You’ll agree that owning a fuel-efficient car is a blessing. A fuel-efficient car proves exceptionally useful in situations where fuel stations are scarce. For instance, last year, during a lengthy trip through a national park with no fueling stations, my fuel-efficient car was a lifesaver, preventing worries about running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere.
Furthermore, the cost-saving benefits of a car with high miles per gallon (mpg) are substantial, particularly in the face of skyrocketing gasoline prices.
Discussing fuel efficiency invariably brings hybrid technology, both standard and plug-in varieties, into focus. This innovative technology, which electrifies the car engine, allows us to enjoy vehicles that offer fuel consumption rates exceeding 50 miles per gallon—a challenging figure to achieve without hybrid tech.
So, which cars can achieve up to 50 mpg? In this article, I will showcase cars that boast fuel consumption rates of over 50 mpg. They will be categorized into two groups: those featuring standard hybrid technology and plug-in hybrids.
Note that electric and diesel-engine cars have been excluded from this discussion, as they occupy distinct categories in automotive technology.
Hybrid Cars That Get Over 50 MPG
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid features a fuel-efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine complemented by two electric motors. This combination generates up to 138 horsepower, directed to the front or all wheels via a smooth CVT.
In terms of fuel consumption, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid impresses with an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in city driving and 47 mpg on the highway for models equipped with front-wheel drive. Models boasting AWD offer slightly reduced efficiency, achieving 47 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Beyond its fuel efficiency, the Corolla Hybrid stands out with many features. It offers a user-friendly infotainment system, competitive pricing, and a comfortable, smooth driving experience, even on uneven terrains.
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda has confirmed the launch of a Hybrid version of the Honda Civic, available in 2024.
Equipped with a 2.0-liter engine and two electric motors, the Honda Civic Hybrid is designed to be both powerful and fuel-efficient. It’s anticipated to achieve around 53 mpg combined with a manual transmission.
The currently available Honda Civic stands out as one of the best compact cars on the market. It offers lively handling, a spacious and well-constructed cabin, an abundance of standard features, and impressive fuel economy, all at an affordable price. A hybrid engine will enhance the Civic’s fuel efficiency, adding to its appeal.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid stands out prominently in its class. This midsize sedan flaunts a remarkable fuel economy, spacious seating, and an upscale cabin.
The interior is meticulously crafted, exuding luxury beyond its price tag, complemented by an extensive array of standard features.
Beneath the hood, the Sonata Hybrid houses a 2.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor, collaboratively generating up to 192 horsepower. The hybrid system of the Sonata is exemplary, achieving an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry has long been praised as a comfortable and feature-rich family car, boasting a spacious interior, a well-constructed cabin, and generous cargo space.
The introduction of the Camry Hybrid further enhances the model’s legendary reputation. It mirrors the comfort of the non-hybrid version yet features a substantially more fuel-efficient engine.
Under the hood resides a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, producing 208 horsepower. The Camry Hybrid effortlessly achieves an EPA-estimated 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.
Kia Niro
Currently, the Kia Niro is the only SUV to grace this list. Powered by a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, this 139-horsepower compact SUV boasts exceptional fuel efficiency. The Kia Niro Hybrid achieves an impressive EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway.
The latest model of the Kia Niro has been redesigned to maintain competitiveness in the bustling hybrid SUV segment. While it might not be as renowned as the RAV4 or CR-V hybrids, the Niro Hybrid has numerous admirable features.
In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain, it flaunts a stylish and meticulously crafted interior, a spacious second row, and perhaps most appealingly, it offers affordability within the hybrid SUV class.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid holds a special place on my list for many reasons: its appealing aesthetics, spacious and tech-forward interior, agile handling, fresh engine, and superb fuel efficiency.
Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor, the Elantra Hybrid generates a combined 139 horsepower delivered to the front wheels via a dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. This configuration ensures the Elantra Hybrid accelerates both responsively and smoothly.
As previously highlighted, the Elantra Hybrid showcases commendable fuel economy, boasting an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius, a pioneer in mass-produced hybrid cars, has earned a reputation for quality and reliability. It is now in its fourth generation, and a fifth generation may be on the horizon.
Holding the title as the most popular hybrid car globally, the Prius boasts impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 57 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Even the all-wheel-drive models fare impressively, delivering 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway.
This economical fuel consumption doesn’t compromise the Prius’s power. Equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, it generates up to 194 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive versions, with the same engine and two electric motors, produce a combined 196 horsepower.
Plug-In Hybrid Cars with Over 50 MPGe
Unlike traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)-powered cars and conventional hybrids that use MPG for measuring energy efficiency, plug-in hybrids employ MPGe as a metric.
What is MPGe? Essentially, MPGe stands for “miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent.” So, if a car is rated at 90 MPGe, it means the vehicle can travel 90 miles on the electrical energy equivalent of one gallon of gas (which is 33.7 kWh). Explore further details about MPGe here.
Here are some plugin hybrid cars with above 50 MPGe.
Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime is an enhanced version of the classic Toyota Prius, equipped with a larger battery that yields a more extended EV mode range.
Currently the most efficient plug-in hybrid available in the market, the Prius Prime is estimated to achieve up to 127 MPGe in EV mode and 52 mpg in the standard hybrid mode.
Under the hood, the Prius Prime features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, generating up to 220 horsepower. These electric motors are fueled by a 13.6-kWh battery, enabling the car to travel up to 44 miles solely in EV mode.
Ford Escape PHEV
The Ford Escape offers two engine options: a 192-horsepower hybrid version and a 210-horsepower plug-in hybrid.
As expected, the Ford Escape PHEV powertrain delivers exceptional performance; acceleration is instant and responsive due to the more powerful electric motor.
The Ford Escape PHEV achieves an impressive 105 MPG-e in combined city and highway driving when in EV mode, capable of traveling up to 37 miles on electricity alone. In hybrid mode, it attains 40 mpg, which is quite remarkable for an SUV.
Besides having a peppy and fuel-efficient engine, the Ford Escape features a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and a wealth of standard features.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a competent and well-equipped SUV, offering a smooth ride, a powerful engine, and exceptional fuel economy.
Beneath the hood of the RAV4 Prime lies a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, collaboratively producing up to 302 horsepower.
Despite its robust power, the engine is not excessively fuel-consuming. The RAV4 Prime boasts an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe in combined city/highway driving and can travel up to 42 miles solely in EV mode. Intriguingly, it still gets up to 38 mpg when operated in gasoline mode, positioning it superiorly among its competitors.
In addition to its robust, fuel-efficient engine, the RAV4 Prime also features a comfortable, spacious, and well-constructed interior, complemented by an array of standard features.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
As a minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasts exceptional fuel economy, delivering up to 82 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is powered by a V6 engine paired with two electric motors that combine to generate 260 horsepower. These motors are energized by a 16-kWh lithium battery, enabling the vehicle to travel up to 32 miles solely on electric power.
In addition to a robust engine and remarkable fuel efficiency, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers numerous features that set it apart from cars and SUVs.
Of course, its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and easily accessible sliding doors are notable attributes. Additionally, its generous cargo space, further expandable with the Chrysler-style Stow ‘n Go seating feature, adds significant practicality and convenience.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid stands robustly amidst fierce competitors.
This three-row SUV boasts elegant, comfortable seating and a spacious cabin infused with intuitive technology. Not only that, but the vehicle also offers expansive cargo space, with seats that can be folded flat for added versatility.
Under the hood, it harbors a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing up to 261 horsepower. The Sorento hybrid achieves an impressive 79 MPGe in combined city/highway driving with these powertrains.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson distinguishes itself among its competitors with remarkable engine performance and an exceptionally comfortable interior that is both attractive and loaded with features. Moreover, the pricing for the Tucson PHEV is competitively affordable within its class, and Hyundai enhances its value by offering a warranty of up to 10 years. These elements collectively contribute to the Tucson PHEV’s outstanding value for money.
A four-cylinder turbo engine and an electric motor power the Hyundai Tucson hybrid. The plugin hybrid version has a larger battery pack, increasing performance and producing up to 261 horsepower.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Tucson impressively achieves an estimated 80 MPG-equivalent in combined city/highway driving, underscoring its efficacy and appeal in the realm of economical SUVs.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is a midsize SUV that offers potential buyers a wealth of offerings. It features a lively engine, spacious cabin, cozy seating, and remarkable cargo space.
Beneath the hood lies a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, jointly generating up to 261 horsepower. This formidable powertrain achieves up to 76 MPG-equivalent in combined city/highway driving. This Korean SUV can also traverse up to 31 miles solely on electric power, showcasing its efficiency and eco-friendliness.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX stands out as the sole luxury SUV on this list. This five-passenger luxury SUV outshines its rivals due to its remarkable fuel efficiency and potent engine.
Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, the Lexus NX commands a substantial 240 horsepower. This synergistic combination results in extraordinary fuel economy, achieving an 84 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving.
Beyond its impressive efficiency, the Lexus NX flaunts a luxurious cabin and offers a delightful driving experience, further elevating its appeal in the luxury SUV segment.
