Consumer Reports Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

Here’s the latest on saving gas and money with fuel-efficient cars and SUVs, of which Consumer Reports analysts found are the best models in their class including two Toyota models.

Posted: July 18, 2023 - 7:31PM
Author: Timothy Boyer

It’s All About Fuel Efficiency, Cost, and Reliability

Today, CR analysts report a new ranking of their choice of models that are close to their average MSRP transaction price with the added selection of those proven to be reliable and fuel-efficient with this latest listing to let consumers know what models offer the best deals in terms of gas mileage and affordability.

Based on the latest transaction data from the past month of what car owners were paying for models that include primarily Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Toyota, CR analysts chose amongst those makes the ones that fall within Consumer Reports recommended models that are known to have the best fuel economy for their class.

It’s as Good as It Gets…For Right Now

The listed vehicles below are sorted and ranked by, "...how close their average transaction price is to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) on the window sticker, starting with the best deal.”

Unfortunately, with the market the way it is right now with a limited car inventory and renewed interest in fuel-efficient models, CR analysts state that all of the models sold last month were up to, “...3 percent over MSRP. That’s as good as it gets right now.”

That said, here is a summary of their 10-car listing to help you find the deal you need today.

Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata 2023

Price Range: $28,050 - $38,950

CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 25 / Hwy 42 mpg

Rated #1 of 8 Roadsters

Recommended model: 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Manual

MSRP: $38,950

Average spent over MSRP: $57

Average transaction price: $39,007

2. Kia EV6 2023

Price Range: $42,600 - $61,600

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

Rated#1 of 12 Electric SUVs

Recommended model: 2023 Kia EV6 Wind AWD

MSRP: $52,600

Average spent over MSRP: $306

Average transaction price: $52,906

3. Honda Ridgeline 2023

Price Range: $38,800 - $46,230

CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 29 mpg

Rated #3 of 12 Compact pickup trucks

Recommended model: 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD

MSRP: $41,780

Average spent over MSRP: $256

Average transaction price: $42,036

4. Acura Integra 2023

Price Range: $31,300 - $36,300

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

Rated #1 of 5 Luxury entry-level cars

Recommended model: 2023 Acura Integra CVT w/A-Spec Package

MSRP: $33,300

Average spent over MSRP: $250

Average transaction price: $33,550

5. BMW X1 2023

Price Range: $39,100

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

Rated #1 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

Recommended model: 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle

MSRP: $39,100

Average spent over MSRP: $332

Average transaction price: $39,432

6. Lexus ES Hybrid 2023

Price Range: $41,020

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

Rated #1 of 19 Luxury midsized cars

Recommended model: 2023 Lexus ES 300h

MSRP: $43,340

Average spent over MSRP: $564

Average transaction price: $43,904

7. Toyota Camry 2023

Price Range: $26,320 - $36,745

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

Rated #4 of 13 Midsized cars

Recommended model: 2023 Toyota Camry LE

MSRP: $26,320

Average spent over MSRP: $397

Average transaction price: $26,717

8. Hyundai Ioniq 5 2023

Price Range: $41,450 - $56,500

CR MPGE: Overall 98 / City 110 / Hwy 87 mpge

Rated #2 of 12 Electric SUVs

Recommended model: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL AWD

MSRP: $50,950

Average spent over MSRP: $1,132

Average transaction price: $52,082

9. Mazda 3 2023

Price Range: $22,550 - $35,300

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

Rated #5 of 12 Small sedans

Recommended model: 2023 Mazda 3 2.5 S Select

MSRP: $23,950

Average spent over MSRP: $565

Average transaction price: $24,515

10. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2023

Price Range: $36,620 - $53,025

CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg

Rated #2 of 17 Midsized SUVs 3-row

Recommended model: 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD

MSRP: $45,220

Average spent over MSRP: $1,369

Average transaction price: $46,589

And finally…

For more on cars that save on fuel and money, here are a few recommendations:

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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