What cars have the best MPG? No matter which experts you talk to, they’re always bound to point at the hybrid selections: Toyota and Honda especially. For years, the Prius and the Accord Hybrid have led the charge in the hybrid fuel economy game with combined city and highway averages of around 50. But recently, a new contender has appeared in the field aiming to give those two hybrid juggernauts a run for their money — the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
But how to get the best MPG depends quite a bit on technology and efficiency as well as innovation. Let’s look at the breakdown of those three particular vehicles and how they’re faring against other when it comes to MPG.
Toyota Prius
By the Numbers: With 51 city and 48 highway miles to offer, the Prius is the reigning champ of the hybrid fuel economy realm. In fact, the Prius was the best-selling car in California in 2013, a distinction made even more impressive by the fact that it’s a hybrid. Truth be told, there still aren’t all that many hybrids in the U.S., with recent estimates putting the figure around 2 million.
The Verdict: The Chicago Tribune named the Prius the best hybrid car for MPG last year, and it’s easy to see why. However Toyota figured out how to get the best MPG for its flagship hybrid, it’s not sharing the winning secret with the rest of the auto world.
Honda Accord Hybrid
By the Numbers: Tied for second place in the same Tribune roundup, the Accord Hybrid has a long history of excellent MPG, having appeared on similar lists for years already. Considering the plight of Honda’s original hybrid, the Insight, the Accord is poised for glory in 2014, if not the kind of glory that rivals the Prius.
The Verdict: Unfortunately, some Accord (and even some Civic) Hybrids experience battery failure after 100,000 miles or so. It’s been a well-documented issue and has even led to larger discussions about the effectiveness and longevity of hybrid batteries in general.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
By the Numbers: Combined highway and city miles totaling 47 made the Fusion Hybrid the split runner-up in the Tribune ranking. It’s an impressive showing for the new kid on the hybrid block, first released only back in October 2012. The Fusion Hybrid has a ways to go before it catches up with the Prius, but if Ford can figure out how to get the best MPG, it might just end up with the upper hand.
The Verdict: It might still be too early to figure out what the Fusion Hybrid’s flaws are. For Ford’s sake, if it can manufacture lithium-ion batteries that make it past six years and 100,000 miles, it may have a serious shot at taking number one — or at least overtaking its Honda competition.
For the most up-to-date information about hybrids and MPG, talk to a dealership and see what you can’t find out. Read more.
