Which are the most fuel-efficient cars of the moment?
Switching to an electric vehicle is an excellent way to shield yourself from rising fuel prices. However, the high up-front costs and the lack of proper charging infrastructure might deter you from making the big step from a gas-powered car to an EV. The good news is that electric automobiles aren’t the only way to save on gas!
There’s a wide range of fuel-efficient cars on sale in the US from brands like Honga, Kita, Toyota, etc. that offer excellent fuel economy. Several manufacturers deliver vehicles with impressive gas mileage across different segments and body styles. This means that you have plenty of options to choose from, so you can pick the vehicle that best suits your needs without compromising fuel efficiency.
If you’re shopping for a new car and fuel economy is a top priority for you, below is a list of some of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy in 2024. Let’s get started!
10. 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge
The safe and sensible S60 Recharge is one of the most fuel-efficient cars available on the market. This plug-in hybrid mid-size luxury sedan features a 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine, which runs in sync with an electric motor. The total system output is a remarkable 455 horsepower, enabling this sedan to hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds.
The Volvo S60 Recharge has an 18.8 kWh battery pack, and it can go 31 miles on electricity alone. The manufacturer says charging this battery pack takes five hours. Its interior exudes luxury. The cabin boasts a minimalist design but with plenty of tech, including a vertical central screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Prices start at $53,145 for the base Core trim, while the top-spec S60 Recharge Ultimate can cost up to $58,595.
9. 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is exclusively a plug-in hybrid vehicle, making it a unique option in the luxury compact SUV segment. As one of the most fuel-efficient cars of the moment, it packs a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four, which delivers 180 horsepower. Thanks to the electric motor located in the back, the total system output of the model setup goes up to 285 horsepower.
This Italian plug-in hybrid features a 15.5 kWh battery and can travel 33 miles on electricity alone. When connected to a Level 2 AC charger, the car can be fully charged in four hours. The prices start at $43,845 and can go up to $51,040.
8. 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T & R/T Plus
If you like the Alfa Romeo Tonale but can’t afford it, you can purchase the Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid. Mechanically, both compact SUVs are fuel-efficient cars. The Hornet uses the same plug-in hybrid system as the Tonale, having a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four and an electric motor. When it comes to power output, the Hornet’s is slightly higher at 288 horsepower.
Its plug-in hybrid propulsion system isn’t standard. It’s only available in the top-spec R/T and R/T Plus trims. Entry-level options are available with a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. The MSRP of the Hornet R/T starts at $41,400, while the R/T Plus costs $46,400.
7. 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Many fuel-efficient cars aren’t electric vehicles, and the Hyundai Tucson PHEV is one of them. It features a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, and both produce a combined 261 horsepower. All-wheel drive is the only drivetrain option available in the Tucson PHEV range.
The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid features a 13.8 kWh battery pack and can go 33 miles on electricity alone. Charging the onboard battery back from 0 to full takes 1 hour and 7 minutes. The model is available in two trims: SEL, with a starting price of $38,725, and Limited, with a starting price of $45,450.
6. 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The 2024 Kia Sorento comes in multiple powertrain options, with the plug-in hybrid setup being the most fuel-efficient one. As one of the most fuel-efficient cars available on the market right now, the 2024 Kia Sorento uses a 177-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine and an 89-horsepower electric motor. Combined, the total system output is 261 horsepower.
All-wheel drive is standard on the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. The 13.8 kWh battery pack delivers an EPA-estimated electric range of 32 miles. According to the manufacturer, charging the battery pack from 0 to 100% using a Level 2 charger takes 3 hours and 25 minutes.
The Sorento’s plug-in hybrid setup is only available on the top-spec SX Prestige trim, which has a starting price of $50,290.
Keep reading to discover other fuel-efficient cars!
5. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
The Chrysler Pacifica is the only minivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain available at the moment in the US. As one of the most fuel-efficient cars, it features a 3.6-liter V6 that connects to an electric motor to deliver a combined 260 horsepower. The onboard battery pack enables the Pacifica to go 32 miles on electric power alone. The model is only available in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
The Pacifica plug-in hybrid lineup starts with the Touring L, which has a base price of $51,095. The top-spec Pacifica Pinnacle has a starting price of $60,990 and comes with features such as a 360-degree surround view camera, a dual panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, Nappa Leather seats, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
4. 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The plug-in hybrid options of the Kia Sportage are some of the most fuel-efficient cars available at the moment, having a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine and a 67-kW electric motor. The two produce a net power output of 261 horsepower. All-wheel-drive comes by default on the Sportage plug-in hybrid range.
The Sportage PHEV features a 13.8-kWh battery pack. When fully charged, it stores enough electricity to travel 34 miles without needing the gas engine. Charging the battery pack takes two hours when connected to a Level 2 outlet.
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is available in two options: X-Line ($39,590) and X-Line Prestige ($44,090).
3. 2024 Lexus NX 450h+
The 2024 Lexus NX has several engine options. The most fuel-efficient of the lineup, which is currently one of the most fuel-efficient cars, is the 2.5-liter inline-four Atkinson Cycle gas engine available in the NX 450+. We’re talking about a plug-in hybrid that borrows its propulsion system from the RAV4 Prime, delivering a net power output of 302 horsepower.
In addition to the inline-four, the 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ features two electric motors, one for each axle. The onboard battery pack allows the vehicle to reach up to 37 miles of gas-free driving, and all-wheel-drive is standard.
The model retails at $59,905. If you want a sportier package, go for the 450h+ F Sport Handling ($61,155) with performance dampers and adaptive suspension for a more spirited ride.
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2. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime
No. 2 on our list of the most fuel-efficient cars of the moment is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime. Its propulsion system delivers a net power output of 302 horsepower, incorporating a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and two electric motors. The result is a 5.7-second sprint to 60 mph from a standstill.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is available only in an all-wheel-drive configuration. Its onboard battery pack has enough power for 42 miles of electric-only driving and needs 4 hours and 30 minutes to charge from 0 to full from a Level 2 charger. The RAV4 Prime’s lineup includes two options: SE ($43,690) and XSE ($47,560).
1. 2024 Toyota Prius Prime
When it comes to fuel-efficient cars, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is definitely the best option. This smart-looking plug-in hybrid compact vehicle comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine combined with a 120 kW electric motor, delivering a net system output of 222 horsepower. The front wheels receive power via an E-CVT automatic.
The car’s onboard lithium-ion battery has enough capacity to store energy for 45 miles of all-electric travel. The battery needs 4 hours to fully charge using a Level 2 charger. The plug-in hybrid Prius Prime prices start at $32,975 for the SE trim and go up to $39,600 for the XSE premium.
If you liked our article on fuel-efficient cars, you may also want to read Affordable Elegance: Top 8 Cars Boasting Luxe Interiors Below $40k.
