- The Chevy Volt is a gasoline-electric hybrid capable of running on electric power for approximately 35 miles. When additional range is needed, the Volt's hybrid system turns on the internal combustion engine, which runs on traditional gasoline. When driving on electric power, the Volt achieves the equivalent of 93 mpg based on the typical cost of electricity. When its internal combustion engine is operating, one can expect to achieve around 37 mpg.
- The Toyota Prius is a gasoline-electric hybrid; however, unlike the Chevy Volt, it is not capable of running solely on its electric engine at higher speeds. The Prius's hybrid system constantly switches between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine, at times operating each of them to boost the fuel efficiency. One can expect to achieve approximately 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway with the Toyota Prius.
- Ford's Fiesta is a subcompact car that achieves a city mpg rating of 28 and a highway mpg rating of 37 when equipped with the manual transmission. The Fiesta shares its platform with the Mazda 2. Although the Mazda's highway fuel economy rating is slightly lower at 29 mpg, its city rating is 29 mpg -- one mile higher than the Fiesta's.
- The Mini Cooper is a sporty coupe that achieves 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. The automatic transmission is slightly less efficient at 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Mini Cooper does, however, require premium fuel, which tends to cost 10 to 20 cents more per gallon than regular.
- Like the Prius, the Insight is a hybrid not capable of running solely on electric power for long distances. The Insight is less expensive than the Prius, but its fuel efficiency is not as impressive. The Insight is rated at 40 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.
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