Most Economical Car

Most Economical Cars in the U.S.

Here are the top 10 most economical cars in the U.S. based on their combined MPG figure as tested by the EPA.

Nine of the top 10 are gasoline-electric hybrids, whose city MPG figures in particular are quite spectacular. One gasoline car makes it onto the list.

Its great to see that tiny engines aren't necessary for high MPG - six of the ten cars have engines that are two litres or larger, so you don't need to compromise on power.

The all conquering Toyota Prius stands proudly at the top of the list. This amazing car has been around for six years now and its still the best.

Economical Car	Engine	City MPG	Hwy MPG	Combined
Toyota Prius	1.8L hybrid	51	48	50
Honda Civic Hybrid	1.3L hybrid	40	45	42
Honda Insight	1.3L hybrid	40	43	41
Ford Fusion Hybrid	2.5L hybrid	41	36	39
Mercury Milan Hybrid	2.5L hybrid	41	36	39
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid	2.4L hybrid	35	40	37
Smart fortwo	1.0L gasoline	33	41	36
Lexus HS 250h	2.4L hybrid	35	34	35
Nissan Altima Hybrid	2.5L hybrid	35	33	34
Toyota Camry Hybrid	2.4L hybrid	33	34	34

How The EPA Measures MPG

Each car is driven on a machine called a dynamometer which is connected to test equipment.

Cars are driven through the same series of standard routines to simulate city and highway driving.

Carbon emitted from the tailpipes is measured and this is used to determine how much fuel has been consumed by the cars. This is a very accurate way to measure fuel use.

Car manufacturers carry out the fuel mileage testing themselves as instructed by the EPA. The EPA then randomly check 10-15% of the cars.