Top 15 Fuel-Efficient Cars Of 2023
With the rising concern for the environment and the increasing cost of fuel, more and more people are turning towards fuel-efficient cars. These cars not only save fuel but also contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, there will be plenty of fuel-efficient cars available in the market, each with its unique features and benefits. In this blog, we have listed the 15 most fuel-efficient cars that you can buy in 2023.
1. 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue
The best vehicle in 2023 is the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue, which achieves an exceptional combined average of 54 mpg. The fuel economy of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue hasn’t actually improved much since the 2022 model like it has with a few other cars on the list. It continues to provide the same 53 city mpg and 56 highway mpg. Even the 1.6-liter engine and combined 139 horsepower are the same as the previous year.
However, it has climbed from third to first place this year as a result of the shifting vehicle market and the methodology used by the EPA for its assessments. It also has one of the lowest starting prices on the list at just $24,400. “Limited” trim is available for $29,000, but as with most trims, choosing it will result in a reduction in fuel efficiency.
2. 2023 Kia Niro
Despite coming in second place, the 2023 Kia Niro FE wins the award for the list’s most unexpected car. The South Korean manufacturer has succeeded in producing the most fuel-efficient EV on the market, averaging 53 mpg. With a few of the Niro’s grades, you can score 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the interstate. Even better, the crossover is incredibly affordable for what it is with a starting price of just $26,590.
However, the base model only generates 139 horsepower, which isn’t much. It might be worse, though, when compared to other hybrids in general, let alone SUVs, and the fact that it just has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. Considering the budget, there are also a lot of comfort features and driving aids.
It’s important to note that the touring version of the Niro would have come in at number six on this list if it had been included if you were looking for something a little fancier than the normal model. We only emitted it because, like with a select few other cars, we didn’t want to distinguish between trim levels. Consider Kia’s Niro line if you enjoy the concept of a hybrid SUV and want something that is less expensive than pretty much all other hybrid SUVs.
3. 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue, which also gets a combined average of 52 mpg, shares the bronze prize with the Toyota Camry. The Sonata Hybrid Blue does better than the Camry on the interstate, getting 54 mpg. But, with a still excellent 50 mpg in the city, the South Korean sedan falls short of its Japanese rival.
The Sonata Blue is nevertheless rather good in other areas despite its high fuel efficiency. Together, the gas engine and electric motor produce 192 horsepower. Even though it isn’t a Bugatti Chiron, the hybrid car nonetheless manages to be quite remarkable. A four-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine provides the power. The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue starts at $27,950, which is a fair price.
Beyond the basic mechanics, you’d receive pretty much everything a sub-$30,000 hybrid sedan from a trustworthy manufacturer would offer. An abundance of built-in driver-aid features, a high level of comfort, and more space than a compact but not as much as an SUV.
4. 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
The Camry has already been on our list of the top 15 vehicles for fuel efficiency, just like its relative the Corolla. The Camry, in contrast to the Corolla, has a far better performance this year, moving up three ranks to share third place with its more well-liked sibling. The Camry hasn’t really improved in terms of fuel efficiency, despite moving up a few spots in the top 15. The combined 52 mpg that the 2022 Camry offered is still available with the 2023 model. Once more, the figure is divided between 51 mpg on the interstate and a little better 53 mpg in the city.
The Toyota Camry is not only the least expensive option on this list, but it is also one of the most economical choices. If you haven’t guessed, the sedan’s hybrid variant is the more cost-effective one and starts at $28,355. The 2023 Camry shares another trait with its forerunner in that the base trim also offers the best fuel economy. SE and Nightshade editions are also offered, with prices of $29,890 and $38,890, respectively. The XSE variant starts at $33,795, while the XLE edition is also available for $33,245. The other versions average 44 mpg on the highway and 47 mpg in the city, leaving just the basic trim with the kind of efficiency required to claim the fourth slot on this list.
5. 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue ranks 15th on the list with a still-impressive average fuel consumption of 38 mpg. The Tuscon Hybrid Blue achieves 38 mpg on the interstate and in the city, making the 38 mpg combined average the EPA’s simplest math problem in a while. The base model of the hybrid SUV costs $30,900, although SEL Convenience and Limited trims are also offered if you have a little extra money to spend.
As Tucson’s engine and motor only produce a combined 59 horsepower, it is unlikely that you will be traveling very quickly. The vehicle has a lot of cargo space, which helps it partly make up for its lack of power. You will have a very useful 38.7 cubic feet of space to pack stuff into with the seats up. This increases to 74.5 when the seats are folded down. You won’t break any land speed records, but the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue still has a lot of usefulness in addition to its fuel efficiency.
6. 2023 Toyota Venza AWD
The 2023 Toyota Venza AWD is the 14th-most fuel-efficient vehicle of the year, or more precisely, the joint-11th-most fuel-efficient vehicle. Around 2015, the original Venza vanished, but in 2021 it was brought back as part of a new series of Toyota hybrid vehicles. However, it basically merely serves as a better version of Toyota’s other hybrid SUV, the RAV 4. Venza’s starting price of $34,120 (through Toyota) places it squarely in the mid-range price range.
Toyota offers “uncompromising driving that elevates style and technology” in exchange for your money. The normal “LE” model, the “limited” model, and the “Nightshade Edition” are the possible trims. No matter what edition you choose, you will receive an identical package inside.
A total of 172 horsepower is produced by the three vehicles, with 118 horsepower at the front and 54 horsepower at the back. The fuel efficiency is also unchanged. A combined average of 39 mpg, or 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, is to be expected (via EPA). Most of the time, there is space in the “luxury interior” for five passengers. Depending on how many of the back seats you choose to fold down while transporting something, that number may decrease to four, three, or two thanks to the 60/40 rear seats.
7. 2023 Lexus NX 350h AWD
Even though Lexus refers to the Lexus NX 350h AWD as a “five-passenger luxury crossover,” you can purchase the base model for $43,105, which places it squarely in the mid-range. Having said that, Lexus builds stunning, high-quality automobiles, so you’re likely to obtain a really excellent car for your money. The price of a luxury package, which really pushes the premium angle, is $7,450. Together with some luxury amenities, this package contains all of the accessories found in the more affordable premium package, such as heated seats, a moon roof, and a motorized rear door.
The company lists these options as having a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display, 20-inch alloy wheels, and an interior with perforated leather trim and distinctive chevron seat quilting. But, the $3,050 premium option includes all the important features like parking assist, so it would make sense to go with that unless you absolutely want quilted seats.
Although the Lexus NX 350h AWD is still exceptionally fuel-efficient with a highway rating of 37 mpg, the model’s 41 mpg in the city may make it a better option for city dwellers (via EPA). especially for a car that has a 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine that, combined with the electric motor, can produce 240 horsepower and accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just under seven seconds.
8. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla is a familiar vehicle with a sizable cult following and a long history of providing high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. Since the Corolla’s introduction in the 1960s, more than 50 million of them had been sold as of the previous year. Even though it fell a position from last year’s rankings for fuel efficiency, with a combined average of 50 miles per gallon, it remains one of the most astonishingly economical vehicles ever created.
When compared to the 2022 model, the rankings decline is accompanied with a decrease in fuel efficiency. The 2023 Corolla will continue to achieve the same 53 mpg in the city as the 2022 model, but on the interstate, it has experienced a substantial decline. According to government estimations, the 2023 Corolla barely scores 46 mpg on the highway, down from the 52 mpg the EPA said it achieved just last year. The Corolla is still quite impressive, but barely enough to make it into our top 5. The Corolla might have contended for third place if it had the same highway fuel economy as last year.
9. 2023 Lexus ES 300h
The hybrid car from Lexus comes in at number six on our list with an average fuel efficiency of 44 mpg. This is divided into 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The ES 300h starts at $43,690, but adding a few options will up the price significantly. Also, the “Luxury,” “Ultra Luxury,” and Sport editions cost a lot more money. The Lexus ES features a brand-new interface that the manufacturer calls “the most advanced ES yet.”
“Easy hands-free access to next-generation amenities like included Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound with Clari-Fi” is one of the claims made by Lexus about its new user interface. Together with features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto, there are additional features including a voice assistant, HUD, and wireless charging. The F-Sport version of the car has a pretty potent 3.5-liter V6 engine installed by the Japanese manufacturer, but if fuel efficiency is really important to you, stay with the basic trim and its less demanding 2.5-liter inline-four engine.
10. 2023 Toyota Crown AWD
Following a 50-year absence from the American market, the Toyota Crown has made a comeback. Unfortunately, the Crown vanished from American soil in 1973, just when the world’s oil crisis was forcing manufacturers to reconsider their engine designs and driving up fuel prices. After 50 years, it’s back and among the most cost-effective options you have today short of going entirely electric. The Toyota Crown might be the vehicle for you if you’d love to purchase a hybrid but are deterred by the lack of power they often feature.
The Platinum Edition of the car has Toyota’s Hybrid Max technology, which is intended to give eco-friendly cars a little bit more power. A hybrid Crown is available with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that generates an astonishing 340 horsepower according to the company’s Hybrid Max system. As a result, you can save money on gas without having to worry about being barbecued at every stoplight by a gorilla in an Audi A6.
The Toyota Crown features all-wheel drive as well, which should work well with the additional torque provided by the electric motors to offer you a car that is quite maneuverable in a range of environments. How about fuel efficiency? The combined fuel economy for the 2023 Toyota Crown AWD will be around 41 mpg, which is broken down into 42 mpg in urban zones and 41 mpg on the highway. The economy is slightly better in the city, but it’s hardly noticeable; the 2023 Toyota Crown is a good all-arounder.
11. 2023 Lexus UX 250h
After finishing 13th the previous year, the Lexus UX 250h is once again on the list, but in a far better spot. The hybrid SUV from Lexus has surpassed the top 10 following an astounding 5% increase in fuel efficiency. In addition to being more efficient, it is also considerably less expensive than Lexus’ previous inclusion on this list. The base price of the UX 250h with front-wheel drive is $35,925; an all-wheel drive model is also available for about $1,400 extra.
The UX 250h’s estimated combined gas mileage of 42 mpg, according to Lexus, is now “highest in class.” Of course, statements like “best in class” should be taken with a grain of salt since there are still other SUVs on this list. According to the company’s website, it is the best in its class if plug-in hybrid SUVs are excluded, but we’ve already done that and the UX 250h isn’t even close. The class in question is “Luxury SUVs,” which seems open to interpretation after some thorough reading. Also, the corporation last examined the EPA’s projections in June.
Even yet, 42 mpg—which translates to 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway—is nothing to be laughed at. The turning circle of the 2023 Lexus UX 250h is another “class-leading” characteristic. Considering how much better hybrid vehicles perform in urban areas and their 17.1-foot turning radius, the car is a great option for city driving.
12. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid FWD
The next vehicle is a roomy hybrid Kia SUV that achieves more than 42 mpg. The little crossover has won accolades for its fuel economy, which for the front-wheel drive model comes in at a combined 43 mpg. A different configuration could result in either outcome. When all-wheel drive is added, the fuel economy reduces to 39 mpg, placing it with a wide group of vehicles that are tied for 11th place on this list and some of which also have AWD.
There is also a respectable plug-in version available, which can significantly increase fuel efficiency but doesn’t actually count. The Sportage differs from the majority of other hybrids as well. On a motorway, it is more economical, averaging 44 mpg. The fuel economy drops to 42 mpg when you drive it through a city, where hybrids are often more effective because of the energy recovered from repeated braking.
When SlashGear tested the 2023 Sportage Hybrid last year, it received a very favorable evaluation that went beyond fuel economy. The cabin was praised for being roomy and comfortable, with back legroom measuring a likely class-leading 41.3 inches. If you end up helping friends move, the 39.5 cubic feet of room available should allow you to finish the job with fewer trips.
13. 2023 Honda CRV Hybrid
Another SUV is in joint 10th place, proving a few points, including the fact that hybrids today come in an astounding diversity and that there is variety within that variety. There are several possibilities if you want all the advantages of an SUV without having to worry about going broke every time you stop at a petrol station. One of them is the long-running Honda CRV hybrid lineup. The 2023 edition included some significant updates as well as some helpful retrofits.
With features like Android Auto, Apple Car Play, and a beautiful touchscreen display to operate it all, the vehicle’s technology has been upgraded. In addition, there are a tonne of switches and knobs available if you prefer a slightly more retro look for your controls. You can really see outside the car, which is another retro characteristic. Driving CRVs used to be difficult due to poor visibility, but this year that has changed.
A turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is housed under the hood. You get about 204 horsepower from it and the motor, which is evenly split between the front and rear axles. Also, the CRV has 247 pound-foot of torque, so you can tow a respectable amount of weight with it. The EPA estimates that the Honda CRV Hybrid will achieve a combined average fuel efficiency of 40 mpg or 43 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
14. 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid AWD
The placement of Toyota’s Rav4 Hybrid, which is on the list for the second year in a row, has significantly improved. The model, who was ranked 14th last year, is now tied for 11th. Yet there is more to the Rav4’s rise in the rankings than initially meets the eye, and you could make the case that it has less to do with Toyota’s engineering prowess and more to do with the current market. The EPA estimates that the 2023 Rav4’s combined fuel efficiency is 40 mpg, which is the same as that of its forerunner. The Rav4 didn’t get better, at least not in that area, while the other cars on the list slightly lost efficiency.
The price of the Rav4 starts at just $30,725 and includes a host of goodies, including a JBL audio system and access to Toyota’s innovative suite of driver assistance systems. Among other features, SafetySense offers automatic high beams, radar-guided cruise control, and a pre-collision system that can recognize pedestrians. Although the standard, gas-powered variant costs around $3,000 less, it does not offer nearly as good fuel efficiency. The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that powers the basic hybrid is available. The 1,750-pound towing capacity and other specifications on the base version haven’t changed significantly since 2022.
15. 2023 Ford Escape FWD HEV
The Ford Escape was on the list from the previous year and is included on this one in the exact same spot; the fuel economy may be a little poorer than the model from the previous year, though. Ford has not yet posted fuel economy figures on its website, but according to the EPA, the 2023 Ford Escape FWD HEV will get an average of 39 mpg. According to the government, that translates to 36 mpg on the interstate and 42 mpg in the city. The vehicle from last year had a highway fuel economy rating of 27 mpg and an average city fuel economy of 44 mpg.
Although EPA predictions are subject to change, it appears that those of us who are actually concerned about saving fuel might be better off with the 2022 model, particularly if you drive a lot in cities. The 2022 model would rank clearly in 12th place and would not compete for first place with the Lexus NX 350h and Toyota Venza if we were to remove it from our list. The other two in 12th place, which deliver the same MPG while also having AWD, could also be argued to be superior choices.
The Ford Escape has AWD as an option, albeit it is not standard equipment. Even if there might not be much of an MPG difference, there is a chance to save a lot of money. Starting at $27,500, the 2023 Ford Escape is considerably less expensive than its competitors. A plug-in variant is even available if you have your heart set on a 2023 Escape but really want to stretch your petrol dollar.
Conclusion
While this and the majority of the other cars in the top 10 seem outstanding right now, if you read a piece like this in a few years, things might be very different. Every new car and light truck sold in the United States starting in 2026 must be able to go 49 miles on a single tank of gas. This is nearly double the industry benchmark of 29 mpg. Will the top five continue to advance? Or will there simply be a lot of congestion starting with number six? In 2026, return to find out.
