Autos

• Mar 19, 2008 7:17 pm US/Eastern
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  Consumer Reports Ranks Most Fuel-Efficient Cars

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Consumer Reports Ranks Most Fuel-Efficient Cars

(KDKA) Consumer Reports has released a list ranking which cars have the highest fuel economy, and with gas prices so high many car manufacturers seem to be jumping on the hybrid bandwagon.

"Many more manufacturers, GM, Ford, have hybrid vehicles, Nissan just released the Altima hybrid, which got 32 miles to the gallon in our testing," said Consumer Reports Senior Director of Auto Testing David Champion.

Consumer Reports is out with its 2008 auto issue, and in it experts say the Toyota Prius takes the crown as most fuel efficient car on the market.

"It's a purpose-built hybrid vehicle that really does give you everything," says Champion. "It seats five, it has the hatchback versatility for hauling cargo, and it has the 44 mpg which is excellent, better than any other vehicle out there."

It tops a list of smaller cars and is followed by the Honda Civic Hybrid with 37 mpg, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris with mileage topping somewhere around 34.

The Toyota Camry hybrid tops the list of midsized and large cars with 34 miles per gallon, followed by the Nissan Altima hybrid at 32, and the Mercedes Benz e320 Bluetec Diesel with 29.

As for SUVs, experts say the Toyota Highlander hybrid tops the list at 24, the Lexus RH400 at 23, and Toyota Rav-4, also at 23.

Researchers also say when it comes to SUVs, bigger may no longer be better.

"They're going towards a raised station wagon with all-wheel drive - reducing the weight, the complexity of the vehicle, so you're getting better handling and better gas mileage," adds Champion.

Consumer Reports also says they are finding a pattern that some drivers might be willing to try diesel.

"I think we're going to see many more diesels out there, especially in small sedans and the larger SUVs," says Champion. "The only problem is the cost of diesel takes away the 30 percent increase in fuel economy, so it's going to be a difficult sale in the future."

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