The 10 most fuel-efficient cars according to Consumer Reports

Unusually cold temperatures have created dangerous conditions for American drivers: Not only do they have to scrape endless amounts of snow and ice from their windshields and exercise caution on the road, but the winter weather is also affecting their fuel economy.

According to the US Department of EnergyCold weather negatively affects fuel efficiency in propulsion systems of all types. For example, gasoline engines report 15% less fuel economy in city driving at 20 degrees Fahrenheit than at 70 degrees Fahrenheit; Hybrid vehicles lose up to 34%, while for electric vehicles it is even worse: they lose up to 39%.

Why does fuel efficiency worsen in winter?

Your driving habits have a big impact on fuel economy, but so do other factors, such as friction and temperature. According to the Department of Energy, cold weather can wreak havoc on vehicles in more ways than one:

Cold motor oil increases friction in engines and transmissions, which can make it harder to start your car.
Winter weather causes vehicle engines to take longer to reach their most fuel-efficient temperatures.
When drivers and passengers turn on the heated seats and window defrosters, they also use more energy in the process.
The cold air itself acts as a brake on a vehicle, resulting in decreased aerodynamics.
Car batteries lose charge in colder temperatures, reducing the amount of power they can generate. For hybrids and electric vehicles, freezing weather can also affect regenerative braking systems.

The good news is that there are some simple things drivers can do to improve their vehicle's fuel economy during the winter. Simply parking your car somewhere enclosed, such as a garage, can help keep the vehicle warmer.

Additionally, you can better plan outdoor excursions to include multiple activities, so you're not putting constant strain on your car by starting it when the engine is cold.

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Unlike in the past, most automakers actually advise against “idling,” or sitting in the car while it warms up, because today's engines warm up faster when in motion, which will also activate the heater more quickly. quickly.

Manufacturers of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles also recommend using seat warmers instead of heaters to help save energy.

How does fuel efficiency save drivers money?

Simply put, fuel-efficient vehicles allow drivers to travel farther using the same amount of energy, whether gasoline, electricity (via a battery pack), or a combination of both (hybrid).

By purchasing a hybrid vehicle, you can save between 20% and 35% on gasoline compared to a vehicle with a combustion engine only.

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Consumer Reports, a trusted name in independent automobile research, testing and recommendations since 1936, estimates that owning a hybrid could save you more than $4,000 over the course of the life of your vehicle.

Some 2025 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will even be eligible for federal tax creditswhich can help offset your higher upfront costs.

The 10 most fuel-efficient cars according to Consumer Reports

The 10 hybrids and plug-in hybrids that made it to Consumer Reports list of fuel efficient vehicles all are CR Green Choice certified. That means they are among the top 20% of vehicles on the market in terms of “environmental performance,” which is a combination of a vehicle's fuel efficiency and its low emissions.

CR developed its Green Choice certification, which appears on its site as a small green leaf icon, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay program, and was designed to help consumers make more informed decisions when purchasing their new car, truck or vehicle. SUVs.

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Consumer Reports also tests vehicles on other quantitative metrics such as acceleration, braking and emergency steering at its 327-acre automotive testing facility, which is the largest in the world. The organization also sends surveys to its six million members to gain insight into qualitative metrics, such as vehicle reliability and owner satisfaction.

Those vehicles that accumulate the highest scores receive Consumer Reports' highest rating, the “CR Recommendation.”

The 10 cars with the best fuel consumption are also all CR recommended picks, so it's like you're getting the best of the best with this list.

Toyota dominates the field, boasting five of the top 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles. Here is the full list:

The king of fuel economy, the 2025 Toyota Prius tops Consumer Report's list of fuel-efficient cars.

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