12) 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
$26,370 | Annual Fuel Cost: $750 | 48 mpg | Overall Score: 8.3/10
Aside from its fuel-sipping powertrain, the Honda Accord Hybrid is nearly identical to the standard Accord. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission that combine to make 212 horsepower. It delivers instant torque and stronger acceleration than the non-hybrid Accord’s 192-horsepower turbo-four.
The Accord Hybrid will cost you $1,600 more than the standard Accord. However, the EPA says you’ll save an average of $350 per year on fuel costs. It has roomy seats in both rows, a large trunk, and a long list of standard features. The Accord Hybrid also features an upscale cabin and excellent overall driving dynamics.
11) 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
$33,400 | Annual Fuel Cost: $650 | 110 MPGe / 42 mpg | Overall Score: TBD
Now that the Chevrolet Volt has been discontinued, the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) has more electric-only range than any other PHEV on the market, at an impressive 48 miles. According to the EPA, Clarity owners will save nearly $3,500 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle. However, if 48 miles is enough to get you through the day, your annual fuel costs could be less than $700 per year. The average new car costs $1,200 per year to fuel.
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is more expensive than all other cars on this list. Fortunately, it qualifies for the full $7,500 federal electric car tax credit. If you can get the credit, the Clarity is a $26,000 car, which is right on par with the Accord Hybrid. The Clarity PHEV has a spacious cabin, a coddling ride, and a wealth of standard features. Its 212-horsepower hybrid powertrain provides plenty of torque for city driving, but its gas engine can struggle at highway speeds.
10) 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
$29,490 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 105 MPGe / 46 mpg | Overall Score: 7.4/10
If you’re considering a PHEV, but the Clarity is too pricey, the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is worth considering. It’s a subcompact SUV that’s nearly identical to the standard Niro hybrid, though it offers 26 miles of electric-only range.
While the Niro PHEV costs $5,000 more than the Niro hybrid, it’s eligible for a tax credit of about $4,500. The EPA says both vehicles have the same annual fuel cost, though it all depends on how often you exceed the PHEV’s electric-only range. If you drive less than 26 miles at a time, you could spend less than $390 per year on electricity.
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a roomy cabin compared to other subcompact SUVs. It also offers a smooth ride and sporty handling, but it’s not available with all-wheel drive. Unlike most PHEVs, the Niro doesn’t offer a notable performance advantage over the Niro hybrid. Still, its instant torque and 139-horsepower output are adequate for daily driving. If you want a Niro with energetic acceleration, check out the Niro EV.
9) 2020 Kia Niro
$24,590 | Annual Fuel Cost: $750 | 49 mpg | Overall Score: 7.4/10
According to the EPA, the Kia Niro hybrid will save you nearly $3,000 per year in fuel costs over the average new vehicle. It features a four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is the same setup found in the Niro Plug-In Hybrid. However, the standard hybrid doesn’t offer any electric-only range, so it doesn’t qualify for a tax credit.
The Niro boasts an above-average predicted reliability rating, a history of strong crash test ratings, and intuitive infotainment technology. However, all-wheel drive isn’t an option, which is rare for an SUV. The Niro has a stylish cabin with mostly soft-touch surfaces, but it’s not as nice inside as many rivals. It has two rows of adult-friendly seats and more cargo space than many subcompact crossovers.
8) 2021 Toyota Prius
$24,525 | Annual Fuel Cost: $650 | 56 mpg | Overall Score: 7.7/10
The Toyota Prius is a legend when it comes to hybrid cars. Few vehicles can beat 56 mpg or have annual fuel costs of less than about $650 per year. Also, the Prius features adult-friendly seats, a large cargo area, and available all-wheel drive, none of which are a given among its peers. It’s also safe, feature-filled, and easy to drive. If you’re looking for a practical car that’s arguably one of the best commuter cars on the market, the Prius should be on your list.
With that said, the Prius isn’t a performer. It’s not very agile, and its four-cylinder engine and electric motors combine to make just 121 horsepower. However, it has enough instant torque for decent city acceleration, and its transition from gas to electric power is seamless. Choosing the Prius over the average car will save you $700 per year in fuel costs.
7) 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
$23,400 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 52 mpg | Overall Score: 7.9/10
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid isn’t quite as fuel-friendly as the Prius, but it will cost you about the same to gas up over time. Its starting price is about $1,000 less than the Prius, and it comes with the same 121-horsepower hybrid setup, but it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. The Corolla is safe, reliable, and packed with features, though it’s short on cargo space and its seats could be more comfortable.
According to the EPA, opting for the Corolla Hybrid over the non-hybrid Corolla will save you $350 per year on fuel. However, the hybrid will cost you about $3,600 more up front. While the standard Corolla is available as a hatchback, the hybrid only comes as a sedan.
6) 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
$26,500 | Annual Fuel Cost: $600 | 119 MPGe / 52 mpg | Overall Score: 8.0/10
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is well-priced for a PHEV, especially when considering it’s eligible for a federal tax credit of about $4,500. If you can get the tax credit, opting for the Ioniq PHEV over the traditional hybrid Ioniq may be worth it. Otherwise, the Ioniq hybrid (featured later in this slideshow) offers a better value since it’s cheaper up front, and it costs less to fuel.
The Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid offers 29 miles of electric-only range. If you don’t drive very far each day, you could save a significant amount of money driving a PHEV like the Ioniq. In fact, some Ioniq owners rarely use gas. However, if you have a long commute or plan to take frequent road trips, the standard hybrid Ioniq is probably the better choice.
Regardless of which Ioniq you choose, you’ll enjoy a large cargo area, lots of standard features, and industry-leading warranty coverage. It’s also safe and reliable, but its rear seats are cramped and its ride quality is unimpressive.
5) 2021 Honda Insight
$22,930 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 52 mpg | Overall Score: 8.0/10
If you’re a fan of the Honda Civic but considering a hybrid, the Insight might do the trick. It’s not the most athletic car, but it's spacious, comfortable, and delivers eager acceleration. The Insight shares many similarities with the Hyundai Ioniq, including its size and fuel-efficient powertrain, but the Insight provides a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
Based on the EPA’s estimates, you’ll save $3,250 in fuel costs over five years by choosing the Insight over the average car. Compared to the Honda Civic, the Insight will cost you about $450 less per year to gas up. The Insight will cost you about $1,800 more than the Civic up front though. This Honda compact hybrid car comes packed with advanced driver assistance systems and earns top-notch crash test ratings, too.
4) 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid
$27,270 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 52 mpg | Overall Score: 8.4/10
Aside from the plug-in hybrids, the Camry Hybrid is among the priciest vehicles on our list of the most fuel-efficient cars. It will cost you $2,300 more than the non-hybrid Camry, but you’ll save plenty of money on fuel. The EPA says it costs $450 less per year to fuel the Camry Hybrid over the standard Camry. The hybrid is powered by a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that makes a bit more horsepower than the non-hybrid Camry’s four-cylinder.
The Camry Hybrid boasts a smooth ride, a roomy back seat, and a long list of standard safety and technology features. However, its cabin isn’t as upscale as most $27,000 vehicles. The Camry Hybrid’s powertrain is quiet, energetic, and seamless when it transitions between gas and electric power. It handles well, though its steering lacks adequate feedback and its regenerative braking system is touchy at low speeds.
3) 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
$27,750 | Annual Fuel Cost: $750 | 52 mpg | Overall Score: 8.7/10
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the most expensive vehicle featured here, aside from a few plug-in hybrids. However, it’s also arguably the most upscale, it has two spacious rows of seats, and it comes packed with standard safety and infotainment technology. Moreover, the Sonata Hybrid is covered by a long warranty and has a good predicted reliability rating and excellent crash test scores.
The Sonata Hybrid’s four-cylinder engine and electric motor combine to produce 192 horsepower, which is right on par with the non-hybrid Sonata’s base four-cylinder. Choosing the hybrid configuration will save you about $400 per year on fuel, though the hybrid costs over $4,000 more than the standard Sonata. The Sonata Hybrid delivers decent power and a silky ride, but it suffers from touchy regenerative brakes.
2) 2021 Toyota Prius Prime
$28,220 | Annual Fuel Cost: $550 | 133 MPGe / 54 mpg | Overall Score: 7.5/10
The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid with incredible efficiency and 25 miles of electric-only range. While it has a high starting price, it’s eligible for a federal tax credit of about $4,500. If you can get the tax credit, the Prime is cheaper than the standard Prius.
According to the EPA, Prius Prime owners can save an average of $4,000 on fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle. It also uses less fuel than the standard Prius, especially if you do most of your driving on electric-only power.
The Prius Prime rides and handles well, but its powertrain is weak, and it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. It comes equipped with several active safety aids and an up-to-date touch-screen infotainment system. The Prime has decent passenger and cargo space, though it’s not as roomy as the standard Prius.
1) 2020 Hyundai Ioniq
$23,200 | Annual Fuel Cost: $600 | 58 mpg | Overall Score: 8.0/10
At a whopping 58 mpg, the Hyundai Ioniq is more fuel-efficient than all other cars on this list, though you might save more money on fuel by buying a plug-in hybrid model, as long as you don’t regularly exceed its electric-only range.
The Ioniq hybrid is virtually identical to the plug-in hybrid model, though it has more cargo space. It earns good safety and predicted reliability ratings, it’s covered by a first-rate warranty, and it’s loaded with features. However, its rear seats are cramped and its ride and handling are subpar. While the Ioniq isn’t powerful or quick, it delivers eager acceleration for city and highway driving.
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Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Cars
- 2020 Hyundai Ioniq - $23,200 | Annual Fuel Cost: $600 | 58 mpg
- 2021 Toyota Prius Prime - $28,220 | Annual Fuel Cost: $550 | 133 MPGe / 54 mpg
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - $27,750 | Annual Fuel Cost: $750 | 52 mpg
- 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid - $27,270 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 52 mpg
- 2021 Honda Insight - $22,930 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 52 mpg
- 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid - $26,500 | Annual Fuel Cost: $600 | 119 MPGe / 52 mpg
- 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid - $23,400 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 52 mpg
- 2021 Toyota Prius - $24,525 | Annual Fuel Cost: $650 | 56 mpg
- 2020 Kia Niro - $24,590 | Annual Fuel Cost: $750 | 49 mpg
- 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid - $29,490 | Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 105 MPGe / 46 mpg
- 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid - $33,400 | Annual Fuel Cost: $650 | 110 MPGe / 42 mpg
- 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid - $26,370 | Annual Fuel Cost: $750 | 48 mpg
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Fewer Trips to the Pump, More Money in the Bank
Many people are facing tough times due to the global pandemic. If you’re on a tight budget, saving money on a new car is paramount. However, it’s arguably more important to make sure you’re actually saving money on a vehicle’s overall cost to own.
Fuel cost is a primary factor in a car’s long-term cost of ownership. While gas prices are low right now, that’s not always the case. Investing in a fuel-efficient car can save you money for years to come.
Thankfully, innovations in engine technology and electrification are working to make cars much more fuel-efficient than they once were. In this article, we focus on hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars that return the best fuel economy. According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient cars can cost as little as $550 per year to fuel. This means a savings of $650 per year compared to the average new vehicle. The only way to save more money on fuel is to choose a fully electric vehicle.
We ranked the most fuel-efficient cars based on the EPA’s annual fuel cost estimates. In the case of a tie, we gave the win to the car with the higher U.S. News overall score or the lower starting price.
On the following pages, we provide information about how much money in fuel costs you’ll save by choosing each hybrid car over the same car – or a comparable vehicle – in a non-hybrid configuration. We also compare starting prices between hybrid and non-hybrid versions, so you can see which hybrid cars offer the best value.
It’s important to note, we update our scores and rankings on a regular basis as new data and expert research become available. So, the scores in this article may not match up with the scores in our individual reviews and rankings.
Keep reading to learn about the most fuel-efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars available today.
We've also rounded up the most fuel-efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs »