Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and What Shoppers are Paying Lately

This week, Consumer Reports analysts updated their tiered selection of fuel-efficient vehicles focused on cars and SUVs for economy in not only the mpg you can expect, but those that have good Overall Scores so that performance and owner satisfaction are not compromised in the name of getting the most miles per gallon.

Furthermore, CR analysts base their new selections on what consumers have reported paying for the new 2024 models thus far to help give new car shoppers some guidance on what to expect at the car dealerships and where to draw the line on pricing.

Related article: Is Your Dealership a Stealership?

“We ranked the vehicles by how good a deal they are, relative to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, by using the percentage of savings from the sticker price. The top model represents the best deal. Seven of the 10 best deals are selling for less than MSRP, with the others going for slightly over,” stated Consumer Reports. 

The Top Makes Car Shoppers are Choosing

While it is no surprise to see Toyota and Lexus dominating the list, you will also find popular models from other makers that are continuing to hold their own.

“In short, these are good models with good fuel economy—including some electric vehicles. This list highlights models from Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota. There are a variety of cars and SUVs, each representing an efficient choice in their category.”

Recommended Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

That said, here is a summary of Consumer Reports latest updated list:

1. Toyota Crown 2024

Price Range:  $40,350 - $53,370

CR MPG:  Overall 42 / City 33 / Hwy 49 mpg

#1 of 4 Large cars

CR Selected model: 2024 Toyota Crown Limited AWD

MSRP: $45,950

Average spent under MSRP: $1,397

Average transaction price: $44,553

2. Lexus ES Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $41,020

CR MPG:  Overall 42 / City 32 / Hwy 52 mpg

#1 of 13 Luxury midsized cars

CR Selected model: 2024 Lexus ES 300h

MSRP: $43,440

Average spent under MSRP: $870

Average transaction price: $42,570

3. BMW X1 2024

Price Range:  $40,500 - $49,900

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 41 mpg

#1 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

CR Selected model: 2024 BMW X1 xDrive28i

MSRP: $40,500

Average spent under MSRP: $777

Average transaction price: $39,723

4. Subaru Forester 2024

Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg

#1 of 27 Compact SUVs

CR Selected model: 2024 Subaru Forester Premium

MSRP: $30,295

Average spent under MSRP: $243

Average transaction price: $30,052

5. Honda Accord 2024

Price Range:  $27,895 - $29,910

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 21 / Hwy 46 mpg

#5 of 11 Midsized cars

CR Selected model: 2024 Honda Accord EX

MSRP: $29,910

Average spent under MSRP: $235

Average transaction price: $29,675

6. Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024

Price Range:  $37,500 - $53,650

CR MPGE:  Overall 103 / City 111 / Hwy 94 mpge

#1 of 11 Electric cars

CR Selected model: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SEL AWD

MSRP: $48,750

Average spent under MSRP: $207

Average transaction price: $48,543

7. Acura Integra 2024

Price Range:  $31,800 - $51,800

CR MPG:  Overall 31 / City 21 / Hwy 42 mpg

#3 of 7 Luxury entry-level cars

CR Selected model: 2024 Acura Integra w/A-Spec Package

MSRP: $33,800

Average spent under MSRP: $68

Average transaction price: $33,732

8. Toyota Camry Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $26,420 - $36,845

CR MPG:  Overall 47 / City 39 / Hwy 53 mpg

#1 of 11 Midsized cars

CR Selected model: 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE

MSRP: $28,855

Average spent over MSRP: $15

Average transaction price: $28,870

9. Honda Accord Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $32,895 - $38,890

CR MPG:  Overall 40 / City 34 / Hwy 45 mpg

#2 of 11 Midsized cars

CR Selected model: 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport Sedan

MSRP: $32,895

Average spent over MSRP: $57

Average transaction price: $32,952

10. Lexus UX 2024

Price Range:  $35,540 - $44,370

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 42 mpg

#2 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

CR Selected model: 2024 Lexus UX 250h AWD

MSRP: $36,940

Average spent over MSRP: $135

Average transaction price: $37,075

For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

For additional articles on buying a new vehicle, here are some helpful Consumer Reports recommendations for your consideration:

• Popular Compact Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Recommends This Consumer Reports Update
• Toyota’s Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUV Recommendations from Consumer Reports
• Best Hybrid Cars Under $35,000 Consumer Reports Update for the New Year

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Toyota Tacoma Aftermarket Part Warning

Image source: Deposit Photos