Automakers Tops in Fuel Economy
In the U.S., Honda has the most efficient gas-electrified combo lineup while Tesla beats all automakers in annual EPA ranking as brands built their alternative-fuel offerings.
Honda also led automakers on fuel economy in the U.S. in the first EPA ranking year of 1975.
Pexels/Engina Kyurt
When it comes to fuel efficiency, Honda bests all automakers with full gas and electric lineups at a 31 mpg fleet average, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.
The ranking is based on 2024 model years sold in the U.S., the latest for which the EPA has released fuel economy information. The federal agency has issued the light-duty vehicle rankings since 1975, five years after it was formed.
Tesla tops all large automakers selling in the U.S. with its all-electric lineup’s fuel economy of 117 mpg, though it was the only automaker whose fuel economy fell for the 2019 to 2024 model years due to its increased SUV production, the EPA said. Meanwhile, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes grew their fuel economies during that period.
The single model with the highest 2024 fuel efficiency was Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 at 137 mpg, and Mitsubishi’s Mirage bested gas-powered models at nearly 42 mpg.
Increased fuel economies have come in part through added electric vehicle and hybrid models. Now many automakers are tweaking previously ambitious all-electric lineup targets in response to slower market demand and pulled-back federal incentives.
Honda has often led automakers on fuel economy in the U.S. In fact, it topped the industry in 1975, led by its Civic’s 28 mpg that year, according to the EPA. It’s since led in 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2017.
Despite the Toyota Prius’ higher hybrid profile in the U.S., Honda introduced the first hybrid to the market with its 2000 model-year Insight, according to the EPA. U.S. new-vehicle hybrid production has since grown to 15% in the 2024 model year, and the EPA projects it comprised 19% of 2025 models.
Honda pointed out that its fleet average 31 mpg fuel economy exceeds the industry average by nearly four mpg.
“In addition to its fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicles, Honda set an annual sales record for electrified vehicles in America in 2025, topping 400,000 units for the first time,” the Japanese automaker said.
“For the third straight year, Honda achieved an all-time sales record for hybrid-electric vehicles led by CR-V 400,000 units for the first time. For the third straight year, Honda achieved an all-time sales record for hybrid-electric vehicles led by CR-V hybrid, Accord hybrid and Civic hybrid.”
LEARN MORE: Honda Celebrates 50 Year of U.S. R&D
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