Best and Worst Fuel-Efficient New Cars
Consumer Reports took a look at the best and worst fuel-efficient cars to compare the difference in cost. In some cases, switching vehicles can save you almost $3,000 per year in fuel costs.
Of course, some people need large pickup trucks or SUVs for work, or to tow trailers, so switching to a smaller fuel-efficient vehicle is not a realistic option.
The calculations below are based on national fuel prices and assumes 12,000 miles driven annually. If you live in California, or drive more than 12,000 miles per year, the fuel costs are considerably higher.
Best | Overall mpg | Annual cost |
---|---|---|
Nissan Leaf (electric) | 106* | $420 |
Chevrolet Volt (plug-in hybrid) | 61** | $783 |
Toyota Prius (hybrid) | 44 | $1,055 |
Toyota Prius V (hybrid) | 41 | $1,133 |
Honda Civic Hybrid | 40 | $1,161 |
Lexus CT 200h (hybrid) | 40 | $1,161 |
Smart ForTwo (premium) | 39 | $1,124 |
Honda Insight EX (hybrid) | 38 | $1,222 |
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE | 38 | $1,222 |
Volkswagen Golf TDI (diesel) | 38 | $1,307 |
Worst | Overall mpg | Annual cost |
Cadillac Escalade | 13 | $3,572 |
Dodge Ram 2500 (diesel) | 13 | $3,822 |
Ford Expedition EL | 13 | $3,572 |
Lincoln Navigator | 13 | $3,572 |
Chevrolet Avalanche | 14 | $3,317 |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT (5.3L) | 14 | $3,317 |
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LTZ (diesel) | 14 | $3,549 |
Chevrolet Suburban LT3 | 14 | $3,317 |
Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ | 14 | $3,317 |
Dodge Dakota (V8) | 14 | $3,317 |
Dodge Durango V8 Crew | 14 | $3,317 |
Dodge Ram 1500 SLT | 14 | $3,317 |
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited | 14 | $3,317 |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE | 14 | $3,317 |
Nissan Titan SV | 14 | $3,317 |
Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 | $3,317 |

Each week, I'll keep you up-to-date on the latest car deals and news that might affect your purchase. This includes...
- Best Rebates, Incentives, and Lease Deals
- Latest Car Buying Scams and Tricks
- The Best & Worst Time to Buy a Car
- Which Cars You Should Avoid
About The Author

Latest Weekly Car Buying Tips
April 2025
- All SUV Lease Deals Compared April 2025 Apr 24, 2025
- Best Car Deals Around the Country Apr 24, 2025
- Real Prices of New Compact SUVs Apr 24, 2025
- Largest Hidden Dealer Rebates Apr 24, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest Lease Deals Apr 17, 2025
- Biggest Discounts on New Cars March 2025 Apr 17, 2025
- Cars With the Largest Rebates Apr 17, 2025
- Real Prices of Midsize SUVs Apr 17, 2025
- Best 0% Finance Deals April 2025 Apr 10, 2025
- Best Bang for Your Buck Lease Deals Apr 10, 2025
- Best Electric, Hybrid Lease Deals Apr 10, 2025
- Real Prices of Large SUVs Apr 10, 2025
- Best Car Deals by Category Apr 03, 2025
- Worst Cars to Lease Right Now Apr 03, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest New Cars Right Now Apr 03, 2025
- Real Prices of Pickup Trucks Apr 03, 2025
March 2025
- New Cars with the Most Available Inventory Mar 27, 2025
- Price Comparison of Subcompact SUVs Mar 27, 2025
- Which Cars Better to Lease or Buy Mar 20, 2025
- Real Prices of Midsize Cars Mar 20, 2025
- Real Prices of Compact Cars Mar 13, 2025
- List of New Cars Most Affected by Tariffs Mar 06, 2025