The G-men have spoken, and the two-seat Honda Insight hybrid (manual) is the most fuel-efficient 2006-year vehicle sold in the US, rated at 60 mpg in the city, 66 mpg on the highway. The insight just edged out its nearest competitor, the Toyota Prius, which came in second, with 60 mpg in the city and 51 on the highway. Among US automakers, the Ford Escape hybrid topped the list (36/31). In the absence of any vehicle 8500 lbs or over, like the Hummer H1 and H2, the least fuel efficient were generally super-luxury models: like Ferraris, Aston Martins and Bentleys. Among SUVs tested, the Dodge Durango with the 4.7-liter V8 had the lowest ratings (12/15). These are, of course estimates based on lab testing, and, according to the report — issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy — EPA miles-per-gallon (MPG) estimates are downwardly adjusted by about 15% to "better reflect real-world driving conditions for an average US motorist." All together now: Your mileage may vary.
The most fuel-efficient vehicles for 2006 [MSN]
2006 Fuel Economy Guide [Department of Energy / EPA]
Related:
Fuel Economy Dot Gov: Bush Administration Proposes Slightly Higher Standards [internal]