12 Of Most Fuel-efficient Cars Ever Made, Ranked

Vehicles are becoming more fuel-efficient as automakers increasingly prioritize economy. Many SUVs now feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines for better mileage. While some V8-powered gas guzzlers still exist, they’re much less common than before. In fact, some manufacturers, like Nissan, have even introduced three-cylinder engines to improve fuel efficiency further. Today, it’s not unusual to find crossover SUVs that achieve over 30 MPG.

Fuel-efficient technology continues to transform the automotive world. Hybrid vehicles are setting new standards, with many now achieving 40 to 50 MPG or more. Gone are the days when driving a Prius was met with jokes—today, advanced hybrid tech and the rise of fully electric vehicles (EVs) have made impressive fuel economy the norm.

In this discussion, we’ll highlight the most fuel-efficient cars available. While EVs don’t use gas, we’ll include them by measuring their efficiency in MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent). MPGe represents how many miles an EV can travel using 33.7 kWh of electricity—the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. For example, a car rated at 120 MPGe can go 120 miles on 33.7 kWh of energy.

12. 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi / 2013-2015 Ford Fusion Energi

A great starting point for fuel-efficient cars is the 2013–2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Ford Fusion Energi. Both models combined a plug-in hybrid system with fuel-efficient engines. The Ford Fusion Energi achieved 88 MPGe in electric mode and 38 MPG combined on gas, while the C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid delivered the same ratings.

Real-world fuel economy varies based on factors like driving habits and conditions, but some estimates suggest both cars can achieve around 51 MPG combined.

The plug-in hybrid variants of the Ford C-Max Energi and Ford Fusion Energi had a unique advantage: they could travel a notable distance without using any gas. Both cars offered a total range of 550 miles, with about 20 of those miles powered solely by electricity. Since they shared the same powertrain, their fuel efficiency numbers were identical. However, newer model years saw a drop in efficiency for both vehicles.

Sadly, Ford no longer produces either car. The C-Max was discontinued in 2019, and the Fusion followed in 2020, as Ford shifted its focus to SUVs and trucks, leaving the Mustang as its sole car offering. While Ford once offered these highly efficient vehicles, it’s unfortunate they are no longer part of the lineup.

11. 2022 Honda Insight / 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota and Honda are long-time rivals, especially in the sedan market. This time, it’s not the usual Accord versus Camry matchup but rather the Honda Insight taking on the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The 2022 Honda Insight and the 2023–24 Toyota Camry Hybrid have almost identical fuel economy, with both achieving 52 MPG combined. The Camry Hybrid is rated at 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway, while the Insight delivers 55 MPG in the city and 49 MPG on the highway.

The Honda Insight, despite its excellent fuel economy, comfortable interior, and smooth ride quality, was discontinued starting with the 2023 model year. Honda shifted focus to electrifying its entire lineup, making a dedicated hybrid sedan less practical. Now, hybrid versions of the Accord and Civic carry on Honda’s commitment to efficiency. The Accord remains a favorite among consumers, solidifying its place as a staple for the automaker.

The Toyota Camry, however, continues to thrive. Its hybrid version is well-built, reliable, and highly regarded. Toyota’s reputation for reliability keeps the Camry Hybrid consistently near the top of rankings, and the 2023–24 model is no exception. With a refined interior, excellent driving dynamics, and standout fuel efficiency, it’s no surprise that the Camry Hybrid earns a spot on this list.

10. 2000 Honda Insight

Before competing with the Toyota Camry, the Honda Insight stood in a league of its own. The 2000 Honda Insight achieved remarkable fuel efficiency, delivering 49 MPG in the city, 61 MPG on the highway, and 53 MPG combined, making it one of the most efficient cars of its time.

Notably, it was the first gas-electric hybrid car sold in the U.S., paving the way for hybrid technology, although the Toyota Prius debuted earlier in Japan.

The 2000 Honda Insight was a solid car overall, featuring a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. While its 0 to 60 MPH time of about 10.5 seconds wasn’t quick, it was sufficient for its era. On the highway, the Insight excelled, cruising effortlessly while consuming minimal fuel. Its partially hidden rear wheels gave it a futuristic vibe for the time, though otherwise, it resembled a typical car.

Honda produced the Insight until 2019, after which the Civic and Accord took over as the brand’s hybrid offerings. Since the final Insight was based on the Civic, Honda transitioned to selling a Civic Hybrid, effectively continuing the Insight’s legacy under a different name.

9. 2014–2015 Cadillac ELR

The 2014 and 2015 Cadillac ELR marked Cadillac’s entry into the plug-in hybrid market. This vehicle achieved an impressive 82 MPGe on battery power and 33 MPG combined on gas. In hybrid mode, its fuel economy rose to 54 MPG in the city, 55 MPG on the highway, and 54.5 MPG combined.

Despite these excellent numbers, the ELR struggled in the market, with only 1,310 units sold in 2014 and 1,024 in 2015. While it was a commercial failure, the ELR remains one of Cadillac’s most fuel-efficient cars ever produced.

The Cadillac ELR was a solid plug-in hybrid with a sleek design, comfortable interior, and decent performance. Its combined gas and electric engine produced 157 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Unlike many hybrids of its time, the ELR looked like a regular car, benefiting from Cadillac’s reputation for stylish designs.

However, the ELR’s steep $73,000 price tag—twice the cost of GM’s Chevy Volt, which shared much of the same technology—proved to be its downfall. Consumers weren’t willing to pay premium prices for a front-wheel-drive hybrid, and the car was discontinued after the 2016 model year. While the ELR was ahead of its time, it entered the market at the wrong moment and with the wrong price point.

8. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq is a hybrid vehicle that, despite being overshadowed by the all-electric Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, offers impressive fuel efficiency. Most trims achieve 54 MPG in the city, 57 MPG on the highway, and a combined 55 MPG. The Blue trim takes it a step further with 59 MPG. The plug-in hybrid version is even more impressive, delivering 119 MPGe on battery power and 52 MPG combined on gas. All in all, the Ioniq is a highly fuel-efficient option.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq is a solid hybrid that offers good fuel efficiency, but it’s not the fastest car around. While it can comfortably reach highway speeds and maintain them, passing other vehicles might take a little longer. The interior is decent, the ride quality is smooth, and it comes with reasonable tech features. However, it’s clear that Hyundai was focusing more on the Ioniq 5 and 6, which boast more advanced technology and higher price tags. That’s unfortunate because the Ioniq Blue variant had an impressive 700-mile range.

Sadly, the 2022 model marked the end of the Ioniq hybrid, as Hyundai discontinued it before the 2023 model year. However, the Ioniq name will live on with the all-electric versions. Despite its end, the Ioniq was a rare hybrid that could achieve mid- to high-50s in MPG.

7. 2022–23 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a top contender on this list, particularly with the 2022-2024 models, which are impressively fuel-efficient. The 2022 Prius offers 58 MPG in the city, 53 MPG on the highway, and 56 MPG combined. The 2023 and 2024 models show slight improvements, with 57 MPG in the city, 56 MPG on the highway, and a combined 57 MPG. The Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid version, offers even better fuel efficiency, but we’ll cover that separately.

In terms of performance, the Prius has come a long way. It’s more powerful now, with newer models going from 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds, a significant improvement over earlier versions. Reviewers have praised the Prius for its comfort and tech features, though it can be a bit noisy on the freeway. Thanks to a major facelift, the Prius is now a much more stylish and enjoyable sedan that still offers over 50 MPG.

Toyota, with its long history of hybrid vehicles, continues to lead the way in this space, combining fuel efficiency, performance, and modern design.

6. 2012–2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in

Here’s another Prius for you—this time, the plug-in hybrid version from the 2012 to 2015 model years. Like other plug-in hybrids, the Prius offers excellent fuel economy both with and without the use of its battery. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid gets 95 MPGe on electric power and 50 MPG combined on gas, averaging about 57.5 MPG overall. This is a slight improvement over the regular hybrid version, which achieved 48 MPG combined.

The 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid maintained that classic polarizing egg shape, with slower but highly efficient engines. It reached 0 to 60 MPH in 9.9 seconds, which was considered leisurely at the time. While it wasn’t particularly fun to drive, it was a solid, roomy, and comfortable car—great for those focused on fuel efficiency rather than performance. This was typical of fuel-efficient cars of that era, where practicality took precedence over speed and style.

The third generation of the Prius remains one of the most fuel-efficient models ever, especially in its plug-in hybrid form. While newer Prius models, like the 2024 Prius Prime, are even more efficient—achieving 54 MPG on gasoline and 133 MPGe on the battery—the third-gen Prius remains a standout for its balance of fuel economy and practicality.

5. 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Blue

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq returns to our list, specifically the Blue trim. This trim was capable of achieving an impressive 57 MPG in the city, 59 MPG on the highway, and 58 MPG combined. Other trims of the Ioniq managed 55 MPG combined, while the plug-in hybrid version offered 133 MPGe on electric power. Despite the relatively small differences between the Blue trim and the SEL trim, some real-world drivers found it difficult to match the EPA’s fuel efficiency estimates with either trim.

The reason for the slight discrepancy is unclear, though some speculate it’s due to the EPA’s classification system, which may classify it under a specific weight category. That being said, it was possible to achieve similar fuel efficiency numbers with the higher trims. Overall, the 2020 Ioniq was just as solid as the 2022 model, with average speed typical of hybrids from that time. There were few downsides to the car, making it an overall great choice.

With 58 MPG, the 2020 Ioniq could go a long way between fill-ups. Despite this, it was one of the least popular versions of the car, especially when excluding the brief 2022 model year before it was discontinued. If you come across one, it’s a smooth, fuel-efficient ride that offers great value for money at the pump.

4. 2013–2015 Chevrolet Volt

On paper, the Chevy Volt might not seem like it belongs on a list of the most fuel-efficient cars, but its real-world performance is impressive. The car could achieve 98 MPGe on battery power and 37 MPG combined on gas. However, in practice, the Volt averaged around 73 MPG when combining both electric and gas power. Some drivers even reported exceeding 100 MPG, especially when driving short distances where the gas engine hardly ever engaged.

The Chevy Volt’s success made it difficult for the Cadillac ELR to compete. Both cars were built on the same platform and used similar powertrains, but the Volt’s $34,000 price tag was a far better deal compared to the ELR’s $70,000. The Volt was small, quick for its time, and had a more conventional look. Its zero-to-60 time was just nine seconds, nearly a second faster than the Prius of that era.

Unfortunately, Chevy discontinued the Volt in 2019. The reason was similar to the fate of the Hyundai Ioniq, Honda Insight, and other hybrids—the automaker was shifting focus to electrification across its broader lineup. Plus, with the growing popularity of SUVs, many automakers, including Chevy, began reducing the number of sedans they offered. The Volt was a casualty of this trend, and it will be missed for its efficiency and practicality.

3. 2014–2015 BMW i3 REx

The BMW i3 REx is a unique plug-in hybrid that stands out for its impressive fuel efficiency. On paper, it’s rated at 117 MPGe on electricity and 39 MPG combined when using the gas engine. What made this car special was its ability to travel up to 70 miles on electricity alone, a much higher range than most plug-in hybrids at the time. This allowed drivers to mostly rely on the electric motor, significantly boosting gas mileage. In real-world usage, the i3 REx averaged around 112 MPG, and one driver even reported getting an extraordinary 1,892 MPG, going nearly 10,000 miles between fill-ups.

The 70-mile electric range gave drivers plenty of flexibility, allowing most daily commutes or short trips to be completed without ever needing to use the gas engine. This high level of electric-only driving is what made the i3 REx one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market, especially considering that modern plug-in hybrids rarely exceed 40 miles of electric range.

Beyond its efficiency, the i3 REx offered the kind of performance you’d expect from a BMW, with quick acceleration, good handling, and enough space for four adult passengers. However, only the REx version, which included the gas-powered range extender, could provide that 70-mile electric range. The non-REx i3 models were more typical hybrids, offering less impressive mileage and performance.

2. Almost all plug-in hybrids

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have become more prevalent and increasingly fuel-efficient in recent years, offering impressive all-electric ranges that allow for daily driving without using any gas. The Hyundai Tucson PHEV, for example, provides 33 miles on electric power alone, while the 2023 Volvo S90 PHEV offers 38 miles, and its V60 counterpart extends to 41 miles. Many modern PHEVs now have all-electric ranges that are sufficient for the average American’s daily commute, which, in 2021, was just 16 miles. This means that with 32 or more all-electric miles, a PHEV can easily complete a daily commute without burning any fuel.

For drivers with access to an EV charger at work or home, these vehicles provide a nearly gas-free experience for most of their driving needs, delivering fuel economy comparable to that of full EVs. In fact, PHEVs with decent all-electric ranges are now capable of offering fuel efficiency numbers that rival the most efficient hybrids on the market, and in many cases, they could potentially go days or weeks without needing to use gas.

This shift has made PHEVs a compelling option for those looking for the flexibility of a gasoline-powered engine without the daily fuel consumption of traditional hybrids. While we’ve omitted several specific PHEVs from the list in favor of highlighting a few high performers, it’s clear that plug-in hybrids are becoming a significant part of the move toward more sustainable and efficient transportation.

1. EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) dominate the fuel efficiency charts, with a long list of models achieving remarkable MPGe ratings. Vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, Lucid Air, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and BMW i3 BEV all outperform hybrids and plug-in hybrids in terms of efficiency, with MPGe ratings exceeding 120. The Tesla Model 3, for instance, achieves an impressive 142 MPGe, while the Hyundai Ioniq 6 ties the Lucid Air at 140 MPGe, highlighting how EVs have reached the peak of fuel efficiency.

What makes EVs particularly attractive is not just their fuel efficiency but also their driving experience. Unlike traditional vehicles that rely on both gas and electric power, EVs are built around electric motors, which offer excellent acceleration, handling, and high-tech features. Despite their high upfront costs, EVs are often a superior option when it comes to efficiency and performance.

In short, if you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient vehicles, EVs are the clear winners, with most models exceeding 100 MPGe and offering the added benefit of no internal combustion engine (ICE) dragging down their efficiency. As the technology continues to improve, EVs will likely remain the gold standard for fuel efficiency for the foreseeable future.