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Guide to fuel economy

Last updated: May 2013

Saving fuel

New cars are getting better fuel economy than ever. And with government fuel economy standards rising to 54.5 mpg by 2025, that trend looks sure to continue well into the future.

Technologies such as smaller, turbocharged engines with electric accessories, idle-stop, and multi-speed or continuously variable transmissions are proliferating, along with hybrid drive systems and lightweight materials. All together, these technologies are bringing small-car fuel economy to midsized family sedans and even some SUVs.

This section reveals the best and worst models for fuel economy based on our tests, and it shines a spotlight on which gas-saving vehicles and technologies make the biggest difference with the fewest tradeoffs in space, utility, comfort, and performance.

Also see our guide to alternative fuels.

Featured

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Best & worst fuel economy

Best and worst in fuel economy
Most fuel-efficient cars
Most fuel-efficient SUVs
Most fuel-efficient used cars
Which hybrids and diesels save money
Best utility per mpg
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Hybrids

How hybrids work
Plug-in hybrids
How old hybrid batteries hold up
Noisier hybrids and electrics
EMF levels in hybrids
Ford C-Max hybrid
Toyota Prius C
Toyota Prius V wagon
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Everyday concerns

Will your car achieve 40 mpg?
How to get the most mpg now
Premium gas vs. regular
Cargo capacity vs. mpg
Fuel economy vs. performance
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Other ways to save gas

Low-rolling-resistance tires
High-mileage trim lines
Manual vs. automatic transmissions
Do fuel savers work?
Fuel Doctor: Still no MPG magic
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How much can you save on gas?

Fuel savings comparison
GPS helps find cheap gas
Weekly gas prices
   

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