Characteristics of The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
With plenty of hybrid choices and a growing range of electric cars, gas mileage is improving or becoming totally irrelevant. Nevertheless, when looking at vehicles with the best mpg, we generally look only at non-electric models. These are the qualities you can expect cars with the best fuel economy to share.
- Performance: Straight-up power is nice, but it's not the best way to reduce fuel consumption. However, it is possible to improve mpg while still maintaining high levels of performance through turbocharging or adding hybrid components. Balance is essential in this regard.
- Reliability: Reducing expenditure on fuel means very little if you end up spending more on maintenance and repairs later down the line. Furthermore, these engines need to retain their high fuel efficiency for many years without complaint - engines that don’t age well use more gas later in their lives.
- Affordability: While you may save a lot over the period of ownership, the initial price of the most fuel-efficient cars can vary widely depending on the category. Most buyers will want to keep prices down, but if you do opt for a hybrid or electric car, you’ll have to pony up a bit more upfront.
- EPA ratings: Of course, efficiency and economy are vital here, and cars that can go for more miles per gallon of few make the cut. Additionally, a respectable range from a full tank (or fully charged battery) is required. Generally, bigger cars with bigger engines are heavier on fuel - all-wheel-drive is generally also thirstier at the pumps than cars only driving two wheels.
What To Consider When Buying a Car With The Best MPG
A lot of thought goes into buying a new car, like the body style you might want, whether FWD is good enough or if you should spring for all-wheel drive, and just about anything else that could come up. Since every segment has its best vehicles for gas mileage, here are a few things to consider in general:
Pros
- A choice of almost any body style
- Family cars are generally very frugal
- Money saved on fuel can be used to add options
- Less complication with power- and drivetrains
Cons
- Sometimes it means a sacrifice in power
- Hybrid and electric cars cost a lot more at the outset
FAQs
What is the most fuel-efficient car?
This largely depends on which type of car you are talking about. In terms of gas-only vehicles, the Mitsubishi Mirage is one the most efficient with 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined. For plug-in hybrids, the Toyota Prius Prime gets 133 mpg equivalent, and the Tesla gets a little over 5 miles per kWh of charge in the EV class. This is ever-evolving, however as manufacturers vy for top honors in the economy marathon.
What sports car gets the best mileage?
In general, high-performance cars guzzle gas, but you can get an Audi e-tron GT with 82 MPGe or a Mazda MX-5 Miata with 26/35 mpg city/highway.
Are there any fuel-efficient pickup trucks?
Gas-powered trucks offer almost universally poor fuel consumption figures, regardless fo their size. However, several automakers like Ford and Chevrolet have already released their first electric pickup models and they boast some impressive performance figures while still getting great mileage from their batteries.