Gas prices may fluctuate from day to day and week to week, but they always seem to increase year after year. That makes fuel economy a very important factor when considering buying a new car. Many consumers are realizing the usefulness of considering the most fuel efficient cars available now in their car search. Before you invest your hard earned cash on a car, consider these 10 fuel-saving options.
Most Fuel Efficient Cars FAQ
1. What is a Fuel Efficient Car?
2. How Do Hybrid and Electric Cars Work?
3. Where Can You Buy Cars?
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty. We went to many sources to gather and compare this information.
The lowest base price of the lowest end model that we reviewed was $16,975, which was the Chevy Cruze. The highest base price was for the Toyota Avalon Hybrid at $42,800. It is like comparing apples to oranges here because the Chevy Cruze is a compact sedan with minimal standard features and the Toyota Avalon is a large sedan with many standard features.
Overall Price Range of These Cars
What We Reviewed
- Toyota Prius 3
- Hyundai Ioniq Blue
- Toyota Prius Prime
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
- Honda Clarity PHEV
- Kia Niro FE
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
- Chevy Cruze
comparison table
Name | IMage | MSRP | Where to Buy? |
|---|---|---|---|
TOYOTA PRIUS 3 |  | $23,475-$30,565 | |
Hyundai Ioniq Blue |  | $22,200-$27,550 | |
Toyota Prius Prime |  | 27,100-$33,100 | |
Honda Accord Hybrid |  | $23,570-$35,800 | |
Toyota Camry Hybrid LE |  | 23,495-$34,950 | |
Honda Clarity PHEV |  | $33,400-36,600 | |
Kia Niro FE |  | $23,340-$32,000 | |
Toyota Avalon Hybrid |  | $35,500-$42,800 | |
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid |  | $21,680-$31,020 | |
Chevy Cruze |  | $16,975-$25,920 |
Toyota Prius 3
Image Via Toyota.com
Features
Every Prius model is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™, an advanced suite of safety technologies to help you drive with confidence. It has a comfortable modern seat design and a nice multimedia display. The suspension, body rigidity, and aerodynamics of Prius provide a smooth ride.
The Toyota Prius has been one of the most fuel efficient cars available for quite some time. It was an early entry into the market, with limited sales in the year 2000. The latest generation Prius has been improved greatly since the last generation. The Prius has always been shown to be efficient and has low operating costs. There are many different models of the Prius, including a version that offers a plug-in combination (the Toyota Prius Prime, discussed below). This particular review is of the Toyota Prius 3.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $23,475-$30,565.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at toyota.com
Interior
The Prius has a standard 4.2-inch color dual Multi-Information Display with customizable screens. The Prius has a comfortable, smart seat design with front bucket seats. The driver’s seat has many adjustment settings with power lumbar support. You can control the audio, display, and hands-free calling from the steering wheel. 60/40 split fold-down rear seats maximize cargo space.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Prius has an aerodynamic exterior which allows it to smooth airflow, thus maximizing fuel efficiency. This also provides a smooth ride because of smart design, advanced materials, and construction techniques. The Prius 3 boasts an overall MPG of 52, a city MPG of 43, and a Highway MPG of 59.
Reliability
The Prius received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
The standard forward-collision warning and automatic braking system are great safety features. The integrated backup camera appears when you are in reverse, to help when you are parking in a tight spot or backing up. Also available is the Blind Spot Monitor system. It helps you determine when it is safe to change lanes. Additionally, there is an available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert designed to provide an audible indication to help warn you of approaching vehicles. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are also very important for safety.
Warranty
The basic warranty for the Prius 3 is 36 months/36,000 miles. It also has a 60 months/60,000 miles warranty for the Powertrain, Corrosion Perforation, and Restraint Systems. There is a 96 months/100,000 miles warranty for the Hybrid System.
Hyundai Ioniq Blue
Image Via hyundaiusa.com
Features
The Hyundai Ioniq has a clean, aerodynamic shape and modern styling. Additionally, it has solid engineering and advanced technology. There are a number of advanced safety features that are available. But its 52 overall MPG makes it one of the most fuel efficient cars available now.
There are three highly efficient powertrains available (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric). This review focuses on the hybrid (Blue) version.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $22,200-$27,550.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at hyundaiusa.com
Interior
A power driver seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, and leather seating surfaces are available. Additionally, there is an available 8-inch color audio touchscreen navigation is available. The car has 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks to give you flexibility.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Ioniq has an aerodynamic exterior which allows it to smooth airflow, thus maximizing fuel efficiency. This also provides a smooth ride because of smart design, advanced materials, and construction techniques. The Ioniq hybrid boasts an overall MPG of 52, a city MPG of 43, and a Highway MPG of 59.
Reliability
The Ioniq received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
There is an automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection feature available, an available blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert system, and an available Lane Keep Assist, that alerts you when you are veering into another lane of traffic.
Warranty
The basic warranty is for 5 year/60,000 miles. There is a 10 year/100,000 miles Powertrain warranty, a 7 year/unlimited Rust through warranty, and a 5 year/unlimited Roadside aid warranty. Every detail has been optimized to make it advanced and efficient.
Toyota Prius Prime
Image Via toyota.com
Features
The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in Prius version. It is by far one of the most fuel efficient cars with an EPA equivalent MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent - a measure of the average distance traveled per unit of energy consumed) of 133. You are able to choose drive modes to help you select the perfect drive. Prime also has an available intelligent drive coach feature to help elevate your efficiency even further.
The Prime can usually drive about 23 miles on electricity only, but the gas engine starts up in cold weather and under full acceleration. It takes 2 hours to charge the Prime through a 240-volt connector and 5 hours on a regular 120-volt. When not running in EV mode, the Prime alternates between electric and gas power, returning 50 mpg overall.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $27,100-$33,100.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at toyota.com
Interior
There is a nice 11.6 inch HD multimedia display that is available. The customizable 4.2-in color dual Multi-Information Display screen provides lots of information and is steering wheel controlled. The Prime has comfortable supportive seats. The front seats feature deep bolsters for body hugging comfort. 60/40 split fold-down rear seats maximize cargo space. Heated front seats are standard in the Prime.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
Similar to the regular hybrid Prius, the Prius Prime has a compliant ride and responsive handling. It has many aerodynamic features and efficient design components, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars available now. It has an MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent - a measure of the average distance traveled per unit of energy consumed) of 133. When using the gas engine only, it has an overall MPG of 50, 38 City MPG, and 62 Highway MPG.
Reliability
The Prime received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense™ makes the Prime designed for safety. It includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. This system may apply additional force using Brake Assist. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses vehicle distance control which adjusts your speed. The prime has lane departure alert with steering assist (the system may make small corrective steering inputs to keep your vehicle in its lane). Additionally, the Prime has Automatic High Beans to help you see more clearly at night, available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, backup camera (standard), and other features.
Warranty
The Prime comes with a basic 3 year/36,000 miles warranty, a 5 year/60,000 miles Powertrain warranty, a 5 year/unlimited Rust through warranty, and a 2 year/unlimited Roadside aid warranty.
Honda Accord Hybrid
Image Via automobiles.honda.com
Features
The Honda Accord Hybrid looks sporty with a lower stance and coupe-like silhouette. It is one of the most fuel efficient cars available, with 47 mpg overall without sacrificing acceleration. It has a new 192-hp engine that delivers adequate power. It also has a new and improved infotainment system which includes knobs or tuning and volume adjustment. Standard safety assistance includes Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It has a roomy interior with dual-zone climate control, 10-way power driver’s seat, and heated mirrors.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $23,570-$35,800.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at automobiles.honda.com
Interior
The Accord has nice leather trimmed seating and roomy interior and includes a 10-way power driver’s seat and dual-zone climate control, as well as heated mirrors. The full-color 7-inch driver interface offers a customizable in-dash display. Its cabin includes Active Noise Cancellation™ which contributes to a quiet interior.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
There is an uplevel turbo-charged 2.0-liter engine available that brings 252 hp and a slick 10-speed automatic transmission with a push-button gear selector. The Honda Accord hybrid has an overall MPG of 47, a city MPG of 40, and a Highway MPG of 52.
Reliability
The Accord received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
In addition to Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, the Accord is equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and drive-assistive technologies. Features include a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist system, and traffic sign recognition.
Warranty
The Honda Accord Hybrid comes with a 3 year/36,000 limited warranty, a five year/60,000 mile Powertrain warranty, and either an 8 year/100,000 or 10 year/150,000 mile warranty for Hybrid components (depending on state regulations where you purchase and register the vehicle).
Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
Image Via toyota.com
Features
The recently redesigned Toyota Camry Hybrid LE is one of the most fuel efficient cars available. It is a sporty looking car. Camry has a Dynamic Force Engine, which provides remarkable efficiency with a powerful and nice drive. The Camry Hybrid has a new standard feature—Apple CarPlay, which allows you to pair your compatible iPhone to provide excellent functionality. The Camry offers the impressive Toyota Safety Sense™ P safety package. This is a mid-size car, making it roomier than other choices.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $23,495-$34,950.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at toyota.com
Interior
The Camry has 8-way power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger seats that are nicely shaped, with available leather trim. Heated front seats are available. The rear seats are also supportive and have optional rear-seat vents. The Camry has an available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan to help you see all around you. Wi-Fi connect by Verizon turns the Camry into a hotspot almost anywhere you go.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Camry hybrid has an overall MPG of 47, a city MPG of 39, and a Highway MPG of 53, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars available. What makes it even nicer is the fact that it is a nimble and nice-looking mid-size car, roomier than many of the other models reviewed.
Reliability
The Camry Hybrid received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
In addition to the excellent Toyota Safety Sense™ P safety package, the car has an Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking available that warns you of nearby obstacles and may reduce engine power and apply the brakes under certain conditions. Also available is a Blind Spot Monitor. There are ten airbags standard on the Camry. Lastly, it includes six advanced safety features standard.
Warranty
The Camry Warranty includes a basic warranty of 3 year/36,000 miles, Powertrain warranty of 5 year/60,000 miles, Rust through warranty of 5 year/unlimited, and Roadside aid of 2 year/unlimited.
Honda Clarity PHEV
Image Via automobiles.honda.com
Features
The Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid model is new for 2018. It is a mid-size car that offers a quality cabin with comfortable seating, excellent fuel economy, and a good electric range (compared to other plug-in hybrids). Additionally, it offers a comfortable ride.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2018 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $33,400-36,600.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at automobiles.honda.com
Interior
There is roomy seating for five. The Clarity offers a very quiet interior. There are heated front seats with power adjustments. Additionally, there is a dual-zone automatic climate control in the front. There is an 8-inch display audio touch-screen with an 8-speaker system. The car offers Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ integration, and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Clarity body shape provides streamlined airflow, making it very efficient and quiet. It is very aerodynamic. When using gas, the Clarity gets 44 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
Reliability
Since this plug-in hybrid is new for 2018, we don’t have sufficient reliability data at this time.
Safety
The Clarity Electric comes with Honda Sensing®, which is a suite of safety features. The key safety features include Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.
Warranty
The basic warranty for the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is 36 months/36,000 miles. There is a 60 months/unlimited distance Corrosion perforation warranty, a 96 months/100,000 miles Hybrid electrical components warranty, a 60 months/60,000 miles Powertrain warranty, and a 36 months/36,000 miles Roadside assistance coverage.
Kia Niro FE
Image Via kia.com
Features
The Kia Niro is a five-passenger car which is one of the most fuel efficient cars available. It is considered a subcompact SUV. It is quite powerful, at 139 hp. It offers an upscale, comfortable cabin and has lots of cargo space.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $23,340-$32,000.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at kia.com
Interior
The Niro has an optional power drive seat provides nice support. The interior is stylish. The Niro offers a nice 7-inch color touch-screen display with Apple CarPly™ and Android Auto™. A premium sound system is available and you can charge your compatible smart phone on the available center-console pad.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Niro has an overall MPG of 43, a city MPG of 33, and a Highway MPG of 52, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars in its subcompact SUV class. The 139 hp at 5,700 rpm provides plenty of power. It has an aerodynamic design.
Reliability
The Niro received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
In addition to the airbags, the Niro has an Anti-lock Braking System, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control and other features standard. A suite of advanced safety features is available as well which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.
Warranty
The Niro basic warranty is 5 year/60,000 miles, its Powertrain warranty is 10 year/100,000 miles, its Rust through warranty is 5 year/100,000 miles, and Roadside aid is 5 year/60,000 miles.
Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Image Via toyota.com
Features
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a large sedan. It was completely redesigned for 2019. It is very roomy and has an extremely comfortable ride. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine providing plenty of power and the engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is very plush and has a 9 inch easy to use touch screen.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $35,500-$42,800.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at toyota.com
Interior
The Avalon Hybrid has a large 9-inch multimedia touch-screen display that comes with pinch-and-zoom navigation controls that are very easy to use. It offers Apple CarPlay™ standard, and a premium sound system is available. Toyota Remote Connect allows you to control some Avalon functions from remote devices. Additionally, the Avalon has real wood and aluminum trim, and has beautiful leather heated and ventilated front seats available,
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Avalon Hybrid has an overall MPG of 42, a city MPG of 32, and a highway MPG of 52, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars in its large sedan class. It has a sleek design.
Reliability
The Avalon received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
The Avalon has the excellent Toyota Safety Sense™ P standard. This includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. Other available safety features include adaptive cornering lights and Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan among others.
Warranty
The Avalon Hybrid basic warranty is 3 year/36,000 miles, its Powertrain warranty is 5 year/60,000 miles, its Rust through warranty is 5 year/unlimited, and Roadside aid is 2 year/unlimited.
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Image Via chevrolet.com
Features
The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is a very stylish mid-size vehicle. It has a very comfortable ride, is very quiet, and has easy-to-use controls. This hybrid uses some of the Chevrolet Volt’s technology.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $21,680-$31,020.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at chevrolet.com
Interior
The Malibu Hybrid’s interior is spacious, comfortable, and quiet. There is a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat offering flexibility. There is an 8-way power driver seat and 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen display standard.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Malibu Hybrid has an overall MPG of 41, a city MPG of 33, and a Highway MPG of 49, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars in its mid-size class. It handles very nicely.
Reliability
The Malibu received solid, above average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
There are 10 airbags in the Malibu, a rear vision camera, StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system with traction control and tire pressure monitoring system.
Warranty
The Malibu Hybrid basic warranty is 3 year/36,000 miles, its Powertrain warranty is 5 year/60,000 miles, its Rust through warranty is 6 year/100,000, and Roadside aid is 5 year/60,000.
Chevy Cruze
Image Via chevrolet.com
Features
The Chevrolet Cruze is a fuel efficient diesel vehicle that has many nice features available in larger vehicles, such as a very comfortable ride and a quiet interior. While it is a compact vehicle, it has many nice “bigger car” features. There is a start/stop feature that reduces fuel use during idling. The Cruze is available in a 4-Door Hatchback or a Sedan body style.
Pros
Cons
Price
The 2019 Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $16,975-$25,920.
Where to Buy
Find information about where to buy this vehicle at chevrolet.com
Interior
The Cruze has front bucket seats, a Rear Vision Camera, a standard 6-way manual driver seat and a 2-way manual front passenger seat. There is a 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth® standard, and a Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
The Cruze LT Diesel has an overall MPG of 41, a city MPG of 27, and a Highway MPG of 60, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars that is not a hybrid. The Cruze can definitely compete with other compact sedans.
Reliability
The Cruze received above-average predicted reliability scores.
Safety
Standard safety features include a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and others. There are a number of optional safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (city), lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic detection.
Warranty
The Cruze basic warranty is 3 year/36,000 miles, its Powertrain warranty is 5 year/60,000 miles, its Rust through warranty is 5 year/100,000 miles, and Roadside aid is 5 year/60,000 miles.
The Verdict
All of the cars we reviewed are among the most efficient cars available today, so you can't go wrong there. If cost is your only consideration, then the Chevy Cruze is probably for you. It gets good gas mileage, especially for the money and the relative stability of diesel prices.
But if you prefer a more environment-friendly car or one that is large and luxurious with lots of bells and whistles, then consider the Toyota Avalon Hybrid. It is truly a beautiful vehicle. The Hyundai Ioniq, is reasonably priced and offers Apple Play™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. So if those particular features are important to you, be sure to investigate that car.
You may notice that of the 10 vehicles that we reviewed, four were made by Toyota. The Toyota Prius was first sold in the year 2000 and has had four major re-designs. Toyota was at the forefront of fuel efficiency, and they continue to improve. For an excellent vehicle for your money, the Prius will not disappoint.