Consumer Reports lists the best fuel-efficient cars based on their fuel-economy test results of hybrid car models that possess strong Overall Scores from Consumer Reports’ vehicle rating system.
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It’s About Fuel Efficiency This Time
This past week, Consumer Reports analysts released their latest findings and recommendations of “The Best of…” and “The Most Reliable of…” categories focused on the new 2024 car models that includes hybrid vehicles, mid-sized SUVs, and even all-season tires (most of which are winter rated) to help shoppers find “performance with affordability” to fit their needs and wallet.
Related article: 10 Most Reliable 2024 Car Models and What They Will Cost You
Just added to their growing list of updated lists are the new 2024 hybrid car models with strong Overall Scores that CR analysts found are the best fuel-efficient cars you can buy today for less than $35,000!
Fuel Efficiency Testing
Using a precision flow meter over equal portions of city and highway miles rounded to the nearest gallon, CR analysts crunched the numbers and produced a list of multiple vehicles to choose from that they found to be the leaders under the lone category of fuel-efficient hybrids.
According to CR analysts:
“This list starts with the most efficient car, and it doesn’t include plug-in vehicles. And yes, all of the featured cars are hybrids…and achieved at least 33 mpg overall in our tests.”
In addition to the mileage, each vehicle is noted whether the following safety features come standard or are optional:
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection.
- AEB that works at highway speeds.
- Blind spot warning (BSW).
- Rear cross traffic warning (RCTW).
Best Fuel-Efficient Cars Under $35,000
That said, here is a summary of their recommended models with pricing, mileage, and safety features you can expect with each:
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $24,550 - $29,150
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg
#4 of 16 Compact cars
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $21,900 - $28,140
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg
#7 of 16 Compact cars
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, but both BSW and RCTW are optional.
Toyota Camry Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $26,420 - $36,845
CR MPG: Overall 47 / City 39 / Hwy 53 mpg
#1 of 11 Midsized cars
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional.
Kia Niro 2024
Price Range: $26,840 - $44,600
CR MPG: Overall 45 / City 41 / Hwy 48 mpg
#2 of 16 Compact cars
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $28,100 - $36,400
CR MPG: Overall 44 / City 36 / Hwy 51 mpg
#9 of 11 Midsized cars
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
Honda Accord Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $32,545 - $38,540
CR MPG: Overall 40 / City 34 / Hwy 45 mpg
#2 of 11 Midsized cars
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2024
Price Range: $23,355 - $26,655
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
#9 of 16 Compact cars
Safety Features: AEB comes standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional.
Toyota Corolla 2024
Price Range: $21,900 - $28,140
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
#5 of 16 Compact cars
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional.
Mazda MX-5 Miata 2023
Price Range: $28,050 - $38,950
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 25 / Hwy 42 mpg
#5 of 8 Sports cars 2-seat
Safety Features: AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard
Honda Civic 2024
Price Range: $23,950 - $44,795
CR MPG: Overall 33 / City 23 / Hwy 44 mpg
#10 of 16 Compact cars
Safety Features: While AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, BSW and RCTW are available only on the top trims.
To learn more about the fuel-efficient vehicles listed above, be sure to use Torque News’ search option in the header above to find past articles and new reviews on many models.
And, for car enthusiasts or those interested in car maintenance, repair and care, be sure to look for future articles by this writer as I research the best instructional videos that show and tell what you need to know and do in order to properly take care of your car and save money at the same time. For example:
- Toyota Maintenance and Repair Review
- Spark Plug Car Maintenance Mistakes Many Car Owners and Service Centers Make
- Toyota Prius Owner Winter Maintenance Check Made Simple
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
COMING UP NEXT: Venn Diagram Your EV Buying Decision Using Consumer Reports Data
Image source: Deposit Photos
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