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What is the most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle
Executive summary
The most fuel-efficient non-plug-in hybrid on the 2025 market is consistently reported as the Toyota Prius, rated about 57 mpg in city driving and among the leaders in combined MPG; several outlets place other compact sedans (Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES 300h) close behind with combined ratings in the low-to-mid 50s [1] [2] [3] [4]. Reporting varies by metric (city vs combined MPG) and by whether plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are included; many lists specifically rank “non‑PHEV” hybrids by EPA combined MPG [4] [5].
1. Why “most fuel-efficient” isn’t a single, simple answer
Different outlets use different metrics: some highlight EPA city MPG, others combined MPG, and some mixes include plug‑in hybrids (which can skew comparisons because they can run on electricity alone for tens of miles) [1] [6] [4]. Forbes singles out the Prius by city rating (57 mpg city) while rankings that focus on combined MPG sometimes put compact models like the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid or Toyota Camry near the top with mid‑50s combined figures [1] [2] [3].
2. Who the frontrunners are in 2025 reporting
Multiple mainstream reviewers and data compilations name the Toyota Prius as the leader in fuel economy among standard hybrids, with Forbes reporting the Prius “remains the most fuel-efficient hybrid” on the market at 57 mpg city [1]. Kelley Blue Book and AmeriFreight cite the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid as delivering very high combined MPG (54 combined in some writeups), placing it at or near the top of combined‑MPG lists [2] [7]. Edmunds and MotorTrend emphasize that sedans and hatchbacks tend to dominate the top of the MPG charts compared with crossovers [3] [5].
3. City vs highway vs combined: why numbers diverge
Hybrids typically score better in city driving because regenerative braking and electric‑assist use are heavier in stop‑and‑go traffic; Forbes notes hybrids often get more MPG in city driving than highway [1]. Combined MPG smooths those differences into a single figure and is what many buyers use to compare models, but listings differ: some sources report 51–57 mpg for leading models depending on which trim and test [3] [1] [7].
4. Where popular models sit on the list
- Toyota Prius: flagged as the most fuel‑efficient hybrid in Forbes coverage with 57 mpg city [1].
- Toyota Camry: now hybrid‑only in 2025 and cited with about 51–53 mpg combined in base trims, making it notable for a midsize sedan [3] [5].
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: reported as delivering about 54 mpg combined in several lists, which puts it among the top combined‑MPG models [2] [7].
- Lexus ES 300h: a luxury option that still posts strong combined numbers (around mid‑40s combined) and is often called the most efficient luxury hybrid [4] [5].
5. Plug‑in hybrids and ranking complications
Some “most efficient” lists include PHEVs because they reduce gasoline use for daily commutes when charged, but PHEVs’ MPG figures can be misleading unless you look at electric range and real‑world charging behavior; U.S. News and other outlets separate standard hybrids from plug‑ins for that reason [6]. If you require the strictest gasoline‑only comparison, focus on EPA combined MPG for non‑PHEV hybrids [4].
6. Practical buying context: tradeoffs beyond MPG
High MPG often comes with compromises or tradeoffs: some of the most efficient hybrids prioritize aerodynamics and weight savings over performance (Edmunds notes slow 0–60 times on some top‑MPG trims), while luxury hybrids balance efficiency with comfort for a higher price [3] [4]. Reports also remind buyers that trim level, drivetrain (AWD vs FWD), and optional equipment can change official MPG by several points [3] [5].
7. How to use these lists for your purchase
If absolute gas‑saved per mile is the goal, check EPA combined MPG for the exact trim you’d buy and compare non‑PHEV rankings (Motor1 and MotorTrend compile EPA‑based rankings) [4] [5]. If your commute is short and you can charge regularly, consider PHEVs but read PHEV‑specific coverage [6]. For mid‑size practicality with strong economy, the Camry’s hybrid‑only move makes it a compelling all‑rounder; for outright mpg leaders, Prius and compact hybrids like the Elantra repeatedly appear near the top [3] [1] [2].
Limitations: available sources do not provide a single definitive EPA table here; numbers vary by city/highway/combined and by trim, and not every outlet lists the same models in the same order—so verify the EPA combined MPG for the specific model/trim you’re considering before buying [1] [4] [2].