By Rich Pollack
With gas prices soaring, a lot of drivers are looking for ways to save money at the pump. One answer is to drive more efficiently — avoiding jackrabbit starts and slowing down on the interstate — but for others the answer may be to ditch the gas-guzzler for a more efficient car or SUV.
That might be a good idea, but before buying a new car, it’s best to do the research and make sure the one you choose meets your driving needs and is one you’re comfortable driving.
The good news is that fuel efficiency has become a priority for manufacturers, resulting in greater choices for consumers. Here are some of our favorite fuel-efficient vehicles, based on performance and value.
BEST SMALL TWO-SEATER
Smart ForTwo
EPA RATING: 33 MPG city, 41 highway
PRICE: MSRP starting at $12,490
WHERE YOU CAN GET ONE: Smart Center Palm Beach, 4002 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
WHAT MAKES IT GREAT: The Smart ForTwo is a great car for just driving around town or around the neighborhood. Built and engineered by Mercedes-Benz, the Smart car features a racecar-like safety cage that protects its passengers in the event of an accident. The Smart ForTwo is also surprisingly spacious and versatile. Yes, you can take it on Interstate 95 and still feel safe and you can still squeeze into smaller parking spots. An electric Smart car is now available.
BEST FAMILY SEDAN
Toyota Camry Hybrid
EPA Rating: 31 MPG city, 35 highway
Price: MSRP from $26,400
Where You Can Get One: The Camry Hybrid is available at Toyota dealers everywhere.
What Makes it Great: Think of dependable and solid vehicles with smooth rides, and the Camry will almost always come to mind. True, this car isn’t flashy, although it has a sporty little edge, and it isn’t the most fuel-efficient hybrid on the road, by far. But when it comes to carting kids or grandparents, the Camry hybrid excels thanks to its spaciousness for passengers and the ease of getting in and out of the back seat.
BEST OVERALL
Ford Fusion Hybrid/Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
EPA RATING: 41 MPG city, 36 highway
PRICE: MSRP $28,340 for the Fusion/MSRP $34,605 for the MKZ
WHERE YOU CAN GET ONE: Available at Ford and Lincoln dealers throughout South Florida
WHAT MAKES IT GREAT: Ford is taking a leadership role among domestic automakers in producing alternative-fuel vehicles and the Fusion and the more luxurious MKZ, are setting a standard for attractive designs, smooth rides and lots of room for passengers in the front and back. Unlike other vehicles in its class, the Fusion and the MKZ don’t look much like hybrids — which for some drivers may be a plus.
BEST LUXURY SEDAN
Lexus HS250h Hybrid
EPA Rating: 35 MPG city, 35 highway
Price: MSRP from $35,600
Where You Can Get One: Available at Lexus dealerships throughout South Florida.
What Makes it Great: One of the first Lexus hybrids designed primarily for fuel efficiency, the HS250h is first and foremost a Lexus with Lexus styling and Lexus luxury. You’ll find many of the options you’d expect from Lexus — a navigation system with backup camera, and park assist — as well as an interior that is comfortable for four. A big plus for those who are cost-conscious is that the HS250h uses regular grade gasoline, not premium.
BEST SUV
Ford Escape Hybrid
EPA RATING: 34 MPG city, 31 highway
PRICE: MSRP from $30,000
WHERE YOU CAN GET ONE: Available at all South Florida Ford dealerships.
What Makes it Great: The Escape was one of the first hybrid SUVs, debuting long before many others in the rapidly growing class, and it still remains one of the most efficient out there. Getting 34 miles per gallon in the city, the Escape is a practical vehicle, especially for stop-and-go driving. It is a little pricey for the class, but it makes up for that in available technology options, versatility and safety ratings.
BEST SMALL SEDAN
Hyundai Elantra
EPA RATING: 29 MPG city, 40 highway
PRICE: MSRP from $14,800-$19,980
WHERE YOU CAN GET ONE: Available through all local Hyundai dealerships.
What Makes it Great: Look quick and you might think that the Elantra is a Hyundai Sonata that got shrunk in the wash. Like its big sister, the Elantra is a car with an outstanding exterior design and a smooth ride. It also offers a spacious interior that makes it feel a little bigger than it actually is. The Elantra comes with a bucket full of technological options including a full navigation system with backup camera. And best of all, it’s fun to drive.
BEST SPORTS CAR
Tesla Roadster
EPA Rating: Fully Electric
Price: $109,000 to $128,000
Where You Can Get One: Tesla South Florida, 1949 Tigertail Blvd., Dania
What Makes it Great: Yes, the Tesla Roadster never needs gas. But that’s not what makes it great. And sure, no matter where you go in this car, heads will turn. But that’s not what makes it great either. Nope, what makes it great is 0 to 60 in 4 seconds. Being in a Tesla when the accelerator is floored is like being in a jet that’s taking off. You’re pushed back in your seat and loving every minute of it.
BEST SUBCOMPACT
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
EPA RATING: 28 MPG city, 42 highway
PRICE: MSRP from $16,995
WHERE YOU CAN GET ONE: Available at Chevrolet dealerships throughout South Florida.
WHAT MAKES IT GREAT: For those who want a small, dependable and efficient car for their highway commute, the Cruze Eco is the perfect vehicle. With an EPA rating of 42 miles per gallon on the highway, the Cruze Eco, with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, is among the most efficient cars in the class for distance. Though relatively inexpensive, the Cruze is solidly built and has a surprisingly well-appointed interior designed with the driver in mind.
BEST STATION WAGON
Audi A3 TDI Diesel
EPA Rating: 30 MPG city, 42 highway
Price: MSRP from $27,270
Where You Can Get One: Available at all South Florida Audi dealerships.
What Makes it Great: Once upon a time, a car or truck running on diesel fuel was guaranteed to be noisy and smelly. Well, those days are over thanks to the invention of clean diesel. The Audi A3 TDI is a luxury hatchback that may help bring diesel into fashion. The car is roomy and versatile, and has quite a bit of power for a little car. And the best part? That durable diesel engine will probably be running long after the batteries on electric cars need to be replaced.
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