Consumer Reports Best Deals on 10 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 is not compromised in the name of getting the most miles per gallon.

Furthermore, CR analysts based their new selections on what consumers have reported paying for the new 2025 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.

"To help CR members, we reviewed the latest transaction data reflecting what people actually paid for 2025 model-year cars in the past month. Then we filtered the list to include only CR Recommended models that are among those with the best fuel economy for their class," states their latest newsletter.

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. —CR June 2025"

The Top Models Car Shoppers are Choosing Today, Range Widely

While typically, we find Toyota and Lexus dominating the list in earlier Consumer Reports "Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs," this newly updated list shows that car shoppers recently are choosing models that range widely over seven different makes of popular cars.

"In short, these are good models with great fuel economy. This list highlights models from BMW, Buick, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota. There is a variety of cars and SUVs, each representing an efficient choice in their category," states CR automotive experts in the newsletter.

BEST DEALS ON RECOMMENDED FUEL-EFFICIENT CARS AND SUVS

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

1. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $38,400

CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 40 mpg

#16 of 32 Compact SUVs

Recommended Model: 2025 Ford Escape PHEV

MSRP: $38,400

Average spent under MSRP: $1,603

Average transaction price: $36,797

2. Buick Encore GX 2025

Price Range: $25,940 - $33,100

CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 18 / Hwy 33 mpg

#10 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Recommended Model: 2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir AWD

MSRP: $33,100

Average spent under MSRP: $1,283

Average transaction price: $31,817

3. BMW 3 Series 2025

Price Range: $45,950 - $85,300

CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 19 / Hwy 44 mpg

#2 of 11 Luxury compact cars

Recommended Model: 2025 BMW 330i xDrive Sedan

MSRP: $47,950

Average spent under MSRP: $1,659

Average transaction price: $46,291

4. BMW 2 Series 2025

Price Range: $39,600 - $65,500

CR MPG: Overall 31 / City 21 / Hwy 45 mpg

#3 of 22 Luxury Sports cars 4/5-seat

Recommended Model: 2025 BMW 2 Series 230i Coupe

MSRP: $39,600

Average spent under MSRP: $564

Average transaction price: $39,036

5. Subaru Forester 2025

Price Range: $29,995 - $43,295

CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 39 mpg

#1 of 32 Compact SUVs

Recommended Model: 2025 Subaru Forester Premium AWD

MSRP: $33,385

Average spent under MSRP: $455

Average transaction price: $32,930

6. Lexus ES Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $41,020

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

#1 of 11 Luxury midsized cars

Recommended Model: 2025 Lexus ES 300h Luxury

MSRP: $48,610

Average spent under MSRP: $528

Average transaction price: $48,082

7. Toyota Camry 2025

Price Range: $28,700 - $36,425

CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 54 mpg

#2 of 10 Midsized cars

Recommended Model: 2025 Toyota Camry SE

MSRP: $31,000

Average spent under MSRP: $323

Average transaction price: $30,677

8. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $31,250 - $37,700

CR MPG: Overall 44 / City 36 / Hwy 51 mpg

#6 of 10 Midsized cars

Recommended Model: 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL

MSRP: $31,250

Average spent under MSRP: $165

Average transaction price: $31,085

9. Honda CR-V Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $34,650 - $41,100

CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 31 / Hwy 38 mpg

#3 of 32 Compact SUVs

Recommended Model: 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport AWD

MSRP: $36,150

Average spent under MSRP: $133

Average transaction price: $36,017

10. Honda Civic 2025

Price Range: $28,950 - $33,150

CR MPG: Overall 44 / City 39 / Hwy 48 mpg

#3 of 22 Small sedans/hatchbacks

Recommended Model: 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport

MSRP: $28,950

Average spent under MSRP: $22

Average transaction price: $28,928

If you are in the market for a used or slightly used new car, here is a recent article titled "Best Used Cars: Consumer Reports' Top Picks for June 2025."

For an additional recent Consumer Reports recommendation, be sure to check out the "10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now for the Road Trip Ahead."

COMING UP NEXT: Best Used Cars and SUVs for Less Than $5,000 With This Essential Safety Feature You Can’t Live Without

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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