Even with the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers, sedans remain an excellent way to balance comfort with fuel efficiency. On average, sedans achieve 29 miles per gallon combined mileage.
From small sedans like the budget-friendly Versa to larger performance cars with face-flattening acceleration, here are top rated models ranked by fuel efficiency.
1. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Hyundai Elantra hybrid cars offer Phoenix drivers looking to reduce carbon emissions an excellent solution, at both the gas station and on their carbon footprint. Offering sleek design, modern features and advanced technologies similar to its gas counterpart but with added power thanks to an electric motor.
Elantra Hybrid owners will find a car that looks just as sharp, drives just as smoothly, and achieves up to 56 mpg on the highway – with EPA-estimated fuel economy figures placing it alongside vehicles like Toyota Prius, Corolla Hybrid (which shares its platform), Kia Niro Hybrid – each in their own league of efficiency.
These impressive numbers can be attributed in large part to the Elantra Hybrid’s full hybrid design, meaning it can operate exclusively on electric power at lower speeds and while cruising on highways. Battery packs provide enough energy storage capacity for a good part of its range before resorting back to gasoline engine operation.
Under its hood is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that’s combined with an electric motor to produce just 139 horsepower, which may seem limited when compared with other sedans on this list. But thanks to its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), passing or reaching highway speeds can still be done easily without much difficulty or any of the notorious CVT droning that sometimes plagues these machines.
As with its non-hybrid sibling, Hyundai Elantra hybrid models are easy to live with daily and offer an incredibly refined driving experience. All controls are intuitive to use and finding a comfortable driving position is no hassle at all. There’s plenty of rear passenger room and heated ventilated 10-way adjustable front seats are provided in addition to plenty of leg room in the back seat area.
2. Honda Accord
Honda has built its name on producing highly fuel efficient cars and trucks, particularly their flagship midsize sedan model, the Accord. Honda continues to lead this class when it comes to gas mileage with their 2023 Accord offering up an EPA estimated 30 city/38 highway mpg rating that can help drivers near Austin TX cover 562.4 miles on one tank of gasoline!
The Accord’s efficiency can be attributed to its lightweight body, making it one of the lightest vehicles in its segment. Its low weight helps it accelerate quickly and the engine remains exceptionally quiet at cruising speeds. Unfortunately, however, its ride quality may be somewhat stiff for some drivers – particularly those in Sport or Touring trims where its stiff suspension may crash over potholes or expansion joints and tire roar is an ever-present annoyance on most roads surfaces.
If you’re in search of a car with impressive fuel economy while offering ample interior space, the Accord should certainly be given consideration. Each Accord model in Honda Sensing comes standard with features such as front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beams; you’ll even find an Eco Assist button which lets you tailor performance settings towards fuel conservation.
The only thing lacking from the Accord is a performance-focused variant like its counterparts such as Altima SR, Legacy XT and Camry N-Line; nonetheless its combination of efficiency, driver-friendly handling and solid build quality make it hard to ignore.
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota’s timeless Camry sedan can be found both as a hybrid and gas-only version, but the latter stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency. When combined with its electric motor and lithium-ion battery system, this hybrid can achieve 47 mpg in city driving conditions and 53 on highway journeys* here in Smyrna*. Plus it runs entirely on electric power at low speeds to deliver a smooth, quiet, efficient ride through Smyrna streets!
The Camry Hybrid’s hybrid drivetrain combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery to produce 208 horsepower that’s transmitted to the front wheels through an automatic transmission system. You can upgrade to either of its grades (XLE or XSE) for additional comfort features like heated front seats or power tilt and slide sunroof functionality.
Even in its base LE trim, the Camry Hybrid boasts an appealing exterior and interior design. With its flowing curves and chiseled surfaces creating a car with its own distinct silhouette that stands out among midsize sedans for fuel efficiency, you can add style touches like 19-in. TRD matte-bronze-finished alloy wheels or blacked-out accents.
The Camry Hybrid drives adequately, although not particularly enjoyable around turns or rough pavement. At freeway speeds it handles well and its regenerative brakes operate seamlessly, while its cabin is comfortable with plenty of legroom in both rows for long journeys and ample storage spaces in its large trunk. Both grades XLE and XSE offer extra convenience features such as smart key with push-button start, dual zone automatic climate control and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, including front automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control features for ultimate driving enjoyment.
4. Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Toyota’s large sedan has long captivated drivers, and this year’s Avalon Hybrid continues the tradition with impressive fuel economy ratings. Toyota’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain combines a 176hp 2.5L Atkinson cycle gas engine with battery pack and electric motor/generator to produce 215 net hp for 43 city/41 highway mpg estimates; also, one of the most comfortable rides available with minimal jolts or bumps in its cabin compared with traditional cars like these two!
Though some shoppers may consider large sedans to be passe, the 2022 Toyota Avalon shows they still excite and inspire. Indeed, this sedan felt more composed on various road surfaces than any rival I have driven – its handling may be slightly too soft but managed to keep any unwanted vibrations out of its cabin without much acceleration squat; plus it handled steep hills and mountain climbs effortlessly.
Comfort is of utmost importance in any large car, and the Avalon Hybrid excelled in this area with soft yet supportive leather seats and an inviting cabin. Even at highway speeds, tire roar was kept to a minimum while wind noise was minimal as well. Unfortunately, I occasionally experienced what felt like engine starting up when applying brakes; nonetheless this minor quibble cannot take away from its overall superiority as an efficient large hybrid sedan with ample cargo capacity and quiet ride characteristics – ideal features in any large sedan today.
5. Kia Stinger
If you want a car that offers both long-distance cruising and thrilling driving experiences, the 2023 Kia Stinger may be just what you’re searching for. This sport sedan comes equipped with premium interior touches, an exceptional warranty coverage plan, and engaging performance characteristics that rival those found in German competitors such as Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe when it comes to driving dynamics.
Kia offers two engine choices for its Stinger sedans, both providing excellent fuel economy figures. The entry-level GT-Line uses a turbocharged four-cylinder that offers plenty of power while still offering responsive acceleration with great fuel economy figures.
Drivers seeking more power and speed may opt for the larger twin-turbocharged V6, which can propel their Stinger to 60 mph in less than five seconds at less cost at the pump. Both engines use an easy automatic transmission to provide maximum control when accelerating or passing.
As you cruise down the highway, use Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go to keep a safe distance between yourself and the car ahead. Lane Following Assist makes staying centered easy while Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags reduce injuries in certain types of crashes. Additionally, safety and convenience features such as Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags provide peace of mind in case of accidents.
Drivers can select from a selection of boldly upholstered front and rear seats, including 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seats with 4-way lumbar support, heated rear seats, sunroof options for additional comfort, ample storage spaces and an overhead sunglasses holder.