Earlier this year, we’ve alerted reader to the most fuel-efficient SUVs, the most satisfying new pickup trucks, and even Consumer Reports Best American Cars, SUVs, and Trucks―all of which, were factored using CR’s barrage of multiple tests in various categories of engine reliability, fuel economy, comfort and style, affordability, and those models that qualified as meeting their Green Choice designation.
Right Now, It’s All About Fuel Efficiency
However, this past week Consumer Reports kept their tiered selection to just fuel economy for those car buyers who looking for nothing but the best in affordability and fuel efficiency coming from their next car to fit their needs and wallet.
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 amongst fuel-efficient hybrids.
Related article: Are Toyota Hybrids More Reliable Than Regular Gasoline Toyota Models?
“This list starts with the most efficient car, and it doesn’t include plug-in vehicles or EVs. All 10 cars are hybrids that achieved at least 40 mpg overall in CR’s tests. Each of the featured models has our Green Choice designation, which highlights vehicles with the cleanest emissions.”
Related article: 7 Hybrids That Save the Most Money on Gas and Those That Don't
Starting in order from the most fuel efficient first to the least in their selection, here are their listed selling prices and mileage you can expect with each:
The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
1. Toyota Prius 2024
Price Range: $27,950 - $36,365
CR MPG: Overall 51 / City 40 / Hwy 59 mpg
#2 of 18 Compact cars
2. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $26,250 - $29,450
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg
#5 of 18 Compact cars
3. Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $22,050 - $28,340
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg
#10 of 18 Compact cars
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $26,420 - $36,845
CR MPG: Overall 47 / City 39 / Hwy 53 mpg
#1 of 12 Midsized cars
5. Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $33,840 - $39,590
CR MPG: Overall 47 / City 38 / Hwy 54 mpg
#1 of 18 Compact cars
6. Kia Niro 2024
Price Range: $26,940 - $44,600
CR MPG: Overall 45 / City 41 / Hwy 48 mpg
#3 of 18 Compact cars
7. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $30,800 - $37,200
CR MPG: Overall 44 / City 36 / Hwy 51 mpg
#9 of 12 Midsized cars
8. Toyota Prius Prime 2024
Price Range: $32,975 - $39,670
CR MPG: Overall 43 / City 36 / Hwy 48 mpg
#7 of 18 Compact cars
9. Toyota Crown 2024
Price Range: $40,350 - $53,370
CR MPG: Overall 42 / City 33 / Hwy 49 mpg
#1 of 5 Large cars
10. Lexus ES Hybrid 2024
Price Range: $41,020
CR MPG: Overall 42 / City 32 / Hwy 52 mpg
#1 of 13 Luxury midsized cars
But What If You Are Thinking About a Full EV over a Hybrid for Greater Fossil Fuel Reduction?
With fuel efficiency in mind as your top priority in a new car, you may also want to take a look at fully electric cars as an option. To help buyers understand the differences between owning a hybrid versus an all-electric vehicle, here is an informative YouTube video posted by Consumer Reports to give smart shoppers the knowledge they need to guide their buying decisions.
Is an Electric or Hybrid Car Right for You?
For additional articles related to fuel-efficient cars, here are a few for your consideration:
- Used Compact Cars with the Best Fuel Economy Recommended by Consumer Reports
- Increase Your Aging Toyota’s Fuel Efficiency with These Easy Steps
- Used Midsized Sedans with the Best Fuel Economy
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 Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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Image source: Deposit Photos