2012 Ford Fiesta

At an MSRP of just over $13,000, the 2012 Ford Fiesta certainly isn’t cheap compared to other cars in its class, but it packs enough punch with features and performance to justify it. Starting with a sleek body and safe chassis, it comes stock with heated leather seats and Ford’s SYNC dashboard interface (which has come a long way). The only body downside we found is a somewhat small rear-seating area and trunk space. They’re not obviously small, but if you’ll constantly be transporting stuff or have extra passengers, it could become a bit of a nuisance.

When it comes to gas mileage, all the Fiesta models (S, SE, SEx) rank in the top 10 of 2012′s most fuel efficient small cars. With its competition at just about the same level, if you’re looking to give the Fiesta an extra green punch, Ford offers a “Fuel Economy Package” that makes the body more aerodynamic, equips the vehicle with more efficient tires and gives you the option to engage cruise control. All told, you’ll probably gain a few more MPGs. The odd bit is the package is only available for the SE, so keep that in mind during purchase.

2012 Ford Fiesta – Gas Mileage Specs

Compare: The 2012 Ford Fiesta is categorized as a gas-dependent small car and part of our 2012 Small Car Fuel Efficiency Comparisons Table »

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

When you think Chevy, you don’t immediately think of small cars, but they have taken a stab at them over the years (Chevette, Metro, etc). With the 2012 Chevy Sonic, they finally went all in. As you can see from the shot to right, the Sonic is small in stature, but it has definitely upside. It doesn’t do any one thing exceedingly well, but its performance, handling and dashboard engineering are all above-average (even compared to vehicles in higher classes). During our test drive, one thing that stuck with us was the comfortable ride, both a function of careful design and smart ergonomics.

As far as gas mileage is concerned, the Chevrolet Sonic is touted to deliver up to 26 MPG in the city and 35 highway. We took it out for dynamometer testing and during our city tests, it clocked in at 21-26 MPG (over a 10 min run). On the highway, the range was a bit tighter at 33-36 MPG (about 15 min drive ranging from 50-70 MPH). So, at least in our small sample size, it lived up to its specifications with ease.

In general, the 2012 Chevy Sonic brings a lot to the table for the cost-conscious and, especially, Chevy fans. It’s sporty, a fun/comfortable drive and a solid small-car entry for Chevrolet. Particularly if you like supporting US-manufactured sub-compact (and smaller) cars, give the Sonic a strong look.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic – Gas Mileage Specs

Compare: The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is tagged as a gas-dependent small car and part of our 2012 Small Car Fuel Efficiency Comparisons Table »

2012 Kia Rio

Kia used to be known as the boxier, less hip version of the Honda Civic. Over the past few years, however, they’ve done quite a bit to change that image. With recent improvements in design, engine performance and fuel efficiency, they’ve stepped up in class…and the 2012 version certainly doesn’t buck that trend. When it comes to power, the 1.6-liter, 138-HP four-cylinder engine does an adequate enough job, but don’t expect a ton of high velocity fun. During our 10-mile test drive, it handled well but did seem to lose a bit of control during banks and at higher speeds. Nothing out of the ordinary, but noticeable nonetheless. Inside, there’s a fair amount of space but could get cramped for larger drivers.

With respect to gas mileage, our dynamometer tests proved the Kia lives up to its 30 city/40 hwy MPG billing. Efficiency didn’t waiver much during heavy acceleration and city to highway transitions (or vice versa). We had an automatic and the up and down-shifting was smooth, both on the drive and expected impact to MPG.

All in all, the Kia delivers in quite a few departments. It’s sporty (for most), relatively inexpensive (starting at ~$13k) and just about as fuel efficient as any all-gas vehicle on the market. If you’re looking to offset these ridiculous gas prices, take the Kia Rio out for spin – it might surprise you in more ways than one.

2012 Kia Rio – Gas Mileage Specs

Compare: The 2012 Kia Rio is classified as a gas-dependent small car and is part of our 2012 Small Car Fuel Efficiency Comparisons Table »

2012 Hyundai Accent

The 2012 version of the Hyundai Accent is quite the kick – it’s fun to ride, has a solid design, and most importantly, leads its class in gas mileage. Available in hatchback and sedan versions, its fuel economy is a result of smart aerodynamics and a relatively low gross weight. Other highly-rated features include its intuitively engineered dashboard (with simple and easy-to-use controls) and surprisingly strong driving power, clocking in at 138 horsepower (which is noticeably higher after driving other models in its class). For a vehicle its size, it also handles pretty well, even over tough terrain and banked turns.

During the test drive, one disadvantage I found was the relatively small leg space and slightly uncomfortable seating. During a 10 minute drive it was no big deal, but for the taller crowd, it could provide some problems, especially during long trips. All told, however, the 2012 Hyundai Accent brings a lot to the table, starting with its sticker price which starts at around $15,000. If you’re looking for sporty, inexpensive, responsive and still powerful, this car gets the job done.

2012 Hyundai Accent – Gas Mileage Specs

Compare: The 2012 Hyundai Accent is classified as a gas-dependent small car and is part of the 2012 Small Car Fuel Efficiency Comparisons Table »

Sedans have been a customer favorite for years – they’re spacious, powerful and small enough to handle well under most conditions. In 2012, car manufacturers have put a premium on fuel efficiency while sticking true to the nature of sedans, family and large versions alike. After tossing the top models into our fuel efficiency equations, the Elantra, Camry, Optima and Sonata came out on top. It’s tough to beat an aggregate (city + highway) MPG of 35-40 and not cut corners on looks and features, but the cream of this crop got pretty darn close.

The rumors out there tout even more efficient sedans come 2013, but if you’re in the market now and want to downsize from a gas-guzzling SUV or large truck and still ride in comfort and luxury, give this crop of sedans a closer look.

Sedan MPG & Cost Analysis

Click any of the headers below to re-sort.

Category	Class	Year	Make	Model	Options	City (MPG)	Hwy (MPG)	Total (MPG)	Fuel cost /mo(1)	Fuel cost /yr(1)	Save /yr(2)
Gas	Sedans	2012	Hyundai	Elantra	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	29	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Sedans	2012	Hyundai	Elantra	1.8 L, 4 cyl mnl	29	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Sedans	2012	Toyota	Camry	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	25	35	28	$206	$2,475	$990
Gas	Sedans	2012	Kia	Optima	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	24	35	28	$206	$2,475	$990
Gas	Sedans	2012	Kia	Optima	2.4 L, 4 cyl mnl	24	35	28	$206	$2,475	$990
Gas	Sedans	2012	Hyundai	Sonata	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	24	35	28	$206	$2,475	$990
Gas	Sedans	2012	Hyundai	Sonata	2.4 L, 4 cyl mnl	24	35	28	$206	$2,475	$990
Gas	Sedans	2012	Honda	Accord	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	23	34	27	$214	$2,567	$898
Gas	Sedans	2012	Honda	Accord	2.4 L, 4 cyl mnl	23	34	27	$214	$2,567	$898
Gas	Sedans	2012	Nissan	Altima	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	23	32	27	$214	$2,567	$898
Gas	Sedans	2012	Ford	Fusion FWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	23	33	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Suzuki	Kizashi	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	23	30	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Suzuki	Kizashi S	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	23	31	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Subaru	Legacy AWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	23	31	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Chevrolet	Malibu	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	22	33	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Kia	Optima	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	22	34	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Volkswagen	Passat	2.5 L, 5 cyl mnl	22	32	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Hyundai	Sonata	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	22	34	26	$222	$2,665	$800
Gas	Sedans	2012	Mazda	6	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	22	31	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Toyota	Camry	3.5 L, 6 cyl auto	21	30	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Volkswagen	CC	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	22	31	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Ford	Fusion S FWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl mnl	22	32	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Suzuki	Kizashi AWD	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	22	29	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Suzuki	Kizashi S	2.4 L, 4 cyl mnl	21	31	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Suzuki	Kizashi S AWD	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	23	30	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Volkswagen	Passat	2.5 L, 5 cyl auto	22	31	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Gas	Sedans	2012	Mazda	6	2.5 L, 4 cyl mnl	21	30	24	$241	$2,888	$578
Gas	Sedans	2012	Chrysler	200	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	21	30	24	$241	$2,888	$578
Gas	Sedans	2012	Dodge	Avenger	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	21	30	24	$241	$2,888	$578
Gas	Sedans	2012	Volkswagen	CC	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	21	31	24	$241	$2,888	$578
Gas	Sedans	2012	Ford	Fusion FWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl mnl	22	29	24	$241	$2,888	$578
Gas	Sedans	2012	Mitsubishi	Galant	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	21	30	24	$241	$2,888	$578
Gas	Sedans	2012	Buick	Regal	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	20	32	24	$241	$2,888	$578

1) Estimated with a gas price/gallon of $3.85 and 1,500 miles driven per month.
2) Compared to a 20 MPG vehicle under identical driving conditions.

Cute and tiny might’ve made them a target for ridicule in the past, but in a recession, no one’s laughing at the fuel efficiency of small cars. Everyone knows the smaller the load, the higher your mileage, but these cars have a lot of other things going for them. For starters, most are much more reinforced and higher crash-rated than their predecessors. With their small axle sizes, they turn on a dime and let you easily maneuver tight roads or land even the tiniest of parking spots. Population density is no joke (just ask any Italian), so if you’re in the market for inexpensive (both on purchase and upkeep) and easier city driving, consider going small.

The table below is sorted by yearly savings, based on aggregate city and highway driving. Click any of the headers to re-sort.

Small Car (gas) MPG & Cost Analysis

Category	Class	Year	Make	Model	Options	City (MPG)	Hwy (MPG)	Total (MPG)	Fuel cost /mo(1)	Fuel cost /yr(1)	Save /yr(2)
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Scion	iQ	1.3 L, 4 cyl auto	36	37	37	$156	$1,873	$1,592
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Hyundai	Accent	1.6 L, 4 cyl mnl	30	40	34	$170	$2,038	$1,427
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Kia	Rio	1.6 L, 4 cyl mnl	30	40	34	$170	$2,038	$1,427
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Sonic	1.4 L, 4 cyl mnl	29	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Cruze Eco	1.4 L, 4 cyl mnl	28	42	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Ford	Fiesta	1.6 L, 4 cyl auto	29	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Ford	Fiesta FWD	1.6 L, 4 cyl mnl	29	38	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Ford	Fiesta SFE FWD	1.6 L, 4 cyl auto	29	39	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Ford	Focus SFE FWD	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	28	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Civic HF	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	29	41	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Hyundai	Accent	1.6 L, 4 cyl auto	30	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Kia	Rio	1.6 L, 4 cyl auto	30	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Mazda	3 DI 4 Door	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	28	40	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Nissan	Versa	1.6 L, 4 cyl mnl	30	38	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Toyota	Yaris	1.5 L, 4 cyl mnl	30	38	33	$175	$2,100	$1,365
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Civic	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	28	39	32	$180	$2,166	$1,299
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Hyundai	Veloster	1.6 L, 4 cyl auto	29	38	32	$180	$2,166	$1,299
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Hyundai	Veloster	1.6 L, 4 cyl mnl	28	40	32	$180	$2,166	$1,299
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Mazda	2	1.5 L, 4 cyl mnl	29	35	32	$180	$2,166	$1,299
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Toyota	Yaris	1.5 L, 4 cyl auto	30	35	32	$180	$2,166	$1,299
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Cruze Eco	1.4 L, 4 cyl auto	26	39	31	$186	$2,235	$1,230
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Ford	Focus FWD	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto (6 spd)	28	38	31	$186	$2,235	$1,230
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Ford	Focus FWD	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto (AM6)	28	38	31	$186	$2,235	$1,230
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Civic	1.8 L, 4 cyl mnl	28	36	31	$186	$2,235	$1,230
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Fit	1.5 L, 4 cyl auto	28	35	31	$186	$2,235	$1,230
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Mazda	3 DI 4 Door	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	27	39	31	$186	$2,235	$1,230
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Cruze	1.4 L, 4 cyl auto	26	38	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Cruze	1.4 L, 4 cyl mnl	26	38	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Ford	Focus FWD	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	26	36	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Fit	1.5 L, 4 cyl auto (S5)	27	33	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Kia	Forte Eco	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	27	37	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Mazda	2	1.5 L, 4 cyl auto	28	34	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Nissan	Versa	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	28	34	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Nissan	Sentra	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	27	34	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Subaru	Impresa AWD	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	27	36	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Toyota	Corolla	1.8 L, 4 cyl mnl	27	34	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Cruze	1.8 L, 4 cyl mnl	25	36	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Sonic	1.8 L, 4 cyl mnl	26	35	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Fit	1.5 L, 4 cyl mnl	27	33	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Kia	Forte	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	26	36	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Mitsubishi	Lancer	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	26	34	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Scion	xD	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	27	33	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Scion	xD	1.8 L, 4 cyl mnl	27	33	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Toyota	Corolla	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	26	34	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Chevrolet	Sonic	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	25	35	28	$206	$2,475	$990
Gas	Small Cars	2012	Nissan	Versa	1.8 L, 4 cyl mnl	26	31	28	$206	$2,475	$990

1) Estimated with a gas price/gallon of $3.85 and 1,500 miles driven per month.
2) Compared to a 20 MPG vehicle under identical driving conditions.

Diesel used to be most known as the fuel of choice for 16-wheelers and big rigs, but its cleaner burning properties (compared to regular gas) has turned the tide in its favor. Don’t let its higher per gallon cost sway you – diesel is 20-40% more fuel efficient, so you’ll fill up less often and, due to its intrinsic properties, generate less greenhouses gases (more on gas mileage comparisons).

While the selection of diesel vehicles isn’t quite there yet (at least in the U.S.), every diesel we’ve driven has handled just as good (if not better) than its gas counterpart.  Expect diesel vehicles to continue to increase in popularity, so if you like staying ahead of the curve, diesels have a high satisfaction rate and their price tags keep dropping.  Just make sure you know a good diesel mechanic if/when the time comes.

Diesel Vehicles – MPG & Cost Analysis

Category	Class	Year	Make	Model	Options	City (MPG)	Hwy (MPG)	Total (MPG)	Fuel cost /mo(1)	Fuel cost /yr(1)	Save /yr(2)
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Passat	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	31	43	35	$174	$2,083	$1,382
Diesel	Cars	2012	Audi	A3	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	30	42	34	$179	$2,144	$1,321
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Golf	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	30	42	34	$179	$2,144	$1,321
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Golf	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	30	42	34	$179	$2,144	$1,321
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Jetta	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	30	42	34	$179	$2,144	$1,321
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Jetta	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	30	42	34	$179	$2,144	$1,321
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Jetta SportWagen	2.0 L, 4 cyl mnl	30	42	34	$179	$2,144	$1,321
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Passat	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	30	40	34	$179	$2,144	$1,321
Diesel	Cars	2012	Volkswagen	Jetta SportWagen	2.0 L, 4 cyl auto	29	39	33	$184	$2,209	$1,256
Diesel	Cars	2012	Mercedes	E350 Bluetec	3.0 L, 6 cyl auto	21	32	25	$243	$2,916	$549
Diesel	Cars	2012	Mercedes	E350 Bluetec 4matic	3.0 L, 6 cyl auto	21	31	25	$243	$2,916	$549

1) Estimated with a diesel price/gallon of $4.05 and 1,500 miles driven per month.
2) Compared to a 20 MPG vehicle under identical driving conditions.

Over the past decade, hybrid vehicles have come a long way.    They used to be slow, eye-sores and just not that fun to drive.   More recently, though, the majority of manufacturers have jumped into the hybrid fray, either with their flagship models or similar iterations.    Among the 2012 models, not surprisingly, the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic/Insight provide the most fuel efficiency and projected savings.  Note that the estimated costs in the table below are based on a vehicle with a price per gallon of $3.85 and 1,500 miles driven every month.

If cost is your top concern, a Toyota or Honda is probably your safest bet.  However, there’s plenty of luxury and kick in the hybrid class these days, so make sure you take a few for a spin before making a decision. Hybrids can be a joy to drive, but it’s all about personal preference. When you sit in the model that suits you to a tee, you’ll know right from mile one.

Hybrid Vehicle MPG & Cost Analysis

Category	Class	Year	Make	Model	Options	City (MPG)	Hwy (MPG)	Total (MPG)	Fuel cost /mo(1)	Fuel cost /yr(1)	Save /yr(2)
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Toyota	Priuis c	1.5 L, 4 cyl auto	53	46	50	$116	$1,386	$2,079
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Toyota	Priuis	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	51	48	50	$116	$1,386	$2,079
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Civic Hybrid	1.5 L, 4 cyl auto	44	44	44	$131	$1,575	$1,890
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Insight	1.3 L, 4 cyl auto (var)	41	44	42	$138	$1,650	$1,815
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Honda	Insight	1.3 L, 4 cyl auto (AV)	41	44	42	$138	$1,650	$1,815
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Lexus	CT 200h	1.8 L, 4 cyl auto	43	40	42	$138	$1,650	$1,815
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Toyota	Camry Hybrid LE	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	43	39	41	$141	$1,690	$1,775
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Toyota	Camry Hybrid XLE	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	40	38	40	$144	$1,733	$1,733
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Ford	Fusion Hybrid FWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	41	36	39	$148	$1,777	$1,688
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	Lincoln	MKZ Hybrid FWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	41	36	39	$148	$1,777	$1,688
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Honda	CR-Z	1.5 L, 4 cyl auto	35	39	37	$156	$1,873	$1,592
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Hyundai	Sonata Hybrid	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	35	40	37	$156	$1,873	$1,592
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Kia	Optima Hybrid	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	35	40	37	$156	$1,873	$1,592
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	Lexus	HS 250h	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	35	34	35	$165	$1,980	$1,485
Hybrid	Small Cars	2012	Honda	CR-Z	1.5 L, 4 cyl mnl	31	37	34	$170	$2,038	$1,427
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Ford	Escape Hybrid FWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	34	31	32	$180	$2,166	$1,299
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Lexus	RX 450h	3.5 L, 6 cyl auto	32	28	30	$193	$2,310	$1,155
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Buick	LaCrosse Hybrid	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	25	36	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Buick	Regal Hybrid	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	25	36	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Hybrid	Sedans	2012	Chevrolet	Malibu eAssist	2.4 L, 4 cyl auto	25	37	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Ford	Escape Hybrid AWD	2.5 L, 4 cyl auto	30	27	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	Infiniti	M35h	3.5 L, 6 cyl auto	27	32	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Lexus	RX 450h AWD	3.5 L, 6 cyl auto	30	28	29	$199	$2,390	$1,075
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Toyota	Highlander Hybrid 4WD	3.5 L, 6 cyl auto	28	28	28	$206	$2,475	$990
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	Porsche	Panamera S Hybrid	3.0 L, 6 cyl auto	22	30	25	$231	$2,772	$693
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Cadillac	Escalade Hybrid 2WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Cadillac	Escalade Hybrid 4WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	Pickups	2012	Chevrolet	Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	Pickups	2012	Chevrolet	Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Chevrolet	Tahoe Hybrid 2WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Chevrolet	Tahoe Hybrid 4WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	Pickups	2012	GMC	Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	Pickups	2012	GMC	Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	GMC	Yukon 1500 Hybrid 2WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	GMC	Yukon 1500 Hybrid 4WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	GMC	Yukon Denali 1500 Hybrid 4WD	6.0 L, 8 cyl auto	20	23	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	Mercedes	S400 Hybrid	3.5 L, 6 cyl auto	19	25	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Porsche	Cayenne S Hybrid	3.0 L, 6 cyl auto	20	24	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	SUVs	2012	Volkswagen	Touareg Hybrid	3.0 L, 6 cyl auto	20	24	21	$275	$3,300	$165
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	BMW	Active Hybrid 7	4.4 L, 8 cyl auto	17	24	20	$289	$3,465	$0
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	BMW	Active Hybrid 7L	4.4 L, 8 cyl auto	17	24	20	$289	$3,465	$0
Hybrid	Luxury Sedans	2012	Lexus	LS 600h L	5.0 L, 8 cyl auto	19	23	20	$289	$3,465	$0

1) Estimated with a gas price/gallon of $3.85 and 1,500 miles driven per month.
2) Compared to a 20 MPG vehicle under identical driving conditions.

Gas prices don’t appear to be dropping anytime soon, so it’s more important than ever to find a fuel-efficient vehicle. Small cars tend to have the best mileage (due to weight and shape) so if you’re looking to downsize with your next car, here’s a list of the 2012 small cars with the best gas mileage: Note: this list will NOT include electric vehicles (look out for that list soon).

2012 Ford Fiesta FWD – With a combined MPG of 33 (weighted average of city and highway), the Fiesta is a sporty, economical little vehicle.

MPG (city): 29
MPG (highway): 40
Passenger space: 85ft³
Tank size: 12.0 gallons
Estimated annual fuel cost: $1450

2012 Chevy Sonic 5 – as eluded by its name, the Sonic packs a punch all in a fun little ride. The 4 cylinder, 1.4L manual transmission model gives you the most economical ride.

MPG (city): 29
MPG (highway): 40
Passenger space: 91ft³
Tank size: 12.2 gallons
Estimated annual fuel cost: $1450

2012 Scion iQ – now you’re talking small. Officially in the “minicompact” EPA category, this mini hugs the road and packs a 1.3L, 4 cylinder engine. With an impressive city MPG of 36 and comfortable front-wheel drive steering, it’s a nice step up for Toyota.

MPG (city): 36
MPG (highway): 37
Passenger space: 74ft³
Tank size: 12.2 gallons
Estimated annual fuel cost: $1450

» Overall, the Scion has the best aggregate gas mileage.

2012 Hyundai Accent – with an average MPG of 34 and the lowest base price in this list (~$12.4k), the Accent excels in most of the key specs without giving up too much in style and quality.

MPG (city): 30
MPG (highway): 40
Passenger space: 89ft³
Tank size: 11.4 gallons
Estimated annual fuel cost: $1423

Editor’s pick for 2012 (small car division).

In all, more and more drivers are giving small cars a second look these days. They won’t dominate a road like a sports car or SUV, but it’ll make you pocketbook quite happy. A few tips while performing a gas mileage comparison: make sure you focus on the exact engine type and size (small variations can change the final MPG). Also, consider the trunk space — most MPG-conscious manufacturers need to sacrifice weight/space wherever possible and the trunk is often a primary target. If you consistently need the extra room, make sure you give the trunk space a proper look in person before you buy.

Every year, manufacturers continue to push the envelope with gas efficiency. 2012 was no different as it brought in a new set of small cars with the best gas mileage for their respective classes. As a consumer, it’s always a balancing act between gas efficiency and ease (or fun) of driving. Fortunately, manufacturers are slowly bridging that gap and this year’s class is quite evident of that. Good luck with your search and enjoy your savings!

Lexus RX 450h

For a luxury vehicle, the Lexus RX 450 gas mileage is surprisingly very good. With a costly price tag however, it’s not for everyone. As far as capacity goes, it can even compete with some hybrids and smaller-engine sedans, with 32 miles per gallon for the highway and 28 miles per gallon within the city. That means a 30 MPG average for your Lexus RX 450.

Popular Mechanics magazine is excited about the Lexus RX 450 gas mileage and for good reason. Apart from its efficiency, its editors also noted the “understated appearance” which runs contrary to its many features. The U.S. News & World Report, meanwhile, ranks it fifth among the luxury mid-size SUV. Interestingly enough, it was outpaced in the same rankings by its twin brother the 2011 Lexus RX 350.

The understated appearance of the The RX 450 doesn’t do justice to its posh interior and excellent performance on the road. It’s best to consider these factors, along with the Lexus RX 450 gas mileage, when taking its suggested price of $43,235 in perspective. Remember the gas-only RX 350? you could probably save a few thousand dollars more but consider that you get only 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 MPG on the highway and you can readily compute the savings.

The US Department of Energy places the annual cost of fuel at current Lexus RX 450 gas mileage performance at $2,086 assuming a 45% highway driving and 55% city driving for an annual trip of 15,000 miles. Compared that to a Lexus RX 350 where you would spend $800 more every year.

The question on whether or not the SUV is a gas guzzler, the US Department of Energy has a one-word answer: no. The Lexus RX 450 gas mileage performance is also heavily dependent on the tank size which can reach nearly 20 gallons for arange of more than 360 miles on a full tank.

While consumers can benefit from the Lexus RX 450 gas mileage, there’s another incentive—they can even boast of helping the environment by driving an SUV.  Even if its V6 engine can produce up to 295 horsepower, it’s rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, one of the most favorable of compliments a vehicle can get.

Its hybrid engine can run both on gasoline and electricity, although for now one can only drive in spurts using electric power alone. And perhaps that’s another incentive, when the Lexus RX 450 gas mileage fails you, there’s backup power since the transition between two options is unnoticeable.

This vehicle emminates luxury, even if that term is not consistent with its appearance. And perhaps if you have to be picky, you may remark on the lack of distinction on its exterior. But consider this: When you combine the power and efficiency of the hybrid engine with the quality and comfort inherent in a Lexus, the result would be the Lexus RX 450 gas mileage saver.