Cars.com recently compiled a list of what it has determined to be the most cost-effective vehicles in terms of fuel efficiency, something that can help the auto industry market vehicles that save consumers money at the pump — which can be critically important in times like these.
The site broke the rankings down by hybrid and gas-only vehicles.
Topping the list for hybrids was the Toyota Prius, which had an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated fuel economy of 48 miles per gallon in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Cars.com suggested the Prius costs consumers a projected $29,855 in fuel and sticker price over the course of ownership.
Meanwhile the Smart ForTwo was the most economic gas-only ride, at 33 mpg and 41 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively. Its anticipated fuel and purchase costs were $22,868.
To determine which vehicles cost less to own over the long haul, Cars.com considered the sticker price as well as projected fuel costs during the vehicle's lifetime.
Contrary to popular opinion, Cars.com also suggested that hybrids might not always be the way to go.
"Hybrid cars get a lot of hype when gas prices start to rise, but if your overall goal is to simply save money, there might be better options," commented Cars.com editor in chief Patrick Olsen said.
"For instance, the most fuel-efficient car on the market is the Toyota Prius hybrid, but over eight years of ownership it will ultimately cost you almost $7,000 more to own than a Smart ForTwo," he explained.
According to officials, to determine lifetime fuel costs, Cars.com assumed that a vehicle is driven 15,000 miles per year with 55 percent city driving and 45 percent on the highway.
Additionally, the costs were based on an average gas price of $3.40 and an eight-year ownership period.
The following are the most economic vehicles for gas-only and hybrids, respectively. Included are fuel efficiency estimates followed by total lifetime cost (combining sticker and fuel costs)
Gas-Only Vehicles
(All have manual transmission)
1. Smart ForTwo (with premium fuel): 33/41; $22,868
2. Toyota Yaris: 29/36 ; $24,188
3. Hyundai Accent: 27/32; $24,824
4. Kia Rio: 27/32; $24,939
5. Chevrolet Aveo5: 24/34; $24,985
6. Nissan Versa: 26/31; $27,433
7. Chevrolet Aveo: 24/34; $26,920
8. Honda Fit: 28/34; $27,364
9. Toyota Corolla: 28/37; $27,381
10. Scion xD: 24/32; $28,425
Hybrid Vehicles
1. Toyota Prius: 48/45; $29,855
2. Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45; $32,290
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33/34; $37,400
4. Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33; $37,455
5. Saturn Aura Green Line: 24/32; $38,728