© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
No Plugs Needed
Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are by far the most fuel-efficient vehicles in America according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel-economy ratings. For many consumers these vehicles are the obvious choice, especially with fuel reaching unprecedented high prices, but not all drivers have access to plug in a vehicle every night. Fear not, plug-less people — there are still plenty of fuel-efficient cars on the market, with more non-plug hybrid models being offered every year. Take a look at the most fuel-efficient cars available today that don’t require a power outlet — all with EPA ratings at 35 mpg combined or higher. Vehicles are listed and ranked by combined fuel economy, then city fuel economy, as reported by the U.S. EPA. Note: We have only listed the most fuel-efficient version of each car — some have multiple variants with fuel economy ratings above 35 mpg.
© Volkswagen of America
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting MSRP: $20,365
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 31 / 41 / 35
An excellent example of proper German engineering, the Jetta has been an important part of the Volkswagen lineup for more than 40 years. Even as crossovers continue to gain in popularity, almost one third of VW’s U.S. sales comes from sedans, and most of those are Jetta sales. Volkswagen refreshed the Jetta for 2022, giving the popular car updated styling inside and out, more standard safety gear and a power upgrade. The latest version of Volkswagen’s 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, now making 158 horsepower — an 11-horsepower increase over the previous version. Even with the additional power the Jetta delivers impressive fuel efficiency.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Nissan Versa
Starting MSRP: $15,380
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 32 / 40 / 35
For a number of years, the Nissan Versa had the lowest price of all new cars in America, although in 2020 the Japan-based brand relinquished that title when introducing the latest version of the car. The updated Nissan Versa has fresh styling, a premium interior, the latest high-tech safety features and a much-improved ride. The base-level Versa S is equipped surprisingly well for the price, with features including Zero Gravity front seats; a pushbutton start; three USB ports; a 7-inch color touchscreen display; Bluetooth connectivity and streaming; a rearview monitor; and 15-inch steel wheels. Also standard is Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking, high-beam headlight assist, rear automatic braking and lane-departure warning.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Starting MSRP: $21,165
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 32 / 41 / 35
Toyota rolled out an all-new Corolla last year — along with the Corolla Hybrid (farther up this list) — with updated styling and a wider stance as well as signature LED headlights and a range of new features. Toyota equips all levels of the new Corolla with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high-beam headlights and road sign recognition. The hatchback claims the highest fuel economy in the Corolla family, powered by a 2.0-liter 168-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Accent
Starting MSRP: $16,645
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 33 / 41 / 36
A few years ago, Hyundai updated the Accent with fresh styling that fit well with the rest of the lineup. Last year this affordably priced Hyundai received an updated Smartstream 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower, which achieves its highest fuel economy when teamed with the new Intelligent Variable Transmission. The base-level Accent SE comes well equipped with air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch display screen, a rearview camera, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, and 15-inch steel wheels.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Kia Rio
Starting MSRP: $16,450
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 33 / 41 / 36
The least expensive car in Kia’s lineup, Rio received refreshed exterior styling last year for a sportier look, including a new front and rear bumper and grille treatments. Inside, Rio features an 8-inch touchscreen display with a rear camera and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for all trim levels. Last year Kia upgraded Rio’s engine to a new 1.6-liter unit with multi-port injection producing 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque, combined with a new Intelligent Variable Transmission replacing the previous model’s 6-speed automatic. A new available Technology Package includes LED headlights, automatic temperature control, 15-inch alloy wheels, a smart key with pushbutton start, and new or enhanced Drive Wise features.
© American Honda Motors
2022 Honda Civic
Starting MSRP: $22,550
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 33 / 42 / 36
Now in its 11th generation since 1973, the 2022 Honda Civic is built on a new stronger platform with fresh exterior styling. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2022 model features a longer hood for a more premium look, further enhanced by LED lights front and back. The interior has a high-tech vibe thanks to an available LCD driver’s display, as well as a 9-inch HD touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. All levels of the new Civic come with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assist systems including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $39,555
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 36 / 35 / 36
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander debuted as a 2020 model with new exterior styling, a more refined interior and a more fuel-efficient hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid is powered by the new-generation Toyota Hybrid System that combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower in a system that’s more compact and more efficient than before. For the first time, the Highlander Hybrid is offered in front-wheel drive, achieving an EPA rating 24 percent better than the previous-generation Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid AWD has a rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is needed. The EPA rating for the Highlander Hybrid AWD is nearly as good at 35 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2022 Toyota Sienna
Starting MSRP: $35,285
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 36 / 36 / 36
The Toyota Sienna was all new last year with fresh styling, a new chassis and a range of new features. This fourth-generation Sienna is available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain — the first time Toyota has offered the minivan as a hybrid. (The van’s Toyota badges have blue insets indicating the hybrid powertrain.) Power comes from the Toyota Hybrid System II that teams a high-efficiency 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower. Since Sienna does not have a plug-in hybrid system, pure EV mode is only available for short distances at low speeds.
© Kia Motor America
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $34,090
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 39 / 35 / 37
Kia’s popular Sorento was redesigned for 2021, and for the first time the crossover was offered with a hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter gas engine with a 44-kW electric motor for a combined system output of 227 horsepower. Sorento Hybrid is only available as a FWD version with a 1.5 kWh battery. Kia also offers the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid combining a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with a 66.9-kW electric motor for a combined system output of 261 horsepower with available AWD.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Ford Maverick
Starting MSRP: $19,995
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 42 / 33 / 37
Ford has amazing success with pickup trucks, and for 2022 the company introduced its first unibody compact pickup — the brand-new Maverick. Featuring an upright, squared-off exterior design, the 2022 Ford Maverick maximizes interior space and pays homage to early Ford trucks. Designed for both versatility and efficiency, the Maverick comes with a hybrid powertrain that uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine teamed with a permanent-magnet electric traction motor to produce a total of 191 horsepower. Even the base-level hybrid offers a high level of utility since it’s able to tow 2,000 pounds or carry 1,500 pounds of cargo.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue
Starting MSRP: $29,750
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 38 / 38 / 38
Redesigned for 2022, the popular Tucson features a more expressive exterior, interior refinements and additional technology. Hyundai also adds a hybrid variant to the lineup, as well as a plug-in hybrid. The new Tucson Hybrid features a drivetrain that pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque with a 44.2 kW electric motor for a total system output of 226 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Power gets delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard HTRAC AWD.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD
Starting MSRP: $32,010
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 40 / 35 / 38
Honda’s best-selling model, the CR-V crossover was updated for 2020 and for the first time offered as a hybrid — the very first electrified SUV from the Japan-based automaker. The updated CR-V received updated front and rear styling, redesigned wheels and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features. Similar to the Honda Accord Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid uses a 2-motor hybrid powertrain that teams two electric motors with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for a combined output of 212 horsepower, making it the most powerful model in the CR-V lineup. The CR-V Hybrid was also the first application of this innovative hybrid powertrain in an all-wheel-drive vehicle — directing power to the rear wheels when needed.
© Mitsubishi Motors
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
Starting MSRP: $14,645
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 36 / 43 / 39
Mitsubishi’s entry subcompact Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan were updated last year with a revised exterior look and interior refinements. The Mirage remains the most fuel-efficient non-electrified vehicle sold in America, while simultaneously staking its claim as the lowest powered vehicle in America. Mirage runs a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 39 mpg combined.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2022 Toyota Venza AWD
Starting MSRP: $33,240
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 40 / 37 / 39
The Venza crossover returned to the Toyota lineup for 2021, now offered exclusively as a hybrid with standard all-wheel drive. Production of the original Venza began in 2015, and the 2021 model introduced a new front-end look to the Toyota lineup with sleek headlights that flow from the upper grille into the sculpted hood. The Venza is powered exclusively by a new-generation Toyota Hybrid System that teams a high-efficiency 2.5-liter gas engine with three electric motors for a total output rated at 219 horsepower. Three driving modes are offered: Normal, Eco and Sport. There is also an EV mode that allows electric-only driving over short distances. Electronic on-demand all-wheel drive uses a separate rear-mounted electric motor to deliver power to the rear wheels as needed.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Lexus NX 350h AWD
Starting MSRP: $42,625
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 41 / 37 / 39
Lexus updated the NX for the 2022 model year, giving the compact crossover fresh styling inside and out, a major improvement in the multimedia system and the addition of a powerful yet efficient plug-in hybrid variant. The NX 350h is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine matched with two electric motors — one driving the front wheels, another at the rear. Total output for the hybrid system is 239 horsepower.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
Starting MSRP: $29,575
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 41 / 38/ 40
One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the RAV4 Hybrid joined the lineup in 2016, but this latest version boasts bold styling, improved capability, better performance and an array of new safety and convenience features. The next-gen Toyota Hybrid System II in the RAV4 Hybrid is more compact, more efficient and quieter than the previous version, working together with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force gasoline engine. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission and the new e-AWD system adds an independent electric motor to proactively deliver torque to the rear wheels depending on conditions.
© Ford Motor Company
2022 Ford Escape FWD Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $29,920
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 44 / 37 / 41
Ford has the distinction of being the first manufacturer to offer a hybrid SUV via the 2005 Escape Hybrid, and in 2020 the company brought back this innovative SUV with the all-new Escape SE Sport Hybrid. Featuring fresh styling, new equipment and fuel-efficient engine options, the Escape Hybrid is even available as a plug-in variant. The Escape Hybrid powertrain features a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor to produce a total of 198 horsepower delivered through an electronic CVT.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2022 Lexus UX 250h
Starting MSRP: $36,825
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 42 / 41 / 42
The UX is the first Lexus vehicle to use the brand’s Global Architecture — Compact platform, providing the new crossover with a rigid structure and low center of gravity designed to deliver both agile handling and improved ride comfort. The exterior styling is similar to the larger NX and RX models but more aggressive, with a large spindle grille that dominates the front view. The UX 250h is powered by a fourth-generation hybrid system with a total output of 181 horsepower. The hybrid uses the Lexus E-Four all-wheel-drive system that adds another electric motor at the rear axle for additional traction.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid FWD
Starting MSRP: $27,290
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 42 / 44 / 43
Kia introduces an all-new Sportage for the 2023 model year, and like its non-hybrid sibling, the Sportage Hybrid features an exterior design that Kia has dubbed “Opposites United” with smooth, soft surfaces combined with sharp, modern elements. A 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the new Sportage Hybrid, teamed with a 44kW permanent-magnet electric motor for a combined output of 226 horsepower. Kia offers the Sportage Hybrid with front-wheel drive or Active AWD, which uses an electro-hydraulic coupling and center-locking differential to alter power distribution from front to rear depending on driving conditions.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2022 Lexus ES 300h
Starting MSRP: $43,225
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 43 / 44 / 44
Lexus introduced an all-new ES sedan for the 2022 model year with fresh styling, improved performance, a revised multimedia system and the latest advanced safety features. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard on all trims of the new ES and features improvements to the frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking as well as pedestrian and bicycle detection. Power comes from Toyota’s latest Hybrid Drive System that uses an ultra-efficient Atkinson Cycle 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine teamed with a compact electric motor that combine to produce a total of 215 horsepower.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $37,850
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 43 / 44 / 44
The Avalon was all new for the 2019 model year. Built on a completely new platform, it features a long list of convenience and safety features. Toyota equips the Avalon Hybrid with its next-generation hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine with two electric motor/generators for a total system output of 215 horsepower. One electric motor generator acts as the engine starter and charges the battery, while the second electric motor generator drives the front wheels and captures energy through regeneration during braking.
© American Honda Motors
2022 Honda Accord Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $27,720
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 48 / 47 / 47
The Honda Accord Hybrid received updated styling last year including a wider, restyled grille; LED headlights for EX and higher trim levels; and new alloy wheel designs. The Accord Hybrid benefits from updates to the Honda 2-motor hybrid system for more direct, immediate throttle response and more natural acceleration. The Accord Hybrid uses the third generation of Honda’s innovative 2-motor powertrain, featuring a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle inline-4 engine and an electric propulsion motor for a total output of 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
© Kia Motors America
2022 Kia Niro FE
Starting MSRP: $24,690
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 53 / 48 / 50
The Niro was Kia’s first purpose-built hybrid model, meaning that Kia doesn’t build a non-electrified version of this small crossover. Introduced as a 2017 model, the Niro offers a spacious, useful interior that comes well equipped even in the base-level FE trim. Power comes from a 1.6-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine — designed specifically for hybrid use — teamed with a permanent-magnet electric motor with total system output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Look for an all-new Niro arriving later this year with fresh styling and a range of new features.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue
Starting MSRP: $27,350
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 50 / 54 / 52
The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 2020 model year. In addition to the updated styling and features, Sonata Hybrid received an improved powertrain that delivers impressive fuel economy as well as 686 miles of range. The Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter engine producing 150 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 39 kW electric motor producing 51 horsepower for a total system output of 192 horsepower. The Sonata Hybrid also features a Solar Roof that helps charge the hybrid’s batteries. According to Hyundai, the solar roof adds a couple miles of driving per day — more than 700 extra miles of gas-free driving each year.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $27,980
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 51 / 53 / 52
The Toyota Camry continues to be the best-selling passenger car in America, holding that position once again after a successful 2021. This popular family sedan features a number of hybrid trim levels and is powered by a new-generation Toyota Hybrid system that combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a permanent-magnet electric motor for a combined output of 208 horsepower. The Camry Hybrid LE uses a lithium-ion battery pack that helps it achieve the model’s best fuel-economy figures. Last year Toyota added the XSE trim to the Camry Hybrid with a redesigned front fascia, gloss-black 19-inch wheels, a floating multimedia screen and the debut of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $24,050
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 53 / 52 / 52
The Toyota Corolla sedan was redesigned for 2020, and for the first time ever a Corolla Hybrid joined the lineup in the U.S. market. The Corolla Hybrid adopts the latest Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system from the new-generation Prius, combining a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two motor/generators and an electronically controlled planetary continuously variable transmission. The nickel-metal hydride battery is smaller and lighter because of new technology called hyper-prime nickel, which boosts battery performance in a smaller package, allowing the unit to be placed under the rear seat to avoid taking up trunk space. The Corolla Hybrid also has EV mode, which allows it to be operated on pure electric power for short distances.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
2022 Honda Insight
Starting MSRP: $25,760
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 55 / 49 / 52
The 2019 Honda Insight was the third Honda model to use the Insight name, beginning with the 2000 Insight hybrid — the first hybrid car sold in America. The current Insight is a dedicated hybrid model positioned between the Civic and the Accord, powered by the third generation of Honda’s 2-motor hybrid hat combines a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with a powerful 96 kW electric drive motor and a smaller motor generator to produce electricity. This motors together generate 151 horsepower.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue
Starting MSRP: $24,100
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 53 / 56 / 54
The Elantra was all new for the 2021 model year, featuring a striking new look, a longer wheelbase, a wider stance and a lower roof profile. With the updated Elantra, Hyundai added a new hybrid variant to the lineup for the first time. The new Elantra Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine producing 104 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 32 kW electric motor for a combined 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Rather than the common CVT, Hyundai fitted the Elantra Hybrid with a more responsive 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2022 Toyota Prius Eco
Starting MSRP: $25,075
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 58 / 53 / 56
The latest version of Toyota’s first hybrid vehicle is powered by a Hybrid Synergy Drive that combines a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators and an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The fourth-generation Prius uses smaller, lighter hybrid components and a lithium-ion battery pack for 2WD trims. Prius L Eco receives additional weight savings and is the most fuel-efficient version of the model line, with other Prius Hybrid 2WD trim levels rated slightly lower. In 2019 Toyota added the available AWD-e system with a second electric motor driving the rear wheels for the AWD capability in a Prius.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Ioniq Blue
Starting MSRP: $23,600
MPG (city / hwy / combined): 58 / 60 / 59
In 2017 Hyundai introduced its new family of electrified vehicles called Ioniq, starting with the Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq EV and following them up with the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid in 2018. Sporting the latest safety technology and an impressive list of standard features, the Ioniq offers more than simply great fuel economy. That said, Hyundai Ioniq Blue continues to be the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in vehicle in America. The Ioniq’s 1.6-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 32-kW electric motor to generate a total of 139 horsepower.
