Are you looking to learn more about fuel-efficient cars? Are you in the market to buy one? Or do you actually already own one?
Many guides on fuel-efficient cars focus too much on individual vehicles or a specific technology instead of what really matters to most people.
Even worse, some of these guides include confusing information that makes people feel more in the dark.
So we’re going to take a different approach. Instead of focusing on the latest hybrid model, we’re going to focus on the most common questions about these cars. And we are going to answer them in plain English.
Here is what we are going to discuss:
Fuel-efficient cars are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. There is a big gap between the most and least efficient vehicles.
Think of fuel efficiency as getting the most bang for your buck—each gallon of gas will take you farther in a fuel-efficient car. This efficiency helps the environment because it means less gas used.
Plus, fuel efficiency also leads to better air quality and fewer emissions.
But there are other factors to consider, like:
Are you ready to dive into how you can be more fuel-efficient? Head to the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide.
Hybrid cars are the most well-known fuel-efficient cars.
To better understand how hybrid mileage compares with a standard car, let’s compare the gas mileage between a 2021 Toyota Prius to a 2021 Honda Accord Sedan.
2021 Toyota Prius2021 Honda Accord SedanUp to 58 city / 53 highwayUp to 30 city / 38 highway
A full hybrid like a Toyota Prius uses less gas because it relies on an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The electric motor is fueled by a battery pack that gets energy both from the gas engine and energy recouped.
In short, it depends on the car. It’s true; the upfront costs may be higher than a traditional gas guzzler.
But you also have to consider the cost of owning the car overall.
If you drive considerably, like driving for work or commuting, a fuel-efficient car is typically less expensive to drive. Why? Because you spend a lot less money on gas.
Deciding which car is right for you is a personal choice. First, buying a brand new car just for the sake of it isn’t likely going to save you money.
But, if you are in the market for a new car regardless, it’s worth it to consider buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle. To help you decide, here are the pros and cons:
ProsCons- Spending less money on gas
- You don’t have to worry as much about gas prices rising
- Contributing to better air quality
- Contributing fewer emissions- Less choice available in terms of models and manufacturers
- Possibly more expensive upfront
Another way to decide is to simply “do the math.”
Every year, new fuel-efficient vehicles come on the market. Plus, many car manufacturers continually update their vehicles to make them more fuel-efficient. So every year the list of the most fuel-efficient cars can change.
No matter the year, however, these lists always seem to include the Toyota Prius. It’s a safe bet when it comes to a fuel-efficient hybrid car.