Driven

DON’T BE FUELISH

When it comes to saving money at the pump, these energy-efficient models can’t be beat.

BY JIM GORZELANY

Considering today’s oil prices, it’s no surprise that car buyers are making a U-turn away from fuel-swilling cars and moving toward more fuel-efficient automobiles. If you’re thinking of going that route, first determine whether it makes economic sense to buy a new car. (You may not come out ahead by taking on a monthly payment to save a few hundred dollars a year at the pump.) But if it’s time to trade-in, and saving gas helps your bottom line, consider these models, deemed the most fuel efficient in their respective market segments by the EPA:

SUV

Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrids
34/30 mpg
MSRP: $26,640/$28,750

Recently updated as early-2009 models, these hybrids are mechanically identical, though they carry specific styling. A new
2.5-liter engine (teamed with an electric motor/generator) delivers quicker acceleration than prior versions and maintains equivalent mileage. A bevy of safety equipment is standard, and key gadgetry includes the automaker’s innovative Sync hands-free media control system.

SUBCOMPACT

smart fortwo
33/41 mpg
MSRP: $11,590

This diminutive auto is less than half the size of a typical car. It’s fairly maneuverable (although the odd-shifting automatic transmission takes some getting used to); roomier than expected on the inside; and generates only 71 hp.

COMPACT

Honda Civic Hybrid
40/45 mpg
MSRP: $22,600

This car is both fun and frugal. A 110-hp, four-cylinder gas engine teams with a 15-kilowatt electric motor/ generator and a continuously variable transmission to deliver acceleration that’s equivalent to the standard model.

MIDSIZE

Toyota Prius
45/48 mpg
MSRP: $21,500

Boasting the industry’s top fuel economy, the Prius is also the best-selling hybrid. A 76-hp, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine works with an electric motor/generator to produce the equivalent of 110 horses—sufficient, if not particularly speedy.

LARGE

Honda Accord
22/31 mpg
MSRP: $20,360

Considered “large” by virtue of its voluminous cabin, it remains fairly fuel-efficient, with the standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 177 hp in the base LX version. The 3.5-liter V6 is faster, but it’s slightly thirstier at 19/29 mpg.