It used to be that bench racing was all about horsepower. Today, fuel economy ratings are the figures that matter most to car shoppers. Manufacturers are responding, prodded along by increasingly aggressive federal fuel economy requirements. As a result, we’re seeing more models crest the 40-mpg barrier.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its 2011 fuel economy figures, revealing those cars with the best fuel economy. No surprise, most are hybrids.
Just missing the list are some naturally aspirated cars that deliver excellent fuel economy, as we have experienced in the real world. Notably, the Ford Fiesta is rated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and the Mini Cooper with 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway. And for a family sedan, the Hyundai Sonata is officially rated at 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and for wagons, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI with 30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway. We have experienced 40 mpg and above in all those choices.
The official list of cars with the best fuel economy for 2011:
Toyota Prius (hybrid) - 51/48
Ford Fusion Hybrid FWD, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid FWD - 41/36
Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight (hybrid) - 40/43
Honda CR-Z (automatic, hybrid) - 35/39
Lexus HS 250h (hybrid) - 35/34
Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, Mazda Tribute Hybrid FWD - 34/31
Smart ForTwo (Cabriolet, Coupe) - 33/41
Nissan Altima Hybrid - 33/33
Lexus RX 450h 2WD (hybrid) - 32/28
Honda CR-Z (manual, hybrid) - 31/37
Learn more about fuel economy and driving green.