You might be breathing a little easier about fuel costs these days. But consider this: The average price of gasoline has already rebounded from recent lows, and by historical standards, it's really still not much of a bargain. So don't rule out fuel economy when it comes to your next vehicle. When we at Kiplinger ranked the 2015 cars, we picked winners based on fuel efficiency as well. Let me tell you about a few.
If you're spending less than $20,000, you're not going to find any hybrids or other advanced technology to impress your green-minded friends. But you can buy a really top-notch little car, the Honda Fit LX. It's also Kiplinger's pick for Best New Car. The Fit's revamped 1.5 liter engine now puts out 130 horsepower, while still returning 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway.
Selling for a bit over $40,000 is BMW's entry into the alternative-fuel field. The BMW i3 will definitely turn heads with its design, which includes carbon-fiber panels. You can get it in two configurations: Electric only, which will let you cover about 80 miles, or pay more for a range-extender gasoline engine that kicks in to generate electricity, roughly doubling the range. The EPA rating is 137 miles per gallon in the city, 111 on the highway.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
When it comes to pickup trucks, people more often think about payload, reliability and style than fuel economy, which they assume is miserable. But carmakers, who sell an awful lot of trucks, are working hard to crank up their efficiency. Ford built its new Ford F-150 with an aluminum body to save weight. If you pick the 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6, that big ol' pickup turns in 19 MPG in the city, and 26 on the highway. Even if those numbers don't sound so high to you, keep in mind that the F-150 is 10% more efficient than the runner-up, the Chevy Silverado. That difference will save you about $200 a year.
We have 13 other fuel-efficient models to consider. Take a look.
-
Jabil Stock Pops After a Beat-And-Raise QuarterJabil stock is higher Wednesday after the electronics firm beat earnings expectations and raised its full-year outlook. Here's what you need to know.
-
UBS Global's Solita Marcelli: It's a Green Light for U.S. Stocks in 2025A strong economy, rate cuts and continued AI spending should support stocks in the new year, says UBS Global's chief investment officer, Americas.
-
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?Brandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
-
Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your HomeBrandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
-
The "Real" Cost of Buying a CarBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland illustrates how car prices are far more than meets the eye.
-
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family VacationBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to go on vacation without breaking the bank.
-
The Great Resignation: How to Quit Your Job With ConfidenceBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to properly quit your job and upgrade your career.
-
How to Achieve Your 2022 New Year's ResolutionsBrandon Copeland You've already made your New Year's resolutions. Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland explains how you can stick with them and accomplish them.
-
Santa's End-of-the-Year Finance TipsBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland shares a few ways you can improve your finances before 2022 gets here.
-
Planning Your Child's Financial FutureBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland talks about ways to set your child up with a strong financial foundation.
