As more environmentalist promote an eco friendly behavior and encourage people to ride bikes or use public transportation to get around, car manufacturers have quickly jumped on the bandwagon and came up with a solution that most socially responsible drivers could adhere to. As you surely noticed at that major auto shows in Detroit, Chicago and Geneva in the past years, the hype nowadays is all about fuel efficiency.
Even the United States, once known as the land of gas-guzzling SUVs has admitted that it is time for a change. In fact, if you were to look at the sales statistics, you will be pleasantly surprised by the buyers’ choice in the past period. Without further ado, let’s go over the top fuel efficient sedans that are easy on the wallet and on the environment.
1. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Given the fact that is consumes 30 mpg in the city and 42 on the highway, the clear winner of this top cannot be other than the 2013 VW Jetta. However, the reason we placed Jetta in the top position also comes from its impressive power and features. To summarize, the 2.0l 140hp engine is a reliable intercooled turbo style that can support a 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel ABS and an efficient overdrive system. Add the fact that you can select between 42 trims options and that it costs around $27,000 and you can understand why it received this rating.
2. 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
In spite of the fact that the Chevrolet Cruze has a better fuel consumption rating, 28 mpg in the city and 42 on the highway and theoretically at least, it deserves first prize in this top list, the truth is that the Chevrolet’s claims cannot be confirmed or infirmed until summer 2013. Nonetheless, the info released by the automaker so far sounds pretty good: the Cruze will pack a 2.0 turbocharged clean diesel engine able to boast 148 hp and 258 lbs of torque.
3. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen wasn’t joking when they stated that they are preparing to build the most fuel efficient car in the world and both the Jetta and Passat 2013 models stand proof of that. And, the truth is that the differences between the two are not really that noticeable, meaning that Passat consumes an additional gallon compared to Jetta. Considering that Jetta’s design is smaller and that it features a magnificent instrument panel, the one gallon difference could be justified.
4. 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid
Similar to most of the hybrid models in the Honda fleet, the Civil has underwent some serious revamping and is ready, at least according to the manufacturer, to hit the markets this year. Both Honda Civics scheduled to be released have the advantage of the fuel economy rating, which is confirmed to 44 mpg for city, highway and combined driving. Will the new interior leather option and substantial exterior improvements determine drivers to overlook the fact that the vehicle cannot operate at low speeds on battery power alone? Only time will tell.
5. 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Even though the Lincoln MKZ has a design similar to the 2.0l 141 hp engine on the Ford Fusion, its advantage resides in the incredible gas consumption, which the EPA ratings confirm at 45 mpg for both the city and the highway. In all honestly, the $1 billion investment Ford made to revamp the moniker and naturally, restore the Lincoln name to its former glory, hasn’t really paid off given the enthusiasm the MKZ received so far. Sadly enough, most fans and experts have seen the action as do or die and since Ford managed to sell more than half a million of the F series and only 85,000 Lincolns, things are not looking good for the latter.
6. 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in
The Plug-in Hybrid model to be released this year by Honda could easily by classified as the winner of the fuel efficient vehicles produced by Japanese manufacturers. Unlike the Plug-in variant for Toyota Prius, the Honda Accord integrates a 2.0l 141 hp engine capable of achieving an amazing mpg of 47 mpg in the city and 46 on the highway. As a side note, the price range for both Plug-in models is essentially the same.
7. 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Incorporating a relatively powerful engine for a hybrid, the 141hp 2.0l engine to be more precise, Ford Fusion is able to pull off an impressive 47 mpg in both the city and the highway. Add the fact that the model is available with 2 trims options (SE and Titanium) and that its price is under $30,000 and frankly, that’s a great deal for any eco friendly driver.
8. 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in
Although it costs around $32,000 in the standard edition, this Prius packs quite a few impressive things under the hood. The 4-cylinder 1.8l 98hp engine combined with 4-wheel ABS and the CVT transmission overdrive provides you with all the stability and comfort you need while on the road. However, the 51 mpg fuel consumption in the city and respectively 49 mpg on the highway is where the Prius Plug-in really shines.
9. 2013 Toyota Prius
While it shares the same engine design as the Prius Plug-in as well as similar gas consumption per mile in the city and on the highway, the big difference between the two Toyota models resides in the price range. To put it simply, the Prius Plug-in is the Japanese automaker’s first shot at a hybrid car that is also capable and efficient in performing numerous electronic operations and can travel approximately 15 miles with just electric power.
10. 2013 Chevrolet Volt
Packing a standard 0 cylinder engine, the Bolt is the vehicle that opens up a world of possibility in the future development of fuel efficient sedans produced by this American automaker. At approximately 93 mpg on the highway and 95 mpg in the city, the 2013 Bolt also comes with a highly appreciated ABS system, an excellent driveline traction control, 1 speed automatic transmission, a StabiliTrack system and is available for about $39,000.
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