Top Efficient Vehicles of 2024: Electric, Plug-in Hybrid, and Gas-Powered Cars

Fueling our cars is no small expense, but we have to do it often unless we want a very heavy paperweight in our driveway. That can make things interesting when the market is in turmoil or when we have a life change that necessitates greater consumption. Gas prices can fluctuate quickly as well. And it’s not just internal combustion vehicles that are subject to changing fuel costs. EV operating costs are tied to energy prices too, of course, which means changes in supply and demand due to global or national economics, or even regional weather events, can mean we’re paying more per mile regardless of what fuels our vehicles.

Choosing one of the most efficient vehicles as a daily driver can help your bottom line. And perhaps it’s not only about the money. Even when prices are cheap, many of us would like to minimize our footprint in the course of our daily lives. As such, choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle can be a priority for drivers who want to spend less and pollute less.

Top 10 most efficient EVs for 2024

Battery-electric vehicles are the obvious choice for saving on fuel costs and consumption, but not all EVs are created equal. Range is often the bigger consideration for many customers when choosing an EV — we just want to be able to get where we’re going with the least disruption and downtime. If lower operating costs and carbon footprint are your goals, though, you want to pay more attention to efficiency than driving range.

The simplest way for a consumer to do this is to look at the EPA’s combined miles-per-gallon-equivalent (mpg-e) rating. We’re also including the EPA’s estimated annual fuel costs. Here are the top 10 most efficient EVs, based on the most efficient version of each model. These are also the least expensive to fuel overall.

1. Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Long Range RWD w/ 18-inch wheels): 140 mpg-e; $550/yr.
2. Lucid Air (Pure RWD w/ 19-inch wheels): 137 mpg-e; $550/yr.
3. Tesla Model 3 (RWD): 132 mpg-e; $550/yr.
4. Tesla Model Y (AWD): 123 mpg-e; $600/yr.
5. (Tie) BMW i4 (eDrive35 w/ 18-inch wheels): 120 mpg-e; $650/yr.
5. (Tie) Tesla Model S: 120 mpg-e; $650/yr.
7. Toyota bZ4X: 119 mpg-e; $650/yr.
8. Kia EV6 (Standard Range RWD): 117 mpg-e; $605/yr.
9. Hyundai Kona Electric (Long Range): 116 mpg-e; $650/yr.
10. Polestar 2 (Single Motor w/ 19-inch wheels): 115 mpg-e; $650/yr.

Top 10 most efficient plug-in hybrids for 2024

If going gas-free isn’t in your plans, a plug-in hybrid is a decent compromise to lower your fuel costs and emissions while still having the convenience and security of being able to fill up quickly and be on your way, while still being able to do some driving on electricity alone. These are the most efficient PHEVs currently on sale, based on combined mpg-e rated by EPA. Estimated annual fuel costs are listed as well. Note that some of these are even more efficient, by the EPA’s standards, than some all-electric vehicles in the list above.

1. Toyota Prius Prime (SE): 127 mpg-e (52 mpg gas-only); $700/yr.
2. Kia Niro PHEV: 108 mpg-e (48 mpg gas-only); $800/yr.
3. Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: 101 mpg-e (40 mpg gas-only); $900/yr.
4. Toyota RAV4 Prime: 94 mpg-e (38 mpg gas-only); $950/yr.
5. Lexus NX 450h+ (AWD): 84 mpg-e (36 mpg gas-only); $1,200/yr.
6. Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid: 84 mpg-e (35 mpg gas-only); $1,100/yr.
7. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 82 mpg-e (30 mpg gas-only); $1,200/yr.
8. Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid: 80 mpg-e (35 mpg gas-only); $1,100/yr.
9. Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid: 79 mpg-e (34 mpg gas-only); $1,150/yr.
10. Volvo S60 T8 AWD Recharge: 74 mpg-e (31 mpg gas-only); $1,350/yr.

Top 10 most efficient internal combustion vehicles for 2024

If you’re not ready or able to get a car with a plug but still want to get the most mileage from your fill-ups, these are the most efficient gasoline-powered vehicles you can buy. The vast majority of these are traditional hybrids, but a few non-hybrid cars made the list. Again, these are based on the EPA’s combined mpg rating, listed by the most efficient specification for each model, and including estimated annual fuel costs.

1. Toyota Prius: 57 mpg; $850/yr.
2. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (Blue): 54 mpg; $900/yr.
3. Kia Niro (FE): 53 mpg; $950/yr.
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid (LE): 52 mpg; $950/yr.
5. Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 50 mpg; $1,000/yr.
6. Honda Accord Hybrid: 48 mpg; $1,000/yr.
7. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 47 mpg; $1,050/yr.
8. Lexus ES 300h: 44 mpg; $1,100/yr.
9. Kia Sportage Hybrid (FWD): 43 mpg; $1,150/yr.
10. (Tie) Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: 42 mpg; $1,150/yr.
10. (Tie) Lexus UX 250h: 42 mpg; $1,150/yr.

As we move further into the future, the need for fuel-efficient vehicles becomes increasingly important. Whether it’s to save money or reduce our carbon footprint, finding a car that offers high efficiency is a priority. Luckily, the market is filled with options for every type of powertrain.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are undoubtedly the champions when it comes to saving on fuel costs and consumption. However, not all EVs are created equal. While range is often a significant consideration, those looking to prioritize efficiency should focus on the EPA’s combined miles-per-gallon-equivalent (mpg-e) rating. Based on this rating, here are the top 10 most efficient EVs for 2024:

For those who are not ready to go fully electric, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a compromise between lower fuel costs and emissions while still providing the convenience of quick refueling. Here are the top 10 most efficient PHEVs for 2024:

Lastly, for those who still rely on internal combustion engines (ICE), there are options available to maximize fuel efficiency. The following are the top 10 most efficient gasoline-powered vehicles for 2024:

In conclusion, as we strive to make more sustainable choices in our daily lives, choosing an efficient vehicle is a step in the right direction. Whether it’s an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid, or a gasoline-powered vehicle, there are options available to suit every need and budget. By prioritizing efficiency, we can not only save money but also reduce our impact on the environment. So, why not make a conscious decision and drive towards a greener future?