At Consumer Guide, we take pride in not simply reporting the fuel-economy number provided by a given test-vehicle’s trip computer. Instead, we buy our own gas and do the math.
We readily admit that there are many variables that can affect the outcome of our testing, and we do not claim that these mileage figures be used for anything but comparative research. As the auto ads note, “Your mileage may vary.”
What we do claim is that our mileage results represent a realistic prediction of the fuel economy that commuters in city and suburban environments are likely to experience.
As a rule, at least two Consumer Guide editors evaluate each test vehicle, though as many as four may log mileage in a given car or truck.
Of the 2015- and 2016-model-year vehicles we have fully evaluated thus far, these 10 proved the most fuel efficient. We will update this list later in the year to include more new vehicles that prove miserly with a gallon of fuel.
Stop It! 5 Habits to Break for Better Fuel Economy
Toyota Prius v: 47.1 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with electric hybrid assist/CVT automatic
Miles Driven: 429
Fuel Used (gallons): 9.1
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 40/44/42
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 39.5 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel/automatic
Miles Driven: 253
Fuel Used (gallons): 6.4
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 31/45/36
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Mitsubishi Mirage: 38.0 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 1.2-liter 3-cylinder/CVT Automatic
Miles Driven: 376
Fuel Used (gallons): 9.9
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 37/44/40
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Volkswagen Golf TDI: 35.4 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel/automatic
Miles Driven: 203
Fuel Used (gallons): 5.7
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 30/45/36
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Toyota Yaris: 34.8 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder/automatic
Miles Driven: 777
Fuel Used (gallons): 22.3
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 30/36/32
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Mazda 6 i: 32.4 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder/automatic
Miles Driven: 893
Fuel Used (gallons): 27.5
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 28/40/32
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Mazda 3 i: 32 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/automatic
Miles Driven: 407
Fuel Used (gallons): 12.7
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 31/41/34
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Honda Fit: 30.7 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder/CVT automatic
Miles Drive: 276
Fuel Used (gallons): 9.0
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 32/38/35
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 30.1 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 3.5-liter V6 with electric hybrid assist: CVT automatic
Miles Driven: 89
Fuel Used (gallons): 2.9
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 40/39/40
Full review of this Consumer Guide test vehicle
Subaru WRX: 28.3 MPG
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-literturbocharged 4-cylinder/CVT automatic
Miles Driven: 408
Fuel Used (gallons): 14.4
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined): 21/28/24
