Best in class: Fuel-efficient vehicles
These vehicles provide good gas mileage for their class and are among Consumer Reports' top recommended models in their categories
Consumer Reports has the most comprehensive, consumer-oriented auto test program in the U.S. We anonymously buy our test cars from dealerships and conduct more than 50 evaluations on each vehicle, focusing on performance, safety, comfort, convenience, interior quality, fuel economy, cargo capacity, and
more.
Below, we've listed several vehicles that provide good fuel economy for their class and are among the top recommended vehicles in their categories. Not only did each of these vehicles earn a high overall score in their class, but they also meet our stringent requirements to be recommended.
Below, we've listed several vehicles that provide good fuel economy for their class and are among the top recommended vehicles in their categories. Not only did each of these vehicles earn a high overall score in their class, but they also meet our stringent requirements to be recommended.
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BUDGET CARS Nissan Versa For an entry level car, the Nissan Versa packs an impressively roomy rear seat, and the tall roof line allows easy access. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine is relatively refined and the ride is comfortable and quiet, but handling isn't particularly agile. The standard six-speed manual is a bit clunky, and a continuously variable transmission is optional. Fuel economy is good, but not a standout at 28 mpg for the CVT. Curtain air bags are standard. Make sure you get the optional ABS, otherwise braking performance is mediocre. More small cars |
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SMALL CARS Toyota Prius Toyota's hybrid couples a small gasoline engine with an electric motor, and returned an excellent 44 mpg overall in our tests--the best fuel economy we've measured in a five-passenger vehicle. Acceleration is comparable to most conventional small sedans. Access is easy and the interior is well put together. The unusual controls and displays take some getting used to. More small cars |
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FAMILY SEDANS Toyota Camry Hybrid The redesigned Toyota Camry Hybrid boasts the best overall fuel economy of any four-door sedan we've tested, returning 34 mpg overall, as well as 28 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The interior is quiet and comfortable. Handling is relatively responsive, but the suspension is tuned for comfort rather than performance. Unlike the Honda Accord Hybrid, the Camry delivers better fuel economy rather than performance. Both the four- and six-cylinder conventional gasoline-powered versions of the Camry also deliver very good mileage. More sedans |
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SMALL SUVs Toyota RAV4 The RAV4 is among our highest rated small SUVs. Despite being larger than the previous-generation model, the RAV4 four-cylinder returns better fuel economy, 23 mpg overall. The optional 269-hp, six-cylinder engine returns an impressive 22 mpg overall. The roomy interior is quiet and comfortable, and the RAV4 has agile and secure handling. More SUVs |
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MIDSIZED SUVs Lexus RX400h The AWD Lexus RX400h hybrid combines the 3.3-liter V6 with three electric motors and a battery system to produce 268 hp; this combination produced 23 mpg overall in our tests. However, the gains in performance and fuel economy cost $5,000 more than the standard RX. More SUVs |
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MINIVANS Toyota Sienna The Sienna has a powerful and efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine that gives it the edge in our testing over the Honda Odyssey. Both minivans have spacious and refined interiors on par with some luxury sedans. The Sienna is quiet inside and is offered with all-wheel drive. Crash-test results are impressive. More minivans |
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