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These sedans, hatchbacks, and sports cars are thrifty long-haulers
The timing for soaring fuel prices couldn’t be worse, with summer road trip season on the way. That said, Consumer Reports’ testing shows that there are many gasoline-powered cars on the market that can ease your pain at the pump, particularly when driven on the highway.
CR recommends buying the most fuel-efficient car your needs and budget will allow, even in the best of times. Gas prices rise and fall, after all, and sudden spikes, like the one that began this spring, are difficult to predict.
Many cars sold today offer impressive fuel economy, especially in contrast to what you may be trading in. Below, we spotlight the cars with the best highway fuel economy that meet the threshold to be Consumer Reports recommended, factoring road test performance, reliability, and safety.
The list includes an array of different cars, including smaller cars—which generally tend to get better fuel economy than their larger counterparts—midsized cars, hybrids, and even a couple of sports cars. Most of the models are hybrids, and many carry CR’s Green Choice designation, which highlights vehicles with the cleanest emissions.
It’s important to note that CR’s highway fuel economy numbers are based on testing in which the car is driven at a steady 65 mph. When driven at 75 mph, which is not uncommon on U.S. highways, fuel consumption will most likely be higher. Also, using a rooftop carrier or a hitch-mounted bike rack can also have a detrimental effect on fuel economy.
For maximum fuel savings, consider an EV—just note their range if long-distance driving is your goal. Complete test results can be found by clicking through to the model pages.
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