Which Vehicles Get The Best Gas Mileage
With auto manufacturers advertising expensive hybrid, diesel, turbo & supercharger cars giving the best MPG, its great to know that cheap cars can still get excellent MPG, also. Again, auto transmissions are advertised to get the same MPG as manual transmissions on the 70mph freeway.
- Best Gas Mileage Cars 2019
- Which Vehicles Get The Best Gas Mileage
- Which Vehicles Get The Best Gas Mileage Cars Non Hybrid
When shopping for used cars, the gas mileage is often a very important deciding factor. Gas mileage (mpg) relates to how far your car can go on one tank of gas on the highway or in the city. Purchasing a used car with good gas mileage can be the best overall way to save money. Here are some slightly used, top-rated vehicles to consider in your search that get great gas mileage:Best Overall Gas Mileage/Compact Cars:The Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic hybrid, Volkswagen Diesel, and Honda Civic are the top choices for this class of vehicles.
The Insight obtains roughly 60 mpg city and 66 mpg highway with it’s 5-speed manual transmission. The Prius gets 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway with a 4-cylinder engine and variable automatic transmission. With a similar engine configuration, the Civic hybrid obtains roughly 48 mpg city and 47 mpg highway.
The Volkswagen clean diesel sounds like a normal car and gets roughly 38 mpg city and 46 mpg highway with it’s 5-speed transmission. The standard Honda Civic also gets great gas mileage with 36 mpg city and 44 mpg highway driving to make for great gas mileage.Best Large Cars:The Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, and Buick LeSabre rank the highest in gas mileage for this class of vehicles.
These vehicles are all paired with 6-cylinder engines to give you more power while driving. The Impala gets roughly 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with it’s automatic transmission. The Malibu matches closely with 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with automatic transmission.
The Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid get similar gas mileage at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Lastly, the Buick LeSabre obtains 20 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. These large sedans all get great gas mileage to get your family around without spending a tremendous amount on gas.Best SUVs:The Jeep Liberty, Nissan Murano AWD, Chevrolet Tracker, and Saturn VUE AWD are the top choices for this class of vehicles. The Liberty and Murano have similar fuel efficiency at roughly 20mpg city and 24mpg highway. The Murano, however, is paired with a more powerful 6-cylinder engine while the Liberty comes standard with a less powerful 4-cylinder.
The Tracker obtains 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with a 6-cylinder engine while the VUE gets 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.Best Standard Pickup Trucks:This class of 2WD vehicles is topped off by the Ford Ranger, Mazda B2300, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado. The Ranger and B2300 get similar gas mileage at 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Frontier gets 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the Tacoma gets roughly 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
These vehicles are all paired with 4-cylinder engines. To finish it out, the Chevrolet Colorado obtains about 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the only 5-cylinder engine out of these vehicles.These options for fuel-efficient vehicles are not the only ones, but they are the best of their class for a reason. These are not the only fuel-efficient models but, hopefully, will give you an idea of which direction to go with your search.
Jump To: SUVs have been gaining in popularity for decades, supplanting traditional sedans, wagons and hatchbacks as the go-to choice for both family and personal transport. Like every other type of vehicle, SUVs have benefited from advances in engineering and technology that have increased fuel efficiency by leaps and bounds.But which SUVs have the best mpg? We crunched the numbers and came up with the most efficient SUVs for 2019 in a wide variety of classes and sizes. Keep in mind that these models aren't necessarily top-rated in their segments, as this list is purely focused on mpg numbers. It's also worth noting that diesel SUVs have fallen off the map, with the diesel mpg champs of yesteryear giving way to a new crop of hybrids.To see our latest rankings of vehicles like these, be sure to check out our. Best Gas Mileage SUVs for 2019Our list of fuel-efficient SUVs is split up into four distinct categories: small, midsize, large and luxury. Our figures are based on the EPA's official estimates for traditional internal combustion engines and hybrids.
Best Gas Mileage Cars 2019
Since electric vehicles don't use fuel, we've taken them out of the running. Most Fuel-Efficient Small SUVsThe small crossover SUV is the most popular type of vehicle outside of pickup trucks, and for good reason. These handy runabouts have generous cargo and passenger space that make them well suited for small families, yet they're as easy to drive and maneuver as smaller cars.
Not surprisingly, the four most fuel-efficient picks are all hybrids; that's why electrification is where cars are headed, even if it doesn't feel like we've reached the tipping point quite yet. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. In terms of size, the plug-in Crosstrek Hybrid fits among the new batch of 'extra-small' crossover SUVs. In a lot of ways, it's best to think of them as hatchbacks with a taller ride height. Their dimensions are especially hatchback-like in cargo capacity, where the Crosstrek Hybrid trails typical small SUVs by some 20 cubic feet. Even compared to the standard Crosstrek, it comes up 12.2 cubic feet short.But the standard Crosstrek isn't electrified, of course. With a full charge, Subaru estimates an electric-only range of 17 miles for the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Considering the average commute in the U.S. Is 16 miles, the Crosstrek Hybrid could function as a true EV during the week, depending on charger availability. Charging will take up to five hours on a standard 120-volt household outlet or two hours with a 240-volt current.
In standard hybrid mode, the Crosstrek Hybrid returns an EPA-rated 35 mpg in mixed driving.Overall, we like the entire Crosstrek lineup for its comprehensive list of advanced safety features, off-road-friendly ground clearance and comfortable ride. If you agree but want a lot more mpg, the hybrid should hit the spot.Starting price (including destination fee): $35,970Fuel economy: 35 mpg combined in hybrid mode (90 miles per gallon equivalent)Maximum cargo capacity: 43.1 cubic feet2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is quite a bit larger than the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, yet it also provides more range in EV mode at an EPA-estimated 22 miles. It suffers in terms of conventional fuel economy, however, driving down overall cruising range. It can travel an acceptable 310 miles on a full charge and tank, but that falls well short of some competitors that have 480-plus miles of range.To the Outlander PHEV's credit, it comes with a long list of standard features. Also, Mitsubishi's all-wheel-drive system offers high levels of stability on challenging road surfaces, although the lack of ground clearance will put a damper on any real off-roading.Starting price (including destination fee): $36,790Fuel economy: 25 mpg combined (74 mpge)Maximum cargo capacity: 66.6 cubic feet (62.8 with sunroof)2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The all-new RAV4 Hybrid from Toyota is a clear indication of how far we've come with fuel economy.
With EPA estimates of 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, it comes very close to the standard set by Toyota with the original Prius (42 city/41 highway). That's especially impressive when you consider how much bigger, heavier and more powerful the RAV4 is. In related news, this hybrid variant beats Toyota's conventionally powered RAV4 by 10 mpg combined.The new RAV4 Hybrid also offers an accessible base price, a comfortable cabin, up-to-date technology and generous cargo space — equal to that of the regular RAV4, in fact. These advantages help balance the few complaints we have related to its awkward brake feel, Toyota's overly sensitive advanced safety features, and the suspension's unusual firmness on some surfaces.Starting price (including destination fee): $28,795Fuel economy: 40 mpg combined (41 city/38 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 69.8 cubic feet2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid. With an EPA rating of up to 34 mpg combined, the Nissan Rogue Hybrid bests the standard Rogue by 5 mpg. That's not a massive increase, but the hybrid only costs about $1,300 more than the equivalent non-hybrid Rogue. We give the Rogue Hybrid points for overall comfort, large cargo capacity and standard advanced safety features.
We're not fond of its slow acceleration, outdated interior tech or limited outward visibility, though.Starting price (including destination fee): $28,645Fuel economy: 34 mpg combined (33 city/35 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 61.4 cubic feetCompare Fuel-Efficient Small SUVs. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid tops our midsize-SUV crew with its impressive 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway rating. Throw in the Highlander's family-friendly size, standard advanced safety features, comfortable ride, large cargo capacity, and reputation for reliability, and you can see it's hard to go wrong. The Highlander isn't perfect, though, since its third-row seats aren't particularly roomy and the infotainment system continues to vex us. Now that it's been on the market for half a decade, the current Highlander's age is beginning to show.
Watch for a fully redesigned Highlander coming soon.Starting price (including destination fee): $38,265Fuel economy: 29 mpg combined (30 city/28 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 83.7 cubic feet2019 Mazda CX-9. Like many Mazdas, the turbocharged CX-9 sets itself apart with extra driver engagement and uniquely attractive styling. At the same time, it achieves up to 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway without a hybrid powertrain. It's not just a pretty athlete either, since we give it high marks for an interior that could challenge some luxury brands and sporty handling that doesn't sacrifice ride quality. Space is one of the CX-9's biggest hurdles, though. Third-row passengers will likely feel cramped, and the cargo capacity is significantly smaller than the competition.Starting price (including destination fee): $33,325Fuel economy (FWD): 24 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 71.2 cubic feet2019 Subaru Ascent. The new Subaru Ascent benefits from a respectable EPA rating of up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, but that's just the start.
The Ascent is also one of the more accommodating and convenient vehicles in its class, with borderline adult-size third-row seats and a massive cargo space. You get plenty of advanced safety features, along with some smart storage solutions and passenger niceties that rival what's offered in the Honda Pilot.
It's always nice to have one of Subaru's turbocharged boxer engines at your disposal, too.Starting price (including destination fee): $32,970Fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (21 city/27 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 86.5 cubic feet2019 Honda Pilot. The Pilot receives an EPA rating of up to 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway, but it's important to note that this gas mileage is specific to pricier Pilots with the nine-speed automatic transmission. More attainable Pilot models come with a six-speed automatic that drops those numbers by about 1 mpg. Either way, we praise the Pilot for its generous passenger space, smooth ride and numerous clever storage solutions.
Which Vehicles Get The Best Gas Mileage
We wish its advanced safety features were better tuned, but overall the Honda Pilot is one of the best family SUVs on the market.Starting price (including destination fee): $32,495Fuel economy (FWD and nine-speed auto): 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 83.9 cubic feetCompare Fuel-Efficient Midsize SUVs. Usually, 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway wouldn't be considered noteworthy, but it makes sense when you realize how massive the Ford Expedition is. Coming off a redesign last year, the Expedition benefits from a decade of advancements since its previous overhaul. Not only does it do better on gas, but it also makes a lot more power via its standard twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6.Not surprisingly, the Expedition entices shoppers with its huge interior space. It's big enough to be considered alongside minivans. We also like its brisk acceleration, high levels of comfort, and 9,300-pound towing capacity.
Which Vehicles Get The Best Gas Mileage Cars Non Hybrid
There's an even bigger Expedition Max model that only surrenders an mpg or two. We expected a quieter cabin on the road, but there's no doubt that either Expedition is a top choice for a really big SUV.Starting price (including destination fee): $49,925Fuel economy (RWD): 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 104.6 cubic feet2019 Lincoln Navigator. The Lincoln Navigator is based on the Ford Expedition and has many of the same benefits and shortcomings. In the rather small class of large luxury SUVs, the Navigator is a front-runner.
It's just as cavernous inside as the Expedition, but more surfaces are covered in leather or rich wood trim. We also like the Navigator for its easy-to-use tech and many available advanced safety features. The big Lincoln is estimated to return 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, which is only a slight drop from the Expedition.
As with the Expedition, there's a larger Navigator L that is rated 1 mpg or so less.Starting price (including destination fee): $74,500Fuel economy (RWD): 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 103.3 cubic feetCompare Fuel-Efficient Large SUVs. Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury SUVsA few years ago, this category would have been dominated by diesel-powered vehicles from Germany, but now it's a battle between Volvo and Lexus, with a mixed bag of advantages and drawbacks. Volvo SUVs have achieved favorable evaluations in their non-hybrid classes, but their plug-in hybrid powertrains are expensive and not as pleasant to drive. The Lexus hybrid models, on the other hand, have a relatively small price hike and drive adequately compared to their non-hybrid siblings. Limited cargo capacities and frustrating tech interfaces are what hold them back. 2019 Volvo XC60 T8.
Overall, the XC60 is a strong luxury SUV choice, but we're not particularly fond of the four-cylinder T8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain. It has 17 miles of electric-only range and quick acceleration, but its odd braking feel could be a deal-breaker for some drivers.
We're more enamored with the non-hybrid T5 and T6 four-cylinder engines, which still return good fuel economy and can also cost some $15,000 less than the T8. Still, the XC60 PHEV has a lot going for it, including sleek design and orthopedist-designed seats that are among the most comfortable in the industry.Starting price (including destination fee): $54,695Fuel economy: 26 mpg combined (58 mpge)Maximum cargo capacity: 63.3 cubic feet2019 Volvo XC90 T8. The Volvo XC90 T8 has the same plug-in hybrid system as the smaller XC60 and suffers from the same brake-feel issue. At the same time, it benefits from most of the things we like about modern Volvos, including style, safety and seat comfort.
The third-row seat may be cramped for adults, but it's fine for kids and adds an extra dimension of functionality. If you're looking for a larger luxury SUV that looks great, drives athletically, and lets you zip around town in EV mode, the XC90 T8 is easily a top pick.Starting price (including destination fee): $67,995Fuel economy: 25 mpg combined (58 mpge)Maximum cargo capacity: 85.7 cubic feet2019 Lexus UX 250h. Lexus was early to the hybrid SUV game, but the RX model that started it all doesn't quite make this list. Instead, the new and much smaller Lexus UX 250h carries the torch with its lofty EPA rating of 43 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. As an extra-small SUV, the UX is naturally hampered by a lack of rear passenger and cargo space.
But, running contrary to hybrid assumptions, the UX 250h is notably quicker than the conventionally powered UX 200. On top of that, it only costs about $2,000 extra, which is negligible considering its 9-mpg advantage. For efficiency-minded shoppers who don't need much space, the Lexus UX 250h may be a perfect fit.Starting price (including destination fee): $35,025Fuel economy: 42 mpg combined (43 city/41 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: not specified by Lexus2019 Lexus NX 300h.
If the Lexus UX is just too small, the NX 300h is a sensible step up in size. Somewhat disappointingly, its EPA estimates of 33 mpg city and 30 mpg highway put it just a smidgen above the larger and more luxurious RX 350h. Still, in keeping with its Lexus SUV siblings, the NX 300h represents a minimal increase in price compared to the non-hybrid NX 300 while rewarding you with much better fuel economy. If you like the regular NX but wish it were fuel-efficient, the NX hybrid makes a lot of sense.Starting price (including destination fee): $39,830Fuel economy: 31 mpg combined (33 city/30 highway)Maximum cargo capacity: 53.7 cubic feetCompare Fuel-Efficient Luxury SUVs.
Gas VehiclesHybrids are more expensive than their gasoline-only counterparts due to their added complexity and advanced batteries. From a purely economical point of view, the hybrid advantage is strongly affected by gas prices and your individual driving habits. In some cases, you'll be able to recoup the added cost in only a couple of years; in others, it might take you eight years or more.Plug-in hybrids are more sensitive to the distances you typically drive and the availability of charging stations. Under ideal conditions, you can go for long periods without ever having to add gasoline since you'll be using electric-only propulsion most of the time. Unlike true EVs, these plug-in hybrids will leave you with far less range anxiety, although their EV range is relatively limited due to their dual-purpose nature.
Next StepsThe vehicles listed here only take fuel economy into account and aren't necessarily the best overall options in their segments. If fuel economy is a priority for you, the SUVs above are a good starting point. We also recommend considering how you'll be using your new vehicle and how much cargo and passenger space you need. A thorough series of test drives will be helpful in finding your perfect fit. Related SUV ArticlesFinding the right hybrid SUV can be a daunting task, but not because the options are overwhelming.
With just a handful of good choices in this group, you'll need to accept some compromises, but they come with hybrid-powered rewards.The Edmunds editors choose the best luxury SUVs on sale today, from sporty subcompact crossovers to limo-like full-size SUVs capable of seating seven and towing a boat.If you need help choosing the best SUV for your family, let the Edmunds experts be your guide. Here are the best family SUVs based on our rigorous testing.Edmunds shares our top-rated subcompact and compact SUVs. Read on to find out which vehicles make our list of the best small SUVs.With many excellent choices, finding the best midsize SUV for you is a matter of priorities. Edmunds looks at the top-rated midsize SUVs in this competitive group.