The mid-size Hyundai Sonata was introduced to America in the 1989 model year and quickly became a hit with the value conscious. The 2013 Sonata produces solid gas mileage figures when equipped with Hyundai’s 2.4 liter engine: 35 miles per gallon (MPG) highway / 24 city / 28 combined (with either the six-speed manual or automatic transmissions). The hybrid version takes it up a notch with a rating of 36 / 40 / 38 (with the Limited edition rated at 37 combined). Our review of the 2011 Sonata shows why the redesign was met with widespread acclaim.
gas mileage
Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013 (Without a Plug)
Looking for a new ride with great gas mileage? We’ve pulled together a list of the most fuel-efficient cars of 2013 that do not require an electrical connection. While plug-in vehicles can be very cool, they’re not practical for folks without access to an overnight plug.
The highest-MPG cars with Manfacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) of $16,000 or less are the Nissan Versa ($11,190) Chevy Spark ($12,185), Chevy Sonic ($14,185), Toyota Yaris ($14,370), Scion iQ ($15,495), Ford Fiesta SFE ($15,935), and Fiat 500 ($16,000). The most frugal of the fuel-sippers are powered by conventional gasoline engines. The Honda Insight is the least expensive hybrid ($18,600), followed by the Toyota Prius c ($19,080).
The $4,710 price difference between the Prius c and the Toyota Yaris (on which the Prius c is based) represents more than just the cost of the hybrid drivetrain. You’ll want to use the MPGomatic Gas Mileage Calculator to determine how many miles it will take to drive in your specific conditions to warrant the added expense.
Be sure to consider the costs of different types of fuel. The cumulative cost differential between regular unleaded, premium unleaded, E85 and diesel fuel can add up over the years. The Ford Focus is the only vehicle on this list capable of running E85.
We’ve produced video reviews of a great many vehicles on this list over the years, so be sure to check them out. It’s our goal to cover them all …
Ford Escape Gas Mileage: 2001 – 2013
The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001 as Ford’s entry into the two-row mid-size SUV segment. The original model was designed in conjunction with Mazda, and shared many components with the Mazda Tribute, as well as with the Mercury Mariner.
At the time it was introduced, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (shown below) was billed as the most fuel efficient SUV sold in the United States, with the front wheel drive version delivering 34 city and 30 highway miles per gallon, while the four wheel drive version hauled down 29 city and 27 highway. (The non-hybrid 2008-2012 Escape was offered with either a 2.4 liter four cylinder or a 3.0 liter six.) The Escape Hybrid was offered through the 2012 model year.
The Escape is all new for 2013, with a sleek new crossover design and a choice of three different engines.
Honda CR-V Gas Mileage: 1998 – 2013
First introduced in 1998, the Honda CR-V has become one of America’s most popular compact crossover SUVs. The CR-V was redesigned in 2007 and again in 2012, with fuel-efficiency a key consideration. Solid gas mileage figures have been one of the CR-V’s key selling points over the years, with the 2WD CR-V’s gas mileage ratings flirting with the 30 miles per gallon (MPG) mark on the highway. Today’s sleek CRV bears little resemblance to the earliest models (where aerodynamics and exterior design were not a priority).
The 2013 CR-V’s 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine produces 185 horsepower (up from 156) and continues to be equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. (2006 was the last year for the manual transmission in America.) The CR-V diesel’s 2.2 liter i-CTDi turbo diesel engine would a game-changer for the US market, with remarkable fuel mileage ratings.
Honda Accord Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2013
The Accord first rolled off a boat onto American shores in 1976 and earned a reputation for overall value and good gas mileage. The Accord grew quickly in popularity to become one of America’s best-selling cars. Honda’s legendary reputation for providing exceptional quality at a reasonable price took it to the top of the charts. The Accord’s fuel economy ratings have consistently been in line with expectations for a mid-sized family sedan. But like its older (yet smaller) brother the Civic, it’s grown quite a bit in size and weight over the years. Just how big? The Marysville, Ohio-built Accord is now classified as a large sedan. Is today’s Civic really larger than those early Accords? Time to get out the tape measure …
