Most (and Least) Fuel-Efficient Cars by Class

Fuel economy is usually an important factor for car shoppers, but as gas prices increase, it can become a priority. Right now, the average price for a gallon of gas is closing in on $3, well above this time last year.

Because a tiny car or hybrid isn't the right choice for all drivers, we've highlighted the most efficient models in 10 popular categories—and those mpg-conscious shoppers should avoid.
 

In our tests, the Prius returned 52 mpg overall, a significant improvement over the previous generation's 44 mpg. Plus, the new car handles more responsively and rides more comfortably. Colorful digital gauges dominate the dashboard with abundant fuel-economy information. The touch-screen infotainment system is fairly straightforward. The sensible Prius has always been about efficiency and low running costs. The car can drive solely on electric, usually up to about 25 mph, and the engine is now quieter when it kicks in. But the seats have mediocre support, tire noise is noticeable, and the car's lower stance makes it a challenge to get into and out of. Forward-collision warning and automatic braking are standard.

Toyota Prius Three
Overall mpg: 52
Annual gas: 231 gallons
Annual gas cost: $650

Read the complete Toyota Prius road test.

The redesigned Camry brings snazzier styling and slightly more nimble handling while retaining its comfortable, quiet demeanor. It again stands as one of the best midsized sedans. The lower stance makes getting in and out a bit more difficult, and the rear seat has lost some of the roominess it had. The standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine provides ample power and gets an impressive 32 mpg overall. A 3.5-liter V6 is also available. Both are paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission that isn't very smooth. A very frugal hybrid LE gets 47 mpg overall without any sacrifice in trunk space. The Entune infotainment system is capable but lacks Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility. Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, but blind-spot warning is optional.

Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
Overall mpg: 47
Annual gas: 255 gallons
Annual gas cost: $719 

Read the complete Toyota Camry road test.

The Cruze possesses big-car qualities, such as a comfortable ride and a quiet interior. The standard engine is an unobtrusive 1.4-liter, turbo four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Its smooth stop/start feature reduces fuel use during idling; we got 30 mpg overall in our tests. The diesel model returned an impressive 41 mpg overall and an outstanding 60 mpg on the highway. The infotainment system features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which mirror some smartphone icons on the screen. The rear seat is relatively roomy for the class, but the front seats are short on lower-back support. A variety of advanced active safety features are available, but only on the top-trim Premier version.

Chevrolet Cruze LT Diesel
Overall mpg: 41 
Annual gas: 293 gallons
Annual gas cost: $900 

Read the complete Chevrolet Cruze road test.

Its rock-bottom sticker price and thrifty fuel economy of 37 mpg overall conjure an inviting image of an economical runabout. But that mirage quickly dissipates when you drive this tiny, tinny car. Recent minor updates brought a sedan body style, a hint more power, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with supposedly upgraded brakes. Yet those enhancements don't mask the weak, vibrating three-cylinder engine that delivers sluggish acceleration and a raspy chorus of lament, or the car's clumsy handling. Though it's relatively roomy, the depressing cabin feels drab, cheap, and insubstantial. In the end, there is no compelling reason to buy a Mirage, and for the money, there are many much better used cars for the same price.

Mitsubishi Mirage ES
Overall mpg: 37
Annual gas: 324 gallons
Annual gas cost: $914

Read the complete Mitsubishi Mirage road test.

Based on the compact Focus sedan, the five-passenger C-Max hybrid is a clever, quiet, spacious, and practical hatchback. It rides well and handles capably. The regenerative braking system recharges the battery when slowing the car, helping with fuel economy. But the system makes the brake pedal feel very grabby. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor deliver adequate acceleration and seamless transitions between gas and electric power, and the C-Max can run in electric mode up to about 40 mph. We measured an excellent 37 mpg overall with the standard hybrid. Ford's easy-to-use Sync 3 infotainment system is available.

Ford C-Max Hybrid SE
Overall mpg: 37
Annual gas: 324 gallons
Annual gas cost: $914

Read the complete Ford C-Max road test.

The Lexus ES has sound handling but falls short of being engaging or fun. The ride is on the stiff side, which is uncharacteristic for Lexus, and the optional 18-inch wheels make it worse. It feels more like a family sedan than a luxury car. We find the hybrid more appealing thanks to its combination of size and fuel economy, returning a class-leading 36 mpg overall and 44 on the highway in our tests. (The powerful 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic only gets 25 mpg overall, which is still good for the class.) Inside, the quiet cabin makes a good first impression, but it has some cheap touches. The mouselike infotainment interface is distracting and convoluted. Most drivers will have a decent fit behind the wheel, but the interior falls short of being truly spacious. Automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning are standard.

Lexus ES 300h
Overall mpg: 36
Annual gas: 333 gallons
Annual gas cost: $939

Read the complete Lexus ES road test.

The fourth-generation Miata remains true to Mazda's original formula of a lightweight rear-wheel-drive roadster. Although 155 hp from the 2.0-liter four doesn't sound impressive, the Miata quickly scoots along while returning a miserly 34 mpg overall on premium. Shifting the delightfully accurate six-speed manual shifter is a joy; we'd skip the optional automatic, though it works fine. Quick and precise steering delivers sublime back-road handling even though some body roll is noticeable. High levels of noise, thin and unsupportive seats, and a stiff ride all grow fatiguing during highway travel. Cabin space is snug, and the optional dial-controlled infotainment system takes time to master. Flipping the convertible top open or closed is a breeze.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club
Overall mpg: 34
Annual gas: 353 gallons
Annual gas cost: $1,179 

Read the complete Mazda MX-5 Miata road test.

For years the RAV4 has consistently been among the top-ranked small SUVs. The cabin is reasonably quiet, and the ride is compliant and controlled. It has a suite of advanced safety features and offers a frugal hybrid version. The hybrid version gets a terrific 31 mpg overall. (The energetic 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and smooth six-speed automatic transmission returned 24 mpg overall in our tests of an AWD version.) Handling is responsive and very secure. Inside, the controls are clear and intuitive. Though the XLE comes with automatic climate control and a sunroof, you must step up to the Limited trim to get adjustable lumbar support and the more comfortable faux-leather seats. Access is very easy, and the rear seat is roomy. Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE
Overall mpg: 31
Annual gas: 387 gallons
Annual gas cost: $1,090

Read the complete Toyota RAV4 road test.

The RX has avant-garde exterior styling and lots of advanced safety features. The fuel-thrifty 450h hybrid gets an excellent 29 mpg overall but requires premium. (Its 3.5-liter V6 engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic, delivering ample power and a commendable 22 mpg overall.) Inside, the RX is very quiet and well-finished. Ride comfort is plush, whether you get the base car on 18-inch tires or more uplevel versions with 20-inch tires. Handling is ponderous and devoid of any sporty feel but ultimately secure. The mouselike controller and distracting interface require a steep learning curve. Rear passengers get lots of room for legs and knees. The Lexus Safety System+, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, is standard. A three-row model, called the RX L, is new for 2018.

Lexus RX 450h
Overall mpg: 29
Annual gas: 414 gallons
Annual gas cost: $1,382 

Read the complete Lexus RX road test.

The Pacifica is much better than the Chrysler Town & Country minivan it replaced. The new van is offered in seven- and eight-passenger configurations and retains the handy fold-into-the-floor second-row seats. But these seats have limited thigh support. The plug-in hybrid version offers an electric-only range of about 30 miles and delivers a stellar 27 mpg overall. (The 3.6-liter V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provides ample power and gets an impressive 21 mpg overall.) Handling is responsive, the ride is comfortable, and the cabin is quiet. The latest version of the UConnect touch-screen system is intuitive and easy to master. High-end versions of the Pacifica feature individual screens, with built-in games, for the rear passengers.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Overall mpg: 27
Annual gas: 444 gallons
Annual gas cost: $1,252 

Read the complete Chrysler Pacifica road test.

GM's small pickups, the Colorado and its GMC Canyon twin, are more maneuverable than full-sized trucks and are better equipped than their Nissan and Toyota competitors. We tested both the four-cylinder diesel engine, which got 24 mpg overall, and the V6 engine, which returned 18 mpg overall. The ride is rather choppy, as expected of a pickup, but handling is responsive. Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, as are extended and crew-cab body styles. Inside are the latest electronics, including the MyLink audio system. These are the first small trucks to offer forward-collision and lane-departure warnings. An eight-speed automatic transmission and an updated, more responsive V6 are available.

Chevrolet Colorado LT Diesel
Overall mpg: 24
Annual gas: 500 gallons
Annual gas cost: $1,537 

Read the complete Chevrolet Colorado road test.