Fuel efficient cars are not only good for the environment, but can help cut down on the price of gas. A new generation of fuel-efficient hybrid cars and trucks are making their debut for the 2012 model year. The best MPG cars are not only practical, they’re also incredibly stylish and comfortable with all the features and amenities found on competing vehicles. Most models require a home charger, since charging stations are still sporadic.
Tax Deductions
Some states offer tax discounts for vehicle owners who purchase a fuel-efficient hybrid car. The amount of the applicable tax deduction and specific requirements to qualify vary by state. The dealership should have details on possible tax incentives.
Here’s an overview of the top 5 cars with the highest fuel economy, according to the EPA:
Mitsubishi i-MiEV (MSRP from $27,990)
• Powertrain: The i-MiEV has a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with an output of 66 hp. The car’s top speed is 80 mph.
• Battery: 16 kwh lithium-ion battery pack (RWD)
• Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 126 mpg city, 99 highway and 112 combined.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV adds just over four inches through the longitudinal center providing more elbow room. A more substantial front and rear crash structure increases safety. The 88 steel-encased lithium-ion batteries hidden under the floor don’t add a lot to the vehicle’s total weight of 2,500 pounds. The electronically-assisted power steering and vacuum-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes with no intake manifold vacuum produce a smooth ride due to a transition between regenerative and mechanical braking that is not noticeable. The i-MiEV clocks a 0-60 mph speed in 15 seconds. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has a practical range of 62-70 miles with the distance varying depending on how the vehicle is used. Overall, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV ranks among the best MPG cars in terms of fuel efficiency.
Nissan Leaf (MSRP from $35,200)
• Powertrain: All electric with no tail pipe, meaning zero emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. The electric motor is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries with two charging receptacles.
• Battery: 24 kWh battery pack with 48 modules for a total of 192 cells.
• Fuel Economy: Miles per Gallon Equivalent fuel efficiency has been rated by the EPA at 106 city, 92 highway, and combined at 99.
The Nissan Leaf is 100 percent electric, meaning no trips to the gas station. The Leaf has good acceleration and handling with plenty of versatile features and a quiet cabin. However, the 2012 Leaf does have a limited cruising range and a small trunk area compared to similar vehicles. Since the Leaf is all electric, there are limited recharging points. The EPA estimates the car’s range at 73 miles. Among electric cars, the Leaf is considered one of the best mpg cars on the market. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control and the addition of front side and side curtain airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the Nissan Leaf a rating of “good.” The rest of the car remains very similar to other cars like it on the market in terms of style and interior features.
Note: A $7,500 federal tax credit is available to those who purchase a 2012 Nissan Leaf. This rebate helps to offset the $2,200 cost of a home-charging station. Additional tax deductions may be available on the state level.
Chevrolet Volt (MSRP from $39,145)
• Powertrain: Two electric motors run at 149 hp (primary drive motor) and 74 hp (motor/generator) along with a 1.4-liter internal combustion gas engine.
• Battery: 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides power until the battery reaches the 70 percent mark. The combustion engine kicks and runs the vehicle until the electric battery can be recharged.
• Fuel Economy: 58 mpg city, 62 mpg highway and combined 60.
Low monthly fuel cost along with the Volt’s 300-mile minimum range make it one of the best MPG cars among fuel-efficient models. A large central sun gear is turned by the Volt’s 149 hp electric motor with the second electric motor kicking in once the vehicle reaches 70 mph to produce better handling, control and acceleration. The Volt performed well across the board in crash tests. Safety features on the Volt include stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and airbags covering drivers and passengers from just about every angle. During testing, the vehicle came to a stop at 124 feet. The Volt received an overall five star rating in government crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the vehicle as “good” in front and side-impact tests.
Toyota Prius (MSRP from $26,400)
• Powertrain: The Prius features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined hp of 134 and 153 lb./ft. of torque.
• Battery: The Prius uses a Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery producing 28 hp with a voltage of 201.6V. A smaller auxillary battery yields 12 volts to power the car’s computer. The batteries on the Prius are designed to last for the duration of the expected life of the car.
• Fuel Economy: The Prius goes from 0-60 in 10.3 seconds with an EPA estimated fuel economy of 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway with a combined 50 mpg.
The 2012 Prius features an improved overall fuel economy, ranking it as among the best MPG cars on the market. The cargo capacity has been boosted slightly, although the gauge cluster remains an issue for some drivers. The wagon is based on the hatchback’s design with similar results in fuel efficiency. The Advanced Technology package includes adaptive cruise control, a hard-drive based navigation, an automated parallel-parking system and a pre-collision safety system. The Prius tests well across the board in safety tests. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control and airbags placed throughout the car to cover most common collision angles for the driver and passengers. The Prius brakes at 129 feet and earned five stars in government crash tests.
Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP from $15,605)
• Powertrain: Uses a fifth generation hybrid powertrain system developed by Honda and referred to as Integrated Motor Assist (IMA).
• Battery: Honda has upgraded the Civic hybrid’s 1D010-RMX-A01 battery to correct previous performance issues.
• Fuel Economy: The EPA-estimate fuel economy for the Hybrid is 44 mpg city and 44 mpg highway with a combined 44 mpg. Mainstream versions rate at 29, 41 and 33. The car achieves 0-60 in 9.2 seconds.
The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is considered a leader among best MPG cars in the compact car category. The vehicle is characterized by a spacious interior and a good fuel economy when compared to similar models. Excessive wind noise and a cluttered dash remain the chief complaints for the 2012 model. The Si model boosts an improved fuel economy. A Civic HF variant clocks in at 41 mpg highway. Standard safety features include stability control, traction control, improved rear disc brakes, variable intermittent windshield wipers and automatic on/off headlights. Front, rear and side-impact airbags remain standard. In safety tests, the Civic Hybrid rated “good” and performed well in front, rear and side impact tests. The vehicle was able to come to a full stop from 60 mph at 131 feet with brake fade. Brakes on the Si performed better, stopping at 120 feet with very little fade.
