That said, here are the biggest energy savers in each of the aforementioned vehicle classes for the 2023 model year according to the EPA: A driver’s actual out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on local energy charges a PHEV or EV’s range on a charge depends on factors that include vehicle speed, ambient temperatures and use of accessories.

Each citation identifies the applicable powertrain, city/highway/combined ratings for gas and hybrid-powered models, the combined gas mpg and the electric equivalent (MPGe) with the applicable range on pure electric power for PHEVs and the MPGe rating and average range on a charge for EVs.Īlso included are the EPA’s estimated costs to run the rated model for 15,000 annual city/highway miles at current national average gas prices and electricity rates for home charging. To help fuel-conscious new-vehicle shoppers make informed buying decisions, we scoured the Environmental Protection Agency’s database to come up with separate lists of the 10 most energy-efficient ICE-powered cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-electric vehicles for the 2023 model year.

Small cars with diminutive engines, many of which are turbocharged for added acceleration, can achieve fuel economy ratings of around 40 mpg these days and without any added hardware expense. Unfortunately, six out of the top 10 PHEVs we found for 2023 require premium-grade fuel, which boosts their operating costs by an average $0.75 per gallon.Īnd then there’s conventional models that come powered solely by an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Plug in hybrid electric vehicle