19Jul
Fuel efficiency has become a critical factor to consider when buying a car due to the high cost of fuel and the growing concerns about the impact of fossil fuels on the environment.
Thankfully, car manufacturers have kept busy improving the technology to produce more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly cars.
In this article, we will quickly look at the most fuel-efficient vehicles that everyone can find on the used car market today.
Related: These Are 13 Used Cars To Avoid At All Costs (But They’re Not Entirely Bad)
10. 2021 Toyota Prius Prime
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 133 MPGe
Used Car price: $13,500 (₦10.8 Million)
The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid that has been on the market for several years. The latest version of the car can travel up to 640 miles on a single charge and a full tank of gas. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 133 MPGe, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market today.
The Prius Prime has a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a comfortable ride. The Prius Prime's motivation comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which work together to produce 121 horsepower.
Owners can charge the car using a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt charging station, and it takes approximately two hours to charge the battery using a 240-volt outlet.
The Prius Prime has a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. It also comes with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The car has a comfortable ride and handles well on the road. Combing through TrueCar, the 2021 Prius Prime currently sells from $13,500 to $42,000, with their mileages ranging from 41 to 187,140.
9. 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 136 MPGe
Used Car Price: $19,695 (₦15.6 Million)
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a fully electric car delivering a range of up to 170 miles on a single charge. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 136 MPGe, making it one of the most efficient electric cars on the market today.
The Ioniq Electric has a modern interior, a smooth ride, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Ioniq Electric gets power from an electric motor that produces 134 horsepower.
The car can get charged using a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt charging station. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to charge the battery using a 240-volt outlet.
The 2021 Ioniq Electric has a modern interior with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. It also comes with advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
The car has a smooth ride and handles well on the road. They currently go for $19,695 to $31,589 on TrueCar, with their mileage ranging from 10,000 to 59,167 miles.
8. 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 48 MPG
Used Car Price: $4,499 (₦3.6 Million)
The Honda Accord Hybrid is a hybrid sedan with a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 48 MPG. It has a spacious, comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
The Accord Hybrid also comes with advanced safety features such as forward-collision and lane departure warning systems.
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors to provide additional power and efficiency.
The first motor serves as a generator and is primarily responsible for recharging the lithium-ion battery pack. The second motor functions as a propulsion motor, assisting the gasoline engine during acceleration and providing electric-only driving at low speeds.
The car’s two-motor hybrid system, known as the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD), seamlessly switches between three driving modes: EV Drive (pure electric mode), Hybrid Drive (gasoline engine and electric motor combination), and Engine Drive (direct power from the gasoline engine).
The battery pack gets recharged through regenerative braking and excess power from the gasoline engine.
The 2021 Accord Hybrid’s powertrain uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) that helps optimize power delivery and efficiency by seamlessly adjusting the gear ratio for smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy.
Like other hybrid vehicles in this article, the Accord Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking technology, where energy generated during braking and deceleration is captured and converted into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery pack for later use.
According to TrueCar, "Prices for a used Honda Accord currently range from $4,499 to $32,998, with vehicle mileage ranging from 8,138 to 204,721.
7. 2021 Kia Niro
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 50 MPG
Used car Price: $19,798 (₦15.7 Million)
The Kia Niro is a hybrid that offers a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 50 MPG. It has a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a modern infotainment system.
The Niro also comes with advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. It receives motivation from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that work together to produce 139 horsepower.
The Powertrain uses a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Niro has a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. Niro also comes with advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
The car has a comfortable ride and handles well on the road. You can get the Niro Hybrid LX on TrueCar with a budget of $19,798 to $27,554, with the vehicle's mileage as low as 9,122 miles. That's not bad at all for a 5-door C-SUV that opened with $25,960 barely two years ago.
6. 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 52 MPG
Used Car Price: $19,500 (₦15.5 Million)
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a hybrid sedan with a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 52 MPG. It has a spacious, comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
The Camry Hybrid also comes with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
The 2020 Camry Hybrid receives power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that work together to produce 208 horsepower, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The Camry Hybrid has a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to five passengers. It also comes with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
The car has a smooth ride and handles well on the road. TrueCar’s listings show current prices for the 2020 Camry Hybrid range from $19,500 to $31,990 for the base LE trim.
5. 2021 Honda Insight
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 52 MPG
Used Car Price: $15,900 (₦12.6 Million)
The Honda Insight is a hybrid sedan with a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 52 MPG. It has a spacious, comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a modern infotainment system.
The Insight also comes with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. At the heart of Insight's powertrain is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine.
This engine operates on the efficient Atkinson cycle and pairs with an electric motor. The combined output of the gasoline engine and electric motor is 151 horsepower, which is enough power for most driving situations.
Insight also incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack, which serves as the energy storage system for the electric motor. The battery pack gets recharged through regenerative braking, where the energy that typically gets lost during braking is captured and used to charge the battery.
To maximize fuel efficiency, Insight utilizes a two-motor hybrid system. Besides the electric motor that assists the gasoline engine, there is a second electric motor that functions as a generator.
This motor is responsible for converting excess engine power into electricity, which is then used to recharge the battery or power the electric motor directly.
The powertrain links to an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT), which delivers seamless gear transitions and optimizes the power distribution for efficiency.
You can now get them on TrueCar’s used car listings with prices ranging from $15,900 to $43,824, with their mileages as low as 2,882 miles.
Related: 13 Reasons Why You Should Steer Clear Of The 2017 Mazda CX-3
4. 2021 Tesla Model 3
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 141 MPGe
Used Car Price: $31,995 (₦25.2 Million)
The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric car offering a range of up to 263 miles on a single charge. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 141 MPGe, making it one of the most efficient electric cars on the market today.
The Model 3 has a luxurious interior, fast acceleration, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Model 3 uses a single electric motor, which may vary depending on the specific variant of the vehicle.
The Standard Range Plus (SR+) and Long Range variants have a rear-wheel-drive setup, meaning power is sent to the rear wheels. The Performance variant features a dual-motor setup, providing all-wheel drive.
The 2021 Model 3’s electric motor generates instant torque, resulting in swift acceleration and responsive performance. The power output varies depending on the specific variant.
For instance, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus delivers around 260 horsepower, while the Long Range and Performance versions offer significantly more power.
To store and supply the required electricity, the Model 3 incorporates a high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack is located on the vehicle’s floor, contributing to a low center of gravity and enhancing stability.
Charging the Model 3 is primarily done through external charging stations or home charging units. Tesla's Supercharger network provides fast charging capabilities, allowing owners to recharge their vehicles quickly on long-distance trips.
The powertrain relies on advanced software and systems, including regenerative braking. The Model 3's electric motor switches to a regenerative mode when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, converting the sedan’s kinetic energy into electricity.
This energy is then stored back in the battery, helping to extend the vehicle's overall range. They currently go for $31,995 to $50,000 on the used car market.
3. 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 118 MPGe
Used Car Price: $13,713 (₦10.8 Million)
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a fully electric car with a range of up to 259 miles on a single charge. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 118 MPGe, making it one of the most efficient electric cars on the market today.
The Bolt EV has a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and a modern infotainment system. The 2021 Bolt features a single electric motor that delivers instant torque, providing responsive acceleration and a smooth driving experience.
It produces up to 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, enough for everyday driving. Powering the electric motor is a high-capacity 66 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers an estimated range of around 259 miles on a full charge.
The battery pack sits on the floor of the vehicle, contributing to a low center of gravity that enhances stability and handling.
The Bolt supports both AC and DC charging. When using Level 2 AC charging, the Bolt can get charged at home or public charging stations. The charging time will vary depending on the charging station and the available power, but it typically takes several hours to fully charge the battery.
DC fast charging is also available, allowing the Bolt to charge at compatible DC fast-charging stations.
The Bolt also features regenerative braking, which helps to maximize efficiency and extend the vehicle's range. This feature helps to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration or braking.
The Bolt's prices now range from $13,713 to $33,000 on TrueCar.
Related: Here Are The Top 10 Best Cars For College Students In 2023 (And The Model Years To Avoid)
2. 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 52 MPG
Used Car Price: $15,499 (₦12.2 Million)
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a hybrid sedan with a combined 52 MPG EPA-estimated fuel economy. It offers a spacious, comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
The Corolla Hybrid also comes with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The 2021 Corolla Hybrid combines a gasoline engine and an electric motor. It includes a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine specifically designed for hybrid applications.
The engine operates on the efficient Atkinson cycle and works in conjunction with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 121 horsepower, which is sufficient for daily driving.
The electric motor relies on a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack, compact and located under the rear seat. The layout improves maximum interior space utilization.
To optimize fuel efficiency, the Corolla Hybrid incorporates a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT seamlessly adjusts the gear ratios to keep the engine operating at its most efficient range, ensuring smooth acceleration and responsive performance.
The Corolla Hybrid also features regenerative braking to help improve overall efficiency and extend the hybrid's range. Prices for used Corolla Hybrid LE models now range from $15,499 to 31,999, with their mileages hovering around 1,958 to 187,092.
1. 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 52 MPG
Used Car Price: $5,999 (₦4.750 Million)
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that comes in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
The Sonata Hybrid has a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 52 MPG, while the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has an EPA-estimated range of up to 28 miles on electric power alone.
Both versions have a spacious, comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a modern infotainment system.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid’s powertrain focuses on a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill specifically tuned for efficiency.
It operates on the Atkinson cycle, a combustion process that prioritizes fuel economy by reducing power output. The 4-cylinder holds hands with an electric motor that assists the engine during acceleration and provides additional power when needed.
The motor relies on a lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission got specifically designed to optimize efficiency and smooth shifts.
Like the others on this list, the Sonata Hybrid employs regenerative braking technology, which captures kinetic energy during braking and deceleration. This energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery pack for later use. A budget of $5,999 to $37,725 can get the Sonata Hybrid on the used car market.
Summary Of The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars On The Used Car Market
When it comes to fuel efficiency, these cars are some of the best options on the market today. However, it's essential to note that fuel efficiency is just one factor to consider when buying a car. Shoppers should also take into account other factors, such as safety, reliability, and price.
Also, note that a car’s fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions, including speed, weather, and terrain. Therefore, the fuel economy estimates provided by the EPA should be used as a guide rather than a definitive measure of a car's fuel efficiency.
Finally, we advise people in the market for a fuel-efficient car to pay equal attention to the long-term costs of ownership. For example, electric cars may have higher upfront costs, but they can be cheaper to operate and maintain in the long run due to lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Summarily, the cars listed above are some of the most fuel-efficient on the market today. They offer a range of options, from fully electric cars to hybrids and plug-in hybrids, to suit different needs and preferences.
When buying a car, it's important to consider fuel efficiency as well as other factors such as safety, reliability, and price to find the best car for your needs.
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