Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs, Plus Fuel-Saving Scams to Avoid

This week, Consumer Reports analysts updated their tiered selection of fuel-efficient vehicles focused on cars and SUVs for economy in not only the mpg you can expect, but also to help ensure that consumers are not skipping over reliability or other factors important to car shoppers by being too focused on the miles per gallon or its electric equivalent numbers listed by manufacturers.

Crunching the Numbers

Using the latest transaction data gathered on how much consumers were paying on average recently for their chosen models and comparing that to the MSRP window sticker price, CR analyst found that due to the limited car inventory and consumers’ increased interest in buying fuel-efficient models---most sold for slightly above MSRP.

Related article: Consumer Reports Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

“To help CR members, we reviewed the latest transaction data reflecting what people actually paid for cars in the past month. We then filtered the list to include only CR Recommended models among the best fuel economy for their class. In short, these are good models with good fuel economy,” stated Consumer Reports, adding that, “This list highlights models from Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota. There are a variety of cars and SUVs, each representing an efficient choice in their category. And we included a standout pickup truck, as well.”

Don’t Fall for Fuel-Saving Scams

Before moving onto a summary of Consumer Reports fuel saving recommendations, take the time to watch this informative and fun video that warns consumers about fuel-saving myths and hacks that really don’t work, but car owners still fall for.

Recommended Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

That said, here is a summary of their list:

1. Kia EV6 2023

Price Range:  $42,600 - $61,600

CR MPGE:  Overall 105 / City 116 / Hwy 94 mpge

#1 of 12 Electric SUVs

Selected model: 2023 Kia EV6 Wind AWD
MSRP: $52,600
Average spent under MSRP: $214
Average transaction price: $52,386

2. Lexus ES Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $41,020

CR MPG:  Overall 42 / City 32 / Hwy 52 mpg

#1 of 19 Luxury midsized cars

Selected model: 2023 Lexus ES 300h
MSRP: $43,340
Average spent over MSRP: $52
Average transaction price: $43,392

3. Acura Integra 2023

Price Range:  $31,300 - $36,300

CR MPG:  Overall 31 / City 21 / Hwy 42 mpg

#1 of 5 Luxury entry-level cars

Selected model: 2023 Acura Integra CVT w/A-Spec Package
MSRP: $33,300
Average spent over MSRP: $61
Average transaction price: $33,361

4. Honda Ridgeline 2023

Price Range:  $38,800 - $46,230

CR MPG:  Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 29 mpg

#1 of 9 Midsized pickup trucks

Selected model: 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD
MSRP: $41,780
Average spent over MSRP: $198
Average transaction price: $41,978

5. Hyundai Ioniq 5 2023

Price Range:  $41,450 - $56,500

CR MPGE:  Overall 98 / City 110 / Hwy 87 mpge

#2 of 12 Electric SUVs

Selected model: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL AWD
MSRP: $50,950
Average spent over MSRP: $573
Average transaction price: $51,523

6. BMW X1 2023

Price Range:  $39,100

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 41 mpg

#1 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

Selected model: 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i
MSRP: $39,100
Average spent over MSRP: $533
Average transaction price: $39,633

7. Toyota Camry 2023

Price Range:  $26,320 - $36,745

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 20 / Hwy 49 mpg

Selected model: #4 of 14 Midsized cars

2023 Toyota Camry LE
MSRP: $26,320
Average spent over MSRP: $633
Average transaction price: $26,953

8. Lexus UX 2023

Price Range:  $35,340 - $44,170

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 42 mpg

#3 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

Selected model: 2023 Lexus UX 250h AWD
MSRP: $36,740
Average spent over MSRP: $930
Average transaction price: $37,670

9. Honda Accord Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $31,345 - $37,890

CR MPG:  Overall 40 / City 34 / Hwy 45 mpg

#1 of 14 Midsized cars

Selected model: 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport Sedan
MSRP: $31,895
Average spent over MSRP: $929
Average transaction price: $32,824

10. Subaru Solterra 2023

Price Range:  $44,995 - $51,995

CR MPGE:  Overall 102 / City 111 / Hwy 93 mpge

#3 of 12 Electric SUVs

Selected model: 2023 Subaru Solterra Premium AWD
MSRP: $44,995
Average spent over MSRP: $1,441
Average transaction price: $46,436

For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

For additional articles related to fuel-efficient vehicles, here are a few selected ones for your consideration:

• New Hybrids That Will Save You the Most Money on Gas

• 10 Real Ways to Really Save Gas and Money

• New Hybrids to Love, to Ignore, and to Avoid Advises Consumer Reports

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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