Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

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 provide new car shoppers 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. Each model is selling for less than MSRP—even if just barely,” 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,” states CR automotive experts in the newsletter

Related article: Cars That Depreciate The Most In The First Year of Ownership

RECOMMENDED FUEL-EFFICIENT CARS AND SUVS

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

1. 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

Recommended Model: 2024 Lexus UX 250h AWD
MSRP: $36,940
Average spent under MSRP: $1,434
Average transaction price: $35,506

2. Toyota Crown 2024

Price Range:  $40,350 - $53,370

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

#1 of 5 Large cars

Recommended Model: 2024 Toyota Crown Limited AWD
MSRP: $45,950
Average spent under MSRP: $1,747
Average transaction price: $44,203

3. Lexus ES Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $41,020

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

#1 of 13 Luxury midsized cars

Recommended Model: 2024 Lexus ES 300h
MSRP: $43,440
Average spent under MSRP: $1,066
Average transaction price: $42,374

4. Kia EV6 2024

Price Range:  $42,600 - $61,600

CR MPGE: Overall 105 / City 116 / Hwy 94 mpge

#1 of 14 Electric SUVs

Recommended Model: 2024 Kia EV6 Wind AWD
MSRP: $52,600
Average spent under MSRP: $1,138
Average transaction price: $51,462
Note that there are $7,500 of incentives on the EV6 good through July 8, for potential savings up to 16 percent off invoice.

5. Mazda 3 2024

Price Range:  $24,170 - $36,650

CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg

#4 of 18 Compact cars

Recommended Model: 2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Select Sport
MSRP: $24,690
Average spent under MSRP: $505
Average transaction price: $24,185

6. Nissan Altima 2024

Price Range:  $26,370 - $36,070

CR MPG: Overall 31 / City 20 / Hwy 45 mpg

#7 of 12 Midsized cars

Recommended Model: 2024 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV
MSRP: $27,170
Average spent under MSRP: $397
Average transaction price: $26,773

7. Subaru Forester 2024

Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395

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

#2 of 31 Compact SUVs

Recommended Model: 2024 Subaru Forester Premium AWD
MSRP: $30,295
Average spent under MSRP: $435
Average transaction price: $29,860
 

8. Honda Accord Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $32,895 - $38,890

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

#2 of 12 Midsized cars

Recommended Model: 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport
MSRP: $32,895
Average spent under MSRP: $429
Average transaction price: $32,466

9. Toyota Camry 2024

Price Range:  $26,420 - $36,845

CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 20 / Hwy 49 mpg

#3 of 12 Midsized cars

Recommended Model: 2024 Toyota Camry LE
MSRP: $26,420
Average spent under MSRP: $339
Average transaction price: $26,081
 

10. Lexus NX Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $41,955 - $57,805

CR MPG: Overall 38 / City 37 / Hwy 39 mpg

#2 of 25 Luxury compact SUVs

Recommended Model: 2024 Lexus NX 350h AWD
MSRP: $43,465
Average spent under MSRP: $371
Average transaction price: $43,094

For additional news related to Consumer Reports research on new car shopping, be sure to check out these three recent articles:

• Avoid These Electric Vehicles Warns Consumer Reports
• The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars Today
• Best Hybrid SUVs for Less Than $35,000

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.

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