The Best New Cars for MPG
In tough economic times, consumers looking at big-ticket purchases, like a new car or truck, may want to focus on costs of ownership, like fuel. For both environmental and fiscal reasons, the following group of new cars, all hybrids, may help reduce future gas bills as the best new cars for MPG, or miles per gallon of gasoline.
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Toyota Prius
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One of the longest-running hybrid models, the new Prius rises head and shoulders above competitors in city fuel mileage at 51 MPG--10 more than the second place finisher in EPA testing. It also has the the highest highway rating at 48, in a four-door sedan with styling that covers a hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain.
Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid
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This pair is a recent addition to the U.S. marketplace, but they are already second among new cars for MPG in city driving at 41. On a single tank of gas, a team of drivers managed to eke out more than 1,400 miles. Everyday driving will net highway mileage of 36 MPG in either the Ford Fusion Hybrid or its upmarket Mercury Milan variant.
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Honda Civic Hybrid
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Like the Fusion and the Milan, the popular Honda Civic also comes in a hybrid version that combines gas and electric propulsion to get 40 miles of city driving for every gallon used. Commuters will want to take note that the Civic Hybrid is actually second among new cars for MPG in highway driving, beating out the Milan and Fusion, while maintaining a less extreme look than the Prius or the next entrant on the list.
Honda Insight
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The second Honda on the list matches its counterpart when it comes to urban environments, though it does not do quite as well on the highways at 43 MPG. Like the Prius, its exterior highlights its eco-friendly aspirations, so drivers looking for new cars for MPG and a different design might want to check out the Insight.
Luxury and SUV options
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If you are looking for something more upscale or with more room, there are several options that get fuel ratings of 30 MPG or higher in both types of driving, according to the EPA. Lexus, Toyota's luxury make, offers the HS250h, which is number five on the list. The compact SUV trio of the hybridized Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner all offer the same 34 city/31 highway rating, though each company offers different interior and exterior trims to buyers.
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