The list of cars rated to return city/highway combined fuel economy of 40 mpg or greater is now 29 vehicles long, with more 2014 models to come as the EPA rates them. From hybrids and plug-ins to pure electric vehicles and even one gas-only entry, the list of 40+ mpg cars has never been longer or more diverse. Here they are ranked by their highest combined mpg figures.
2014 BMW i3
BMW's first electric car bows at the top of this list as the most efficient car money can buy, combining zero-emissions propulsion with a fun-to-drive factor worthy of the BMW badge. And if 81 all-electric miles aren't enough, the i3 is available with an on-board, range-extending gas generator. It's finally starting to look like the future, isn't it?
City/hwy/combo mpge: 137/111/124
Range: 81 miles
2014 Chevrolet Spark EV
Chevy likes to point out that its Spark minicar is the smallest 4-door on the market, and the electric version checks in as the most efficient car you can buy. Like so many entry-level cars turned electric, the Spark EV actually feels more refined than its conventionally powered counterpart.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 128/109/119
Range: 82 miles
2014 Honda Fit EV
The Honda Fit EV trades the gas-sipping engine for a 92-kW motor and equivalent efficiency of 118 mpg, while maintaining room for 5 people. Availability is expanding, but Honda doesn't plan to sell the Fit EV in more than a handful of states covering both coasts.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 132/105/118
Range: 82 miles
2014 Fiat 500e
The turbocharged Fiat 500 Abarth notwithstanding, the electric version of Fiat's cute little European car is more fun to drive than the gas-only versions.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 122/108/116
Range: 87 miles
2014 Honda Accord Plug-In
The new-for-2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid — an exceptionally roomy and comfortable midsize sedan — is more efficient in electric mode than the much smaller all-electric cars populating the top of this list. Pretty impressive. And when the battery is out of juice, the plug-in Accord still returns 46 mpg combined.
First 13 miles: 115 mpge combined
Next 557 miles: 46 mpg combined
2014 Nissan Leaf
Even though it's only been around since 2010, the Nissan Leaf EV is the granddaddy of mainstream electric cars. An excellent mid-range commuter car for folks who also have a long-range option in the driveway, the Leaf takes a while to charge but is very quiet, comfortable and unfussy to drive.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 126/101/114
Range: 84 miles
2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
With a starting price of around $24,000 including destination, Mitsubishi is quick to point out that after the available $7,500 federal tax credit, buyers can go all-electric for less than $17,000.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 126/99/112
Range: 62 miles
2014 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
One of the most affordable electric cars on the market, the Fortwo ED is a winner in our book by virtue of what it doesn't have: the gas-powered Fortwo's slow-shifting transmission.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 122/93/107
Range: 68 miles
2014 Ford Focus Electric
The 2014 Ford Focus Electric puts an ultra-green spin on one of our favorite compact cars. Loaded with features — including a high-capacity charger that helps reduce plug-in time — this user-friendly alternative can travel an average of 76 mile on a single charge.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 110/99/105
Range: 76 miles
2014 Chevrolet Volt
On one hand, the Chevy Volt has more total range than any all-electric car, and more all-electric range than any plug-in hybrid. On the other hand, it costs more than its closest competitors and is less fuel-efficient when the gas engine kicks in (after 38 miles). However you look at it, the versatile Volt is among the genre's coolest entries.
First 38 miles: 98 mpge combined
Next 342 miles: 37 mpg combined
2013 Tesla Model S
For around $63,500 (after a $7,500 federal tax credit) the 60-kWh Model S delivers sharp handling, sleek style, a huge 17-inch touchscreen, optional 7-passenger seating, cavernous luggage space, zero-to-60 acceleration under 6 seconds and more than 200 miles of pure electric driving. The Model S isn't a great electric car, it's a great car. Period.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 94/97/95
Range: 208+ miles
2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In
The Toyota Prius remains king of the hybrids, but it can barely make it out of the parking lot on electric power alone. For buyers chasing an all-electric buzz, the Prius Plug-in is capable of 11 gas-free miles (up to 62 mph) after a quick 3-hour charge. It's also eligible for state and federal rebates, plus solo-occupant carpool lane access in some states.
First 11 miles: 95 mpge combined
Next 529 miles: 50 mpg combined
2014 Ford Fusion Energi
If you like the fuel economy figures of the Ford C-Max Energi but would prefer something in a more traditional sedan, you'll be happy to know the Ford Fusion Energi offers the exact same efficiency and range numbers as its hatchback stablemate. It's also one of the best-looking sedans this side of six figures.
First 21 miles: 100 mpge combined
Next 599 miles: 43 mpg combined
2014 Ford C-Max Energi
The C-Max Energi is the plug-in version of the Ford C-Max hybrid, with a bigger battery and a charging socket providing 21 miles of all-electric range. Unlike the C-Max, the C-Max Energi is eligible for state and federal incentives that can top $5,000, plus solo-occupant access to carpool lanes in some states.
First 21 miles: 100 mpge combined
Next 599 miles: 43 mpg combined
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Mercedes-Benz's B-Class, the automaker's first foray into the electric car market, is powered by a quick-charging electric motor supplied by Tesla. The practical hatchback is more mainstream than post-modern, but its cabin has the premium feel Mercedes is known for.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 85/83/84
Range: 87 miles
2014 Cadillac ELR
Cadillac has entered the world of the plug-in hybrid with the ELR. Based on the same architecture as the Chevy Volt, the ELR adds head-turning style and plenty of luxury touches. The range is 340 miles, 37 of which can be driven on electric power only.
First 37 miles: 82 mpge combined
Next 303 miles: 33 mpg combined
2014 Toyota RAV4 EV
Available in California only, the second-generation RAV4 EV is the brainchild of a joint venture between Toyota and electric-car maker Tesla. The RAV4 EV holds a sizable advantage over its electrified rivals when it comes to cargo space, and respectable driving range makes it one of the most versatile EVs available.
City/hwy/combo mpge: 78/74/76
Range: 103 miles
2014 Toyota Prius C
It may be the least expensive member of the family, but the Prius c returns all the stellar fuel economy for which these hybrids are known. Youthful styling is icing on the cake, and a spot on our 10 Best Hybrids Under $30,000 list is the cherry on top.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 53/46/50
2014 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is the Coca-Cola Classic of hybrids. Original and iconic, the Prius tops more than 50 miles per gallon in the city. Perhaps as important, it instantly conveys earth friendly credibility with a highly recognizable silhouette. The Prius isn't just one of our 10 Best Hybrids Under $30,000, it took the top spot.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 51/48/50
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
The regular Honda Accord took top honors on our list of 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 this year, and the new-for-2014 Honda Accord Hybrid earned the number two spot on our list of 10 Best Hybrids Under $30,000. It's safe to say we really like the Accord, and in all its many forms.
City/hwy/combo mpg: 50/45/47
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Even more fuel efficient than the diesel-powered Jetta TDI, the Jetta Hybrid goes forever or so on a tank of gasoline and manages to feel like a turbocharged Euro-sedan, which it is. Another one of our top hybrids under $30,000.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 42/48/45
2014 Honda Civic Hybrid
Employing an older generation of Honda's hybrid technology, the gas-electric Civic isn't as efficient as its larger, newer Accord Hybrid sibling. But it is more affordable, and 45 combined mpg is nothing to shake a stick at.
City/hwy/combo mpg: 44/47/45
2014 Honda Insight
While the newer Toyota Prius C has proven to be a formidable competitor in the budget-hybrid arena, the Honda Insight has retained its title as the most affordable hybrid car on the market.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 41/44/42
2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion is one of the hottest-looking midsize sedans on the market, but its beauty is more than skin-deep. In hybrid guise the Fusion is rated to return an impressive 47 mpg across the board, and offers a bounty of available tech features. Another under-$30,000 standout.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 44/41/42
2014 Toyota Prius V
As its 'versatility' namesake suggests, the largest member of the Prius dynasty is all about utility. Offering up to 44 mpg in the city and the ability to haul as much cargo as most compact SUVs, the Prius v strikes an ideal balance between fuel efficiency and practicality. Also one of our 10 Best Hybrids Under $30,000.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 44/40/42
2014 Lexus CT 200h
While it's only as fast as a Prius, the CT 200h delivers a much higher level of driver engagement than you might expect from a hybrid. Plus, Lexus' least expensive vehicle is also its most fuel efficient, making the CT 200h an enticing proposition for luxury car shoppers who wish to go green without going into the red.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 43/40/42
2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid
One of our 10 Best Hybrids Under $30,000 this year, the 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid matches a spacious, well-isolated and well-appointed passenger cabin with a 200-horsepower Hybrid Synergy Drive system that brings 60 mph in less than 8 seconds and still nets an impressive 41-mpg combined EPA stat.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 43/39/41
2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi's all-new subcompact is the only car on the market that achieves 40 mpg combined without the assistance of batteries. And a starting sticker price of under $14,000 makes it the most affordable car on this list.
City/hwy/combo mpg: 37/44/40
2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
As an answer to the omnipresent Toyota Prius, the Ford C-Max boasts superior interior volume, an excess of headspace and more power than one typically associates with a hybrid (188 total horsepower). It may not be as efficient as Prius, but the C-Max does offer cool technologies like a foot-activated power liftgate and automatic parking. It's also one of our 10 Best Hybrids Under $30,000.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 47/47/47
2014 Lexus ES 300h
Arguably the most relaxed car on the list, the ES 300h combines luxurious amenities and a plush ride with the fuel-sipping ways of a hybrid in the most fuel-frugal version of the recently revamped ES midsize sedan.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 40/39/40
2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
The most fuel-efficient member of the Toyota Avalon family, this handsome hybrid variant is a great choice for anyone seeking a roomy, comfortable, feature-rich 4-door with contemporary character and an eco-oriented heart. The Avalon Hybrid has a 200-horsepower gas/electric powertrain and a range of 680 miles.
City/hwy/combined mpg: 40/39/40
This article may be found on KBB.com, www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/40-mpg-cars-2014/2000010382/ © 2014, Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved. Republished under license
