg in city driving and 41 mpg on the highway. Its sleek design and efficient performance make it a top choice for those seeking a luxury SUV without compromising fuel efficiency.
2024 Toyota Venza
The 2024 Toyota Venza is a comfortable midsize SUV that accommodates up to five passengers. It stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency, achieved through its standard hybrid powertrain. This SUV delivers a smooth and eco-friendly driving experience without sacrificing practicality and performance.
2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a compact SUV that combines excellent fuel economy with a spacious cabin. It offers a refined ride and comes loaded with standard features, including driver-assistance technology. With its versatile cargo space and efficient performance, the CR-V Hybrid is a well-rounded choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient SUV.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV that offers a roomy interior, affordable pricing, and solid fuel economy. It strikes a balance between practicality and efficiency, making it an attractive option for those seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle without compromising on space or technology.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that delivers comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology. It provides a smooth driving experience and is designed to meet the needs of modern drivers who want a combination of performance and efficiency.
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
For those considering a used SUV, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is an excellent choice. It offers seating for up to seven passengers and provides good fuel economy, with ratings of 25 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. Its spacious interior and efficient performance make it a budget-friendly option for families.
It's worth noting that fuel economy may vary based on driving habits and conditions. Additionally, hybrid SUVs, while offering improved fuel efficiency, tend to come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, when choosing a fuel-efficient SUV, it's important to consider factors such as your budget, preferred features, and the overall driving experience you desire.
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Driving style
One of the key aspects of economical driving is maintaining a steady speed. For most cars, the optimal speed for fuel efficiency is between 35 and 50 mph (56 and 80 km/h). However, the specific speed can vary depending on the make and model of the car. For example, the Tesla Model S is most economical at 24 mph (39 km/h), while a 2004 Chevrolet Impala achieves the best result at 42 mph (68 km/h). It is also important to consider traffic conditions when choosing your speed. When roads are congested, a speed of 45 mph (72 km/h) is recommended to maintain energy efficiency.
Another way to improve fuel efficiency is to reduce idling time. Idling can consume a significant amount of fuel and increase emissions. By turning off the engine when stopped for extended periods, you can save fuel and reduce your environmental impact. Additionally, proper maintenance of your vehicle, such as keeping tires properly inflated and ensuring the engine is well-maintained, can also contribute to fuel efficiency.
Driving smoothly is another important aspect of economical driving. This includes avoiding abrupt starts and stops, as well as maintaining a steady speed as much as possible. This reduces the strain on the engine and improves fuel efficiency. It is also beneficial to avoid shorter trips, as the engine needs time to warm up, and cold starts can increase fuel consumption.
Overall, adopting an economical driving style can provide several benefits. It can help improve fuel efficiency, leading to cost savings at the pump and reduced carbon emissions. It can also prolong the life of your vehicle by reducing wear and tear on components such as brakes, tires, and the engine. Additionally, a calmer driving style can lead to reduced stress levels and a more enjoyable driving experience.
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Fuel-efficient sedans
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car. While electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, they are often more expensive than traditional cars, and finding a charging station can be challenging in some areas. A fuel-efficient sedan can be a great alternative, offering good mileage and a wide range of amenities. Here are some of the top fuel-efficient sedans to consider:
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a popular choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient sedan. It offers excellent handling and a fun driving experience thanks to its crisp steering and taut suspension. The base engine is a 158-hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which delivers up to 31/40/35 mpg in the base LX trim and 30/37/33 mpg in the Sport trim. The sportier Si trim comes with a 200-hp, turbo 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, rated at 27/37/31 mpg. The Civic also has a hybrid option, providing even better fuel efficiency.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid vehicle that has recently undergone a redesign, giving it a dramatic swept-back exterior. It offers impressive fuel economy, with an mpg rating of 57/56/57. The self-charging hybrid system ensures you don't have to worry about plugging in, making it a convenient choice.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish and pragmatic sedan known for its good fuel economy. It offers a variety of engine and transmission choices, including a hybrid model. Among the non-hybrid Elantras, the base SE trim with a 147-hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission delivers the best fuel efficiency at 32/41/36 mpg. The hybrid model takes it a step further, with an mpg rating of 51/58/54.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is a compact sedan known for its impressive fuel efficiency. It is equipped with a 122-hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and offers an optional CVT transmission. This combination delivers an mpg rating of 32/40/35, making it a great choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient and low-priced sedan.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a reliable and practical choice, offering both sedan and hatchback variants. The sedan and hatchback SE trims are the most fuel-efficient, rated at 32/41/35 mpg. The Corolla also has a hybrid option, providing even better mileage, with an EPA-estimated mpg rating of 53/46/50 for the FWD variant.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that stands out for its generous legroom and trunk space. It achieves a highway mpg rating of 37, which is impressive for a vehicle in its class. The Accord also has a hybrid option available, providing even better fuel efficiency.
In addition to these options, it's worth mentioning that modern car engines are generally more efficient thanks to turbochargers and hybrid technology. When it comes to maximising fuel efficiency, your driving style also plays a significant role. Simple adjustments, such as turning off air conditioning and maintaining a steady speed, can help improve your vehicle's fuel economy.
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Hybrid cars
There are two main types of hybrids on the market. The first is the traditional hybrid, which uses an electric motor or motors to assist the gas engine. This is the cheaper option of the two. The second is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which has a significant battery pack that can run the car independently or in conjunction with the car's gas engine, achieving an added mileage boost.
There are many hybrid cars on the market that offer excellent fuel economy. The Toyota Prius, for example, has been a venerable name among hybrid vehicles since its introduction in 2001 in the United States. The current model can achieve up to 57 mpg combined, with an all-wheel-drive variant offering 54 mpg. The latest 2024 model has improved styling and a new 2.0-liter powertrain that's rated at 194 hp, helping the car achieve a quicker time to 60 mph.
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is another stylish option, offering a sharp, shark-like nose and a sleek silhouette. It achieves an impressive 54 mpg combined, with the rest of the lineup netting at least 50 mpg. The Kia Niro is also a good choice, offering 53 mpg combined and proving that crossovers can be efficient too.
If you're looking for an SUV, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is the only SUV to crack 40 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' tests. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is another option, offering 51/53/52 mpg, and the 2025 Toyota Crown is a full hybrid that is capable of running on battery power alone and using the engine to charge the battery.
While hybrid cars typically have a higher purchase price than gas cars, they are becoming more affordable, and with soaring gas prices, the improved fuel economy they offer is becoming a key buying decision for many consumers.
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Electric cars
The cost of electric cars has been a significant barrier for many prospective buyers, with most new EVs priced out of the average buyer's range. However, there are now several affordable options available, with prices starting as low as £20,000. Vauxhall, for example, has managed to price its entry-level electric cars similarly to their petrol-engine equivalents, making EVs more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
When considering the most economical electric car, it's essential to look at the overall cost of ownership, including the purchase price, running costs, and maintenance expenses. Some of the cheapest electric cars on the market include the Nissan Leaf, which starts at under $30,000, and the Hyundai Kona Electric, which offers a stylish and practical option for under $40,000. The Kona Electric has an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles for its cheapest variant, while the Leaf has a range of 149 miles with its standard 40-kilowatt-hour battery.
Other affordable options include the 2025 Kia Niro EV, which offers a stylish and well-equipped package at a reasonable price, and the Equinox EV, which provides excellent value for money with its long-range capabilities of 319 miles on a full charge. The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E is another notable electric SUV, offering a first-rate experience.
While the initial cost of electric cars may still be higher than their gasoline counterparts, the gap is slowly closing, and with dealer financing and government incentives, such as tax credits, the dream of owning an electric car is becoming more attainable for many.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several cars that are known to be very economical on fuel. Here are some of the top-ranked cars in no particular order:
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Accord
- Lexus ES
- Hyundai Elantra
- Toyota Corolla
- Skoda Octavia
The fuel economy of a car depends on the person driving it. For example, a racing driver may have a heavier foot than someone who drives slower and more carefully. Other factors that affect fuel economy include the car's engine, driving conditions, and driving style.
You can make a few changes to your driving style to ensure your car is more fuel-efficient. For example, turning off your air conditioning, avoiding shorter trips, and keeping your revs and speed steady on the motorway.
The most fuel-efficient cars of 2025 include the BMW 3 Series, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, and the Mitsubishi Mirage.
