The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2011

Electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt top the list, but overall the number of fuel-efficient cars that get 30 mpg or better is growing. Two fuel-efficient SUVs and one station wagon make the list, too, thanks to hybrid and clean diesel technologies.

See the most fuel-efficient new cars, wagons and SUVs for 2012! By Dan Shapley

The Most-Fuel Efficient 2011 Models

The 2011 model year is a milestone for the U.S. auto industry, with the introduction of two mass-market electric cars, the Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt. While both are pricey, with federal tax incentives and long warranties, the electric cars are competitive with other showy cars for early adopters.

But electric cars aren't the whole story – not by a long shot. While the most fuel-efficient 2010 cars and SUVs was made up of many familiar models, like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid, the 2011 model year includes the Fiat 500, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid near the top of the list. And not all the cars are tiny two-seaters or hatchbacks like the smart fortwo or the Toyota Yaris: several midsize sedans are available, as is one station wagon from Volkswagen, the clean diesel Jetta SportWagen. The leaders in the SUV category remain the same, with three hybrids the only models in their class to achieve better than 30 mpg.

So if you're in the market for a new car, these fuel-efficient models will save money on gas year after year – an important consideration, as the price of oil remains volatile and unpredictable.

Also see:

> The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2010

Fuel economy, gas cost estimates and carbon emissions estimates in this feature are from fueleconomy.gov, and prices reflect lowest MSRP on edmunds.com.