The 2011 model year is wrapping up and there are some great savings to be had at the dealership. With a shaky economy, greater eco-consciousness, and relatively high gas prices, many of us are seeking out more fuel efficient vehicles.
When someone approaches me and asks me which cars are the most efficient, I can’t help but respond with a “that depends” kind of answer. Because it does depend – it depends on what your needs are and how you will actually use your car. Even though Toyota’s Prius is extremely fuel efficient, it’s not going to be a great car for a family of 6.
Instead of just laying out the most fuel efficient cars out there, below I have broken down the most fuel efficient vehicles by class. This should be more helpful for those of us who want a fuel efficient vehicle but want to look at different types of vehicles.
These selections are based on EPA MPG estimates as well as Consumer Reports’ actual road tests:
Subcompact Hatchbacks:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Scion xD
MSRP: $15,110 – $17,705
MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy [/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id="" class="" style=""]Honda Fit
MSRP: $15,100 – $19,240
MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy [/wpcol_1half_end]
Small Hatchbacks and Wagons:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Volkswagen Golf TDI
MSRP: $23,225- $35,456
MPG: 30 City/42 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Honda Insight
MSRP: $18,200 – $23,265
MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Wagons:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
MSRP: $19,995 – $26,095
MPG: 23 City / 33 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Subaru Outback
MSRP: $23,195 – $31,495
MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Subcompact Sedans:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Ford Fiesta
MSRP: $13,200 – $17,500
MPG: 28 City / 37 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Toyota Yaris
MSRP: $13,155 – $14,515
MPG: 29 City / 36 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Small Sedans:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Toyota Corolla
MSRP: $15,900 – $18,600
MPG: 28 City / 35 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Mazda3
MSRP: $15,800 – $23,810
MPG: 25 City / 33 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Family Sedans (Non Hybrid):
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Nissan Altima
MSRP: $20,270 – $30,540
MPG: 23 City / 31 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Toyota Camry
MSRP: $20,195 – $29,845
MPG: 22 City / 33 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Family Sedans (Hybrid):
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Toyota Prius
MSRP: $23,520 – $28,790
MPG: 51 City / 48 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Ford Fusion
MSRP: $28,600 – $28,600
MPG: 41 City / 36 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Sport Sedans:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Acura TSX
MSRP: $29,610 – $38,250
MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Lexus IS 250
MSRP: $33,295 – $46,640
MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Upscale Sedans:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Toyota Avalon
MSRP: $33,195 – $36,435
MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Lexus ES 350
MSRP: $36,725 – $36,725
MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Minivans:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Toyota Sienna
MSRP: $25,060 – $40,570
MPG: 19 City / 24 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Honda Odyssey
MSRP: $28,075 – $43,525
MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Small SUVs:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Ford Escape Hybrid
MSRP: $32,320 – $34,830
MPG: 30 City / 27 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Subaru Forester
MSRP: $20,495 – $29,995
MPG: 21 City / 27 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Midsized SUVs:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Toyota Highlander Hybrid
MSRP: $38,140 – $43,795
MPG: 28 City / 28 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Chevrolet Equinox
MSRP: $22,995 – $30,320
MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Large SUVs:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""]Ford Flex
MSRP: $29,355 – $42,990
MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""]Chevrolet Traverse
MSRP: $29,370 – $40,250
MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]
Pickups:
[wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""](Compact) Toyota Tacoma
MSRP: $16,365 – $27,525
MPG: 21 City / 25 Hwy[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=""
class="" style=""](Full-Sized) Toyota Tundra
MSRP: $24,435 – $42,955
MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy[/wpcol_1half_end]