With stricter fuel-economy standards being pressed on vehicle manufacturers, and “green” being a major buzzword in marketing, many car companies are competing to have the least gas-thirsty cars. These 10 are some of the 2013 winners.
Toyota Prius c One
MPG: City, 53; Highway, 46
The smallest of the Priuses, the c One costs under $20,000. It has the best fuel economy for city driving of all cars that do not plug in, and the lowest price among hybrid cars.
Toyota Prius Two
MPG: City, 51; Highway, 48
At just under $25,000, the Prius Two is the top-selling hybrid the world over. It offers the best in combined fuel economy for city and highway driving, plus the standard model comes with features like Touch-screen audio, Bluetooth and a USB plug.
Smart fortwo Electric Drive
MPG: City, 122; Highway, 93
This car sells at between $25,000 and $30,000 and is the cheapest electric vehicle available. After a $7,500 federal tax credit (you’re rewarded for being fuel efficient!) the price is brought down to around $18,000. The car fully charges up in six hours with a 240-volt charger.
Honda Fit EV
MPG: City, 132; Highway, 105
Available for lease only, the Honda Fit EV costs around $389 per month. The car is almost undefeated in the fueling-up department with one of the top ranges of any electric vehicle when completely charged up.
Lexus ES 300h
MPG: City, 40; Highway, 39
The long-anticipated Lexus hybrid sells at around $40,000 and comes in the popular ES midsize-sedan model. It’s the only model with a rear spoiler and hidden exhaust, and like all ES models has low-rolling resistance tires.
Scion FR-S
MPG: City, 25; Highway, 34
This rear-wheel-drive coupe sells at around $25,000 and boasts a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower engine, created with Subaru whose BRZ model shares the same engine and platform.
Ford C-Max Energi SEL
MPG: City, 44; Highway, 41
This car has a price tag at around $32,000 and boasts a mpg better than the Prius plug-in. It is Ford’s first plug-in vehicle, and comes standard with SYNC with MyFord Touch and a mobile app to help you monitor and schedule charging.
Nissan Quest S
MPG: City, 19; Highway, 25
Selling at around $25,000, the Quest has the best fuel economy for hybrid minivans. Created with families in mind, the car offers second-row captain’s chairs, 12 cup holders and a reclining third row. Nissan’s around-view monitor is also available for better navigation.
Nissan Juke S
MPG: City, 27; Highway, 32
The Nissan Juke S has a price tag around $20,000 resembles a sports car with a lowered driving position, dynamic handling and sleek styling. Beneath the hood you’ll find a 1.6-liter turbocharged, 188-horsepower engine.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
MPG: City, 28; Highway, 28
At just around $40,000, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor to create 280 horsepower. In addition, an electric engine gives power to the rear wheels and added torque when necessary for the four-wheel-drive system.
