Hybrids Reign Supreme Over Fuel Economy List

WASHINGTON, DC, October 13, 2005 (ENS) - A fuel economy ranking of 2006 vehicles issued Wednesday by the federal government puts the two hybrid-electric cars far and away out in front. The gas-electric hybrids by Honda and Toyota are nearly twice as fuel efficient as the rest in the top 10, whether diesel or gas.

The fuel miserly Honda Insight tops the ranking with 66 highway miles to the gallon. (Photo courtesy Honda)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have released the 2006 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make informed choices when purchasing new vehicles.

Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said., "In January, consumers can take advantage of tax credits worth thousands of dollars by purchasing a hybrid, electric, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle."

The top 10 fuel economy leaders are:

1. Honda Insight - (hybrid-electric, manual) - 60 city/66 highway
2. Toyota Prius - (hybrid-electric) - 60/51
3. Volkswagen New Beetle and Golf - (diesel, manual) - 37/44
4. Volkswagen Jetta (diesel, manual) - 36/41
5. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD - 36/31
6. Volkswagen New Beetle and Jetta (diesel, automatic) - 35/42
7. Volkswagen Golf (diesel, automatic) - 33/44
8. Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD - 33/29
   Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD - 33/29
   Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD - 33/29
9. Lexus RX 400H 2WD - 33/28
   Highlander Hybrid 2WD - 33/28
   
10. Toyota Corolla (manual) - 32/41

"This year's fleet offers a wider variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles for car buyers to select from," said Johnson, encouraging more Americans to heed President [George W.] Bush's call to reduce the demand on the nation's energy supply."

President Bush has called upon Americans to conserve gasoline in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita that damaged the Gulf Coast petroleuml infrastructure.

The 2006 Toyota Prius hybrid comes in 15 mpg off the pace in the highway mile economy ranking for 2nd place. (Photo courtesy Toyota)

Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests conducted by manufacturers and EPA according to EPA specifications.

The EPA announced plans to "propose updates to the methods used to determine the sticker fuel economy" by the end of the year.

The joint EPA and Department of Energy Fuel Economy website offers detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete downloadable version of the Fuel Economy Guide at: http://www.fueleconomy.gov

EPA's Fuel Economy program is available at: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy

The Green Vehicle Guide website allows buyers to locate the cleanest running and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs at: http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles

The 2006 fuel economy leaders within class as well as the lowest fuel economy models are online at: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/overall-high.htm