We take a look at the most fuel-efficient cars of 2024 as judged by the EPA and the list is full of hybrids from Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai.
Cars are more expensive than ever and fuel costs aren’t exactly getting any cheaper either. Most automakers are making more fuel-efficient cars these days, so there are savings to be had at the gas pump. Today, we’re looking at the top ten cars with the best fuel economy on the market. These standings are straight from the EPA or the horse’s mouth so to speak. Unsurprisingly, every one of them is a hybrid that leverages efficient internal combustion with electrification to stretch each gallon of fuel.
It’s remarkable to think that the tenth-place car in this list still gets 44 mpg combined but that’s the case with the Lexus ES 300h. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 215 horsepower. It’s only available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. Of the cars here, it’s the most luxurious but it should be with a base price of $43,790.
For 2024, the Camry is available with a 208 hp four-cylinder hybrid that also employs a CVT but is only available with front-wheel drive. Notably, this rating includes the SE, XLE, and XSE trims which are all well-appointed with various features like faux-leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate control.
The Camry’s smaller sibling, the Corolla does even better overall with a score of 47 mpg combined. It uses a 1.8-liter hybrid four-cylinder with just 138 horsepower. Just like the Camry, it’s a front-wheel drive car only with a CVT transmitting power from the engine to the tires. The Corolla also stands out as one of the safest cars in this list with top marks from the NHTSA and the IIHS.
Every Accord sips fuel but the hybrid version is remarkable for getting 48 mpg combined while also offering more power than the non-hybrid engine in the lineup. It combines a battery and electric motor to develop 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder platform. Of all the cars here it might be the most engaging from behind the wheel.
The Niro uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to make just 139 horsepower. That isn’t much at all but we like the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox employed to power the front wheels. The Niro is a quirky but practical car with engaging looks, an upscale interior, and exceptional warranty coverage. Notably, this rating and rank only apply to the EX and above trims.
Hyundai’s Elantra starts at just $27,400 and comes with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine that makes 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That’s a combination of slightly less power but far more torque than the base car. The tradeoff results in 50 mpg combined according to the EPA. The Limited trim also comes with leather-trimmed seats, a Bose sound system, and a surround-view camera feature.
The Camry gets on the list twice thanks to an incredibly thrifty base model. It gets up to 52 mpg combined and still comes with dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure mitigation.
The Niro gets on the list twice as well since the base model, the LX manages four mpg better than the rest of the lineup. It still comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It’s full of great safety tech too.
The base Elantra gets back on the list one more time with a score of 54 mpg combined. It’s not as posh as the Limited trim but it still comes with heated front seats, heated mirrors, and LED taillights. That’s all on top of dual-zone climate control, and a pair of 10.25-inch screens, one for the infotainment system and another for the gauge cluster.
Finally, the king of fuel economy is still the Toyota Prius and it’s not particularly close. For once, it’s attractive beyond just the savings one gets at the pump. The 2024 edition is genuinely beautiful, sleek, and futuristic. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 194 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard but AWD is available. Both versions use a CVT. The Prius is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It’s the king and it doesn’t appear to have much serious competition.