TOP FIVE CARS WITH BEST MILEAGE 2012

One way to save money in the coming year is to cut down on the amount of fuel you are purchasing. These fuel-efficient cars of 2012 can help you achieve this. If you are looking to buy a car in the next year, make sure to check these out!

The Daily Green shares…

1. 2012 Mitsubishi i (MiEV)
$29,125 MSRP
112 MPG-equivalent
$540 annual fuel cost

Electric cars are still very much a niche category, but a growing one, with the addition of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV to the fleet that was born last year. For shorter trips, or folks who can charge up at work, electric cars are a great option, and federal tax incentives will knock up to $7,500 off the purchase price (check for state incentives, too). Among 2012 electric cars, the new i-MiEV leads the pack both for fuel-efficiency and cost, and ranks as the most fuel-efficient car of the year.

It’s a little thing though, so if you’re in the market for an electric car with more room than a sub-compact offers, try the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid that ranks as a compact ($39,145; 94 MPG for electric, 37 MPG for gas), or the Nissan Leaf, an all-electric vehicle that sneaks into the midsize category ($35,200; 99 MPG-equivalent). If you’re looking for an electric car that’s even smaller, try the Smart Fortwo, a two-seater expected to hit showrooms soon.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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 theFord Fiesta ($15,670). (Several of these models are available as sedans or coupes.)

5. 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).

Get more information at The Daily Green!