Automakers’ emphasis on fuel economy is helping cars across the board achieve more miles per gallon. With several new and refreshed 2013 models recently hitting dealer lots, the popular midsize-family-sedan​ segment is seeing significant fuel-economy improvements thanks to hybrid technologies, diesel engines and other innovations. The better news: Even more fuel-efficient family sedans are on the way.

Chevrolet’s redesigned 2013 Malibu Eco, a gasoline-electric hybrid with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that uses General Motors' mild-hybrid eAssist system, achieves an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway. Prices start at $25,995.

For fuel-conscious customers, diesel-powered options are always something to consider. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, with its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, is EPA rated at 31/43 -- the highest rating for a nonhybrid model among family sedans. The 2012 Passat TDI SE starts at $26,765, including $770 shipping.

If you're willing to wait just a bit longer, though, you’ll soon have two more fuel-efficient family sedans to consider.

Last week the EPA rated the redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima sedan at 27/38, which is the highest in the segment for a gasoline-engine model. However, to get this impressive fuel economy, you have to buy the 2013 Altima with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The 2013 Altima will arrive at U.S. dealers this month and starts at $22,280, including $780 for shipping.

The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion is another eagerly awaited new midsize sedan that will get a fuel-economy boost in both standard gasoline and hybrid gas-electric versions, as well as an all-new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, when it goes on sale this fall.

Although the EPA hasn’t yet officially rated the 2013 Fusion’s fuel economy, Ford said when the car was introduced in January that the Fusion's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine will achieve 26/37. The Fusion Hybrid gets a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine that’s expected to return 47/44. If true, that would rank the 2013 Fusion as the highest-rated hybrid in the midsize-family-sedan​ segment. The 2013 Fusion will start at $22,495, including a $795 shipping charge.

Also expected to hit dealers' showrooms this fall is the redesigned 2013 Honda Accord. Although few details have been released, the EPA rates the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2012 Accord at 23/34. The 2012 Accord LX is priced from $22,270, including $790 shipping.

What we do know is that the 2013 Accord will get a new 2.4-liter direct-injection engine, and that its current EPA fuel-economy rating is expected to increase. In addition, an all-new Accord plug-in hybrid with a new 2-motor hybrid system is expected to reach U.S. dealers by next winter, though Honda has yet to provide fuel-economy estimates.

[Source: Inside Line]