The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars

Jeff Bartlett

Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when buying a new car, even when gas prices are down—they won't stay that way forever. Many conventional cars today offer impressive fuel economy, especially in contrast to what you may be trading in. Further, alternative powertrains offer an increasing arrary of choices, with diesels, electrics, and hybrids each carry appeal for different drivers.

Measuring fuel economy is among our more than 50 tests we conduct on each car we purchase. Our fuel economy numbers are derived from a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon (mpg).

CR's overall mileage is calculated from equal portions of city and highway driving.

The chart that follows features the most fuel-efficient cars currently sold that Consumer Reports has tested (see our list of the most fuel-efficient SUVs). Also see our Ratings comparison by category (available to online subscribers), which lists each vehicle's overall mileage.

Rank

Make & model

CR Overall MPG

City MPG

Highway MPG

1

BMW i3 Giga

139*

135*

141*

2

Mitsubishi i-MiEV SE

111*

104*

116*

3

Ford Focus Electric

107*

108*

107*

4

Nissan Leaf SL

106*

86*

118*

5

Ford C-Max Energi

94* / 37**

87* / 36**

98* / 38**

6

Tesla Model S P85D

87*

64*

110*

7

Tesla Model S (base, 85kWh)

84*

65*

102*

8

Toyota Prius Four

44

32

55

9

Toyota Prius C Two

43

37

48

10

Toyota Prius V Three

41

33

47

11

Lexus CT 200h Premium

40

31

47

12

Ford Fusion Hybrid SE

39

35

41

13

Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE

38

32

43

14

Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE

37

35

38

15

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE

37

29

45

16

Mitsubishi Mirage ES

37

28

47

17

Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited

36

29

43

18

Lexus ES 300h

36

28

44

19

Honda CR-Z EX (MT)

35

26

45

20

Ford Fiesta SE (3-cyl., MT)

35

25

46

21

BMW 328d xDrive

35

24

49

22

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

34

29

38

23

Scion iQ

34

27

40

24

Fiat 500 Pop (MT)

34

25

42

25

Fiat 500 Sport (MT)

33

24

42

26

Honda Fit EX

33

24

42

27

Mazda3 i Touring sedan

33

23

45

28

Ford Fiesta SE sedan

33

22

45

* = MPGe
** = MPG on gas only

When buying a car, in addition to research and reviews, Consumer Reports offers subscribers access to the Build & Buy Car Buying Service at no additional cost. Through this service, a nationwide network of about 10,000 participating dealers provide upfront pricing information and a certificate to receive guaranteed savings off MSRP (in most states). The pricing information and guaranteed savings includes eligible incentives. Consumer Reports subscribers have saved an average of $2,919 off MSRP with the Build & Buy Car Buying Service.



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