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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:

  • How do fuel-efficient cars help the environment?
  • How fuel-efficient are hybrid cars?
  • Are fuel-efficient cars more expensive?
  • Is it worth buying a more fuel-efficient car? Should I buy a more fuel-efficient car?
  • What are the most fuel-efficient cars?

How do fuel-efficient cars help the environment?

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:

  • The size. The smaller the car, the better the gas mileage
  • The color. If you get a dark vehicle, you’ll have to use more AC to cool it down in the summer.

Are you ready to dive into how you can be more fuel-efficient? Head to the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide.

How fuel-efficient are hybrids?

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. 

Are fuel-efficient cars more expensive?

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.

Should I buy a fuel-efficient vehicle?

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.”

  1. How much do you spend on car costs now (gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.)?
  2. How much could you get for your current car?
  3. How much would the fuel-efficient car cost? 
  4. If you got a fuel-efficient car, how much would you be spending on car costs (gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.)?
  5. When would the car pay for itself?

What are the most fuel-efficient cars?

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.

Want to see the top 12 fuel-efficient vehicles? Head to the U.S. News’s list of The 15 Cars With the Best Gas Mileage in 2021.

And that’s it for our Foolproof Guide to Fuel-Efficient Cars! 

Want more mileage resources? 
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