With gas prices sky-high and likely to remain that way for some time, many Americans are eyeing more fuel-efficient vehicles. Even if fuel prices drop in the near future, history tells us they won’t stay that way for long. And with inflation for other things – groceries, home goods, and services – also on the rise, many households are looking for ways to mitigate the impact of high fuel prices on their household budgets.

The good news is that many of today’s new vehicles offer excellent fuel economy, as automakers are striving to meet sustainability goals. Most of the world’s largest automakers have improved miles per gallon (mpg) dramatically, in part to meet state and federal fuel economy standards. In April, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced new tailpipe pollution standards that will mandate the average fuel efficiency of new cars and light trucks to reach 49 miles per gallon by 2026. The goal of the standards is to help cut greenhouse gas emissions and save consumers money at the pump, according to a recent article in the Washington Post.

“With gas prices soaring, oil markets beset by events in Ukraine, and Biden’s climate agenda stalled in Congress, administration officials have emphasized the savings Americans will see at the pump in the coming years because of [the] rule,” wrote the Post’s Michael Laris. “Americans buying new vehicles purchased through 2030 will spend about $192 billion less on gas because of the rule, according to the administration.”

Shopping for a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

It can be a daunting prospect to begin looking for the fuel-efficient vehicle that is right for you. One place to start is with Consumer Reports’ overall fuel-economy test results and rankings. CR’s fuel-economy numbers are derived from the use of a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon. The overall mileage results are calculated based on equal portions of city and highway driving. (Note: all the cars on the list are hybrids, and the ranking does not include plug-in electric vehicles.)

Consumer Reports’ most fuel-efficient vehicles include:

  • The 2022 Honda Insight. The Insight measured a whopping 54 mpg overall, which bests the Toyota Prius’ 52 mpg.
  • The 2022 Toyota Prius. The Prius’s 52 mpg overall is a phenomenal achievement, according to CR, particularly when compared to the previous generation of Prius’ 44 mpg overall.
  • The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq. Hyundai’s hybrid hatchback has recently seen updates to its brake system and a switch to a different tire brand and model, but it retains its impressive 52 mpg fuel efficiency.
  • The 2022 Hyundai Elantra. CR noted that the hybrid version of this vehicle not only achieved an impressive 48 mpg overall but also has a smoother ride and quieter cabin than the standard engine version.
  • The 2022 Toyota Corolla. The verdict on Toyota’s hybrid Corolla offering is that it gets an impressive 48 mpg overall while maintaining strong brand reliability and the standard advanced safety features consumers expect from the Corolla.

Innovative Restorations Inc. is an automotive service facility that is dedicated to delivering quality reliable service. We are experienced in repairing and maintaining all aspects of modern and classic vehicles. Visit our Facebook page today or call us at 860-852-3275 to discuss your vehicle service needs.