Gas prices will inevitably rise. Producing vehicles that save fuel and have a low carbon footprint are more important than ever. Automakers have taken this challenge seriously by producing thrifty, clean vehicles that (in some cases) are a hoot to drive. We based our list on the most efficient vehicles available and compiled the list based on 2008 and early 2009 models. The list below is based on the vehicles’ combined mpg as we feel this is a great way to measure a vehicle’s real fuel savings.
The Ford Escape Hybrid (with platform-mates the Mazda Tribute Hybrid FWD and Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD) represents one of the first (and still one of the most efficient) SUV/Crossover Hybrids built. Just making it on our top 10 list shows how remarkable the Ford Escape Hybrid’s economy is. Available in either 2WD or 4WD, both models come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2WD version gets the best EPA ratings of 32 mpg combined. The 4WD gets a slightly lower mpg. A gasoline powered 153 horsepower (with 136 lbs feet of torque at 4,500 rpm), 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder is the only engine choice. The gas engine is coupled to a Permanent Magnet AC synchronous motor 330-volt Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) producing 94 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Regenerative braking (where energy from stopping is fed back to the batteries rather than wasted) is standard. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid are closely related mechanically, they differ in packaging, exterior design and options.
The Toyota Yaris is an exceptional value for a well built, frugal machine. Kudos to Toyota for having 3 completely different vehicles we could add to our list. Much of the Toyota Yaris’s mechanicals are shared with the former Scion line before they were updated with more power. Still, the little Toyota Yaris is a big seller and many consider its styling “adorable.” With the 106 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) 1.5 liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, the Toyota Yaris can produce 103 lbs feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. With fuel saving additions like the electric power rack-and-pinion steering (which does not used the energy of the engine to spin a power steering pump, rather it has its own electric pump) the Toyota Yaris is frugal indeed. Combined fuel consumption figures are about 32 mpg. The Toyota Yaris is available in a 2-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan. The Toyota Yaris 2-door with the 5-speed manual is the most frugal of the Yaris bunch.