The Most Fuel-Efficient 2012 Cars

2012 Toyota Prius
$23,520 MSRP | 50 MPG | $1,026 annual fuel cost

For a relatively roomy family sedan, the venerable Prius still leads the pack, with the best fuel economy outside of the electric cars. (In 2012 Toyota offers a plug-in option to mixed reviews.) Other hybrid cars in the category include the the 42-MPG Honda Insight ($18,350), the 41-MPG Toyota Camry Hybrid ($25,900) and the 39-MPG Ford Fusion Hybrid ($28,700).

2012 Lexus CT 200h
$29,120 MSRP | 42 MPG | $1,221 annual fuel cost

The choices for hybrid drivers have recently grown, with the addition of luxury sedans. The Lexus CT 200h leads the (small) pack for both fuel efficiency and price. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid ($34,755) isn't far behind at 39 MPG.

2012 Scion iQ
$15,265 MSRP | 37 MPG | $1,385 annual fuel cost

For those not investing in electric or hybrid hatchbacks, where models like the Mistubishi i-MiEV, Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h lead for fuel-efficiency, there is are two options at 37 MPG: The Scion iQ and the sportier Honda CR-Z ($19,545). Not too far behind, in the 33-34 MPG range, are, in order of price: Kia Rio ($13,600),Chevrolet Sonic ($13,735), Toyota Yaris ($14,115), Hyundai Accent ($14,595), Nissan Versa ($14,480), and the Ford Fiesta ($15,670). (Several of these models are available as sedans or coupes.)

2012 Ford Fiesta
$13,200 MSRP | 33 MPG | $1,554

The best mileage you can expect from a gas-powered 2012 coupe or sedan is 33 or 34 MPG, and several models fall in that range. In order of price, they are: The Nissan Versa ($10,990), Hyundai Accent ($12,445), Ford Fiesta ($13,200), Chevrolet Sonic ($13,735), Hyundai Elantra ($15,195) and the Honda Civic ($15,805). (Several of these models are also available as hatchbacks.)

2012 Toyota Prius V
$26,400 MSRP | 42 MPG | $1,221 annual fuel cost

For some families, there is no more exciting addition to the 2012 fleet than the Prius V, the first hybrid station wagon on the market, and the new leader for fuel efficiency in its class. Other options for wagon shoppers that fall just short of the 35-MPG mark include two diesels: the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen ($25,260) and the 2012 Audi 3 ($30,250). A clear choice for the more budget-conscious is the 32-MPG gas-powered Kia Soul Eco ($13,900).

2012 Volkswagen Passat
$41,922 MSRP | 35 MPG | $1,669 annual fuel cost

Clean diesel cars have been increasingly popular. Though diesel costs more and pollutes more than gasoline, high fuel-efficiency makes up for some of both demerits. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat leads the pack of clean diesel cars, but the Audi A3 ($30,250), VW Golf ($23,955) and VW Jetta ($22,525) all rank just behind it at 34 MPG.

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid
$30,570 MSRP | 32 MPG | $1,606 annual fuel cost

The 2-wheel drive Ford Escape Hybrid again leads the pack of most fuel-efficient SUVs. While there are more than half a dozen hybrid SUVs on the market, most of the hybrid technology aids power and has minimal benefits for fuel efficiency. Rounding out the top of the list, though, are the Lexus RX 450h ($45,235; 30 MPG) and the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($38,140; 28 MPG).

2012 Nissan Juke
$19,770 MSRP | 29 MPG | $1,904 annual fuel cost

Outside of the hybrid SUVs, even the smaller crossovers running on gasoline can't crack 30 MPG. The leader in the pack is the Nissan Juke, which some consider a hatchback. Behind it, in the 26-27 MPG range are the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ($22,345), the newly redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V (appxox $22,000) and the 2012 Hyundai Tucson ($19,045).