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2024 Kia Soul ReviewMost Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2021
To balance out the Hummer H2 in your garage, here’s our list of the most fuel-efficient cars of 2021.
Elite Efficiency
Getting the most out of your automotive purchase means paying attention to more than just the sticker price. Finding a reliable vehicle keeps maintenance costs down. And getting a car with good fuel economy makes sure you’re not overspending at the pump.
Below, we’ve divided our list into three segments: conventional gas-only cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. We considered overall mpg, total range, and, in the case of the plug-in hybrids, electric-only range. These are the long-distance champions of frugality and efficiency.
Hybrids
Toyota Prius
MPG: 56 combined (58 city / 53 highway)
Total Range: 633 miles
The prototypical hybrid, the Toyota Prius remains one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road in 2021. It’s 58 city mpg rating is tops among traditional hybrids. Though it’s still not the most stylish of vehicle, it has improved cosmetically over the years and now features a somewhat ironically “aggressive” front end. It’s remains eminently practical with a roomy cabin and a total of 50.7 cu. ft. of cargo room. All-wheel drive was just introduced this year for the Prius. Though this feature does ding the fuel economy to 51/47 city/hwy mpg.
Hyundai Ioniq
MPG: 59 combined (58 city / 60 highway)
Total Range: 702 miles
The Hyundai Ioniq offers the best overall fuel efficiency numbers among traditional hybrid cars. It also comes in ahead of most other hybrids in terms of power with 139 horsepower. The Ioniq features a standard eight-inch touchscreen for infotainment along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety includes lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic high beams. Like most Hyundai models, the Ioniq features a nicely appointed cabin with waultiy materials and a crisp design.
Plug-In Hybrids
Toyota Prius Prime
MPG: 54 combined, 133 MPGe
Total Range: 640 miles
Electric-Only Range: 25 miles
In plug-in hybrid form, the Prius Prime is no less impressive when it comes to efficiency. An electric only range of 25 miles covers a lot of grocery getting and at least a decent chunk of many commutes. Similar to the standard Prius, the Prius Prime offers a comfortable ride, roomy cabin, and good cargo capacity. And with a total range of 640 miles, the Prius Prime is a road trip champ. Available options include an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10-speaker JBL stereo, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Honda Clarity
MPG: 42 combined, 110 MPGe
Total Range: 340 miles
Electric-Only Range: 47 miles
A perhaps lesser-known Honda nameplate, the Clarity does have one major claim to fame as their premier PHEV sedan, an electric-only range of 47 miles. That number is by far the best electric-only range among plug-in hybrids. Once the internal combustion engine kicks in the Clarity still gets a respectable fuel economy at 42 mpg. That and a total range of just 340 miles, means the Clarity is at its best as a commuter car with next-level efficiency. A total of 212 horsepower means you’re not sacrificing pick-up for those stellar mpg numbers. Like stablemates the Accord and Civic, the Clarity features a refined interior and surprisingly spry handling. The Clarity features a generous package of standard safety tech including lane departure warning and lane keep assist, blind spot camera, and forward collision warning among many others.
Gas Only
Hyundai Elantra
MPG: 43 city / 33 highway / 38 combined
Total range – 532 miles
The freshly redesigned Hyundai Elantra combines killer good looks with outstanding fuel efficiency for one of the best buys in the segment. The Elantra’s 43 city mpg rating comes via 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Standard features are plentiful in the Elantra, with safety tech like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and lane follow assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, and pedestrian detection. Tech includes an 8-inch standard touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice recognition software. For a sleek, modern-looking, and super-efficient car, the Hyundai Elantra is deserving careful consideration.
Mitsubishi Mirage (ES hatchback)
MPG: 43 city / 36 highway / 39 combined
Total Range: 359 miles
The Mitsubishi Mirage isn’t the most refined or sporty of compact cars. But for dollar-for-dollar efficiency there are few cars that can match its knack for being economical. The 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine puts out a comically anemic 78 horsepower. But that lack of power is part and parcel of one of the most efficient ICE powertrains around. With 43 city mpg, the Mirage nears hybrid levels of efficiency at a considerably lower cost.
Starting at just $13,995, the Mirage is one of the least expensive new vehicles on the market. But for the most fuel-efficient version in 2021 you’ll need to spring for the $1,200 CVT over the manual. While you get what you pay for, when you’re looking for the most bang for your buck on a new car, the Mirage is nearly unparalleled (please don’t quote that last part out of context).
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