7 of the Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles & 7 Notorious Gas Guzzlers
Fuel economy is a leading factor car buyers consider when choosing a new or used vehicle. After all, the fuel economy determines how much the new owners will pay for gas. With rising gas prices, it’s practical to find a car that can make going to work and traveling more affordable. Previewing cars with great fuel economy can help you save more and avoid mistakes. Popular car brands are synonymous with better fuel economy, and if you choose these cars, you can avoid high costs.
Fuel economy is a leading factor car buyers consider when choosing a new or used vehicle. After all, the fuel economy determines how much the new owners will pay for gas.
With rising gas prices, it's practical to find a car that can make going to work and traveling more affordable. Previewing cars with great fuel economy can help you save more and avoid mistakes.
Popular car brands are synonymous with better fuel economy, and if you choose these cars, you can avoid high costs.
From hybrids like Toyota Prius to emerging Honda models, you can find a car that is affordable in price and fuel economy. Let's review 7 of the most fuel-efficient vehicles and 7 notorious gas guzzlers.
1. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius remains one of the most iconic fuel‑efficient vehicles on the road, offering an ideal balance between everyday practicality and outstanding gas savings.
Its hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive 58 miles per gallon in the city and around 53 miles per gallon on the highway, making it a top choice for commuters who want to cut fuel costs without sacrificing comfort.
The 2023 model, with its sleeker design and improved performance, has quickly become one of the most sought‑after versions yet.
Thanks to its proven reliability, low operating costs, and strong demand, the Prius consistently maintains a high resale value, reinforcing its reputation as a smart long‑term investment.
2. Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq has earned its place among the most fuel‑efficient hybrids on the market, delivering outstanding mileage that rivals the Toyota Prius, including up to 58 miles per gallon on the highway.
Its sleek, modern design gives it strong curb appeal, while the cabin offers comfort‑focused touches such as reclining seats and intuitive tech features.
Drivers also appreciate its fast‑charging capability in the plug‑in and electric variants, making it a practical choice for both daily commuting and longer trips.
With its blend of efficiency, style, and convenience, the Ioniq remains a top pick for buyers seeking maximum value at the pump.
3. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight stands out as one of the most refined and efficient hybrid sedans in its class, delivering an impressive 55 miles per gallon in the city and 49 miles per gallon on the highway.
Its sleek, modern design gives it a premium look, while its hybrid powertrain offers smooth, responsive performance that often surpasses comparable models.
Inside, drivers appreciate the generous legroom, comfortable seating, and intuitive tech features that make daily commuting more enjoyable.
With its blend of efficiency, comfort, and reliability, the Insight remains a top choice for buyers seeking a fuel‑saving sedan that doesn’t compromise on style or driving experience.
4. Kia Niro
The Kia Niro stands out as one of the most versatile fuel‑efficient vehicles thanks to its wide range of powertrains, including hybrid, plug‑in hybrid, and fully electric versions.
The hybrid model delivers impressive numbers, offering 53 miles per gallon in the city and 48 miles per gallon on the highway, making it a strong choice for drivers who want to save at the pump without sacrificing comfort.
Despite its compact footprint, the Niro provides a surprisingly roomy interior, practical cargo space, and a user‑friendly tech suite.
Its affordability, efficiency, and modern features make it an appealing option for eco‑conscious buyers seeking everyday practicality.
5. Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV stands out as one of the most efficient and practical electric vehicles in its class, delivering an impressive 259 miles of range on a single charge.
Its all‑electric design eliminates fuel costs entirely, making it an appealing option for drivers looking to cut long‑term expenses. Beyond efficiency, the Bolt offers strong performance thanks to its instant torque and quick acceleration, giving it a lively feel in city and highway driving.
Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious for a compact EV, with ample room for passengers and cargo.
Altogether, the Bolt EV combines range, value, and everyday usability in a smart, modern package.
6. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has become one of the most influential electric vehicles on the market, thanks to its blend of long‑range capability, cutting‑edge technology, and strong overall value.
Capable of traveling up to 358 miles on a single charge, it offers one of the best ranges in its class, making it ideal for both daily commuting and longer road trips.
Inside, the minimalist cabin is anchored by a large touchscreen that controls nearly every function, while advanced driver‑assistance features enhance safety and convenience.
Owners also benefit from access to the expansive Tesla Supercharger network, which makes long‑distance charging fast and reliable.
7. Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid remains a strong contender for drivers seeking efficiency, comfort, and everyday practicality. Delivering 43 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway, it offers excellent fuel savings without compromising on performance.
Families appreciate its spacious interior, generous legroom, and smooth, quiet ride that makes long trips more enjoyable.
The Fusion also comes equipped with a range of advanced features, from intuitive infotainment to helpful driver‑assistance technologies — that enhance both safety and convenience.
With its blend of reliability, comfort, and efficiency, the Fusion Hybrid continues to be a smart and well‑rounded choice for many consumers.
8. Lamborghini Aventador
This Lamborghini delivers the kind of speed, power, and adrenaline‑pumping performance that makes supercar fans fall in love, but fuel efficiency is definitely not part of the package.
Built for thrills rather than economy, this model averages only 9 miles per gallon in the city, making it one of the most notorious gas guzzlers on the road.
Its roaring engine, aggressive acceleration, and track‑ready engineering are undeniably impressive, yet they come at a steep cost at the pump.
For drivers who prioritize performance above all else, it’s a dream machine, but for anyone watching fuel consumption, it’s far from an ideal choice.
9. Rolls-Royce Phantom
The Rolls‑Royce Phantom is undeniably a symbol of prestige, craftsmanship, and unmatched luxury, but fuel efficiency is far from its strong suit.
With an average of just 14 miles per gallon, this ultra‑luxury sedan prioritizes comfort, power, and presence over economy. Its massive V12 engine delivers a smooth, effortless ride, yet that refinement comes with a steep cost at the pump.
For buyers seeking status, exclusivity, and a truly opulent driving experience, the Phantom delivers in every way.
But for those focused on fuel savings or long‑term efficiency, it stands firmly among the least economical vehicles on the road.
10. Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne is a flagship luxury sedan built for prestige, comfort, and commanding road presence not for saving fuel.
Its handcrafted interior, powerful V8 engine, and ultra‑smooth ride make it a favorite among high‑end buyers seeking exclusivity and refinement.
But all that performance comes at a cost: the Mulsanne delivers only about 10 miles per gallon in the city, placing it firmly among the least fuel‑efficient luxury vehicles on the market.
While it excels in craftsmanship and status, it’s far from ideal for drivers prioritizing fuel economy or long‑term efficiency.
11. Cadillac Climbing
The Cadillac Escalade has long been a favorite among luxury SUV shoppers thanks to its bold styling, upscale cabin, and impressive cargo capacity.
Its smooth ride and generous seating make it especially appealing for families or anyone who frequently travels with a full crew. However, all that size and power comes with a significant trade‑off at the pump.
Averaging just 14 miles per gallon, the Escalade is far less efficient than smaller SUVs and crossovers, placing it firmly in the gas‑guzzler category.
While it excels in comfort and presence, it’s not the ideal choice for drivers prioritizing fuel economy.
12. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevy Suburban has long been a go‑to option for workers who need a dependable vehicle with generous seating and cargo capacity.
Its rugged build and spacious interior make it ideal for hauling equipment, transporting crews, or handling demanding daily tasks.
However, its size and powerful engine come with a clear drawback: the Suburban averages only about 15 miles per gallon, placing it well below more efficient work‑vehicle alternatives.
For those who travel short distances, this may not be a deal‑breaker, but for workers who regularly cover long routes, fuel costs can add up quickly, making the Suburban a less economical choice overall.
13. Dodge Ram 1500 TRX
The Dodge Ram 1500 TRX has earned a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its rugged build, massive capability, and exhilarating performance.
Its supercharged engine delivers an astounding 702 horsepower, giving it the power and acceleration of a true high‑performance truck.
However, all that muscle comes with a major trade‑off in fuel efficiency: the TRX averages only about 10 miles per gallon, making it one of the least economical pickups for long‑distance travel.
Still, its sturdy construction, generous cargo capacity, and off‑road readiness make it a compelling choice for drivers who prioritize strength and adventure over fuel savings.
14. Ford F-450 Super Duty
The Ford F‑450 Super Duty is built for serious work, offering exceptional towing capacity and a rugged structure that can handle demanding tasks with ease.
Its spacious cabin provides ample legroom, while the durable, factory‑lined bed adds practicality for hauling heavy equipment or materials. This truck is designed to deliver strength, stability, and long‑term reliability, making it a favorite among contractors and heavy‑duty users.
However, all that capability comes with a trade‑off in fuel efficiency: the F‑450 averages only about 12 miles per gallon in the city, placing it firmly among the least economical pickups for everyday commuting or long‑distance travel.
15. Ferrari 488 GTB
This high‑end sports car is often chosen for its striking design, prestige, and exhilarating performance, making it a favorite among buyers who value style and status.
Its powerful engine delivers an undeniably thrilling driving experience, but that excitement comes with a clear trade‑off at the pump. Averaging only about 15 miles per gallon, it falls well short of the efficiency offered by more practical models.
For drivers who prioritize luxury, speed, and road presence, it’s an irresistible choice, yet for anyone focused on fuel savings, it stands as a prime example of performance taking precedence over economy.