Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Lexus NX 300h

Compact Luxury and the Lexus NX

by

2019 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX 300 offers contemporary styling, a luxurious interior, and advanced technologies.
A hybrid variant is also available.

In a world of utility vehicles, Lexus is well represented. From the small UX to the compact NX, and from the popular RX to the big GX and LX models, Lexus has something for everyone. You’ll even find hybrid options with the first three choices, each of which delivers outstanding efficiency and cleaner emissions.

2019 Lexus NX Overview

The 2019 Lexus NX returns without major changes this year. This model was launched as the NX 200t in 2015 and is officially known as the NX 300. The NX 300h is the hybrid variant and is marketed separately. Our review covers the gas-powered model only.

Lexus offers the 2019 NX in two trims: 300 ($36,485) and 300 F Sport ($38,725). Add $1,025 for the delivery, processing & handling fee. Front-wheel drive is standard. Opt for all-wheel drive and your price increases by $1,400.

2019 Lexus NX

You’ll find four package options with the base model. These include a Navigation Package ($1,860), which bundles a navigation system with a 10.3-inch display screen, a 10-speaker audio system, and an additional USB port, and a Comfort Package ($980) with heated and ventilated front seats, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic dimming side mirrors with automatic tilt-down in reverse.

The two other packages include a Premium Package ($3,270). This one bundles enhanced LED daytime running lights, a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic stewing wheel, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Building on this package is the Luxury Package ($4,705), which adds linear black shadow wood interior trim, perforated leather-trimmed interior, and rain-sensing wipers.

You’ll find individual options offered as well, including an outer-sliding moonroof ($1,100), power rear doors with kick sensor ($550), upgraded wheels ($420), heated front seats ($440), power-folding and reclining rear seats ($400), and other comfort and safety options.

As for the F Sport models, these feature enhanced styling and an adaptive variable suspension system. You’ll also find gauge upgrades, improved seat bolstering, and other special touches. A few of the package offerings found in the base model are available here. Each has its own take based on the trim.

A Matter of Style

The NX’s dimensions are small and parallel the size of the Toyota RAV4 on which it is based. But apart from platform sharing, these two models are dramatically different.

Up front, the expected Lexus hourglass grille dominates and is offset by signature L-shaped accent lights. Wraparound headlamps and fog lamps add flair. The hood’s crease lines meet up with the edges of the grille for a dramatic touch.

The NX’s profile may be its most controversial feature. It has a falling roofline, a high beltline, dramatic body sculpting just above the rocker panels, and big arched wheel wells. From the rear, the look is only slightly less dramatic with this model’s clamshell liftgate topped by a spoiler and accented by wing-like wraparound tail lamps. With the NX, Lexus successfully found a way to blend luxury with sportiness.

2019 Lexus NX

2019 Lexus NX

Inside, the cabin is cozy, not especially roomy and is definitely ideal for four, not five. In any case, the NX features choice materials along with excellent fit and finish — leather, aluminum, and available wood trim combine to give the interior a look that is at once elegant as it is sophisticated. Further, Lexus dresses the seats in NuLuxe, which is imitation leather and as close to the real thing you’ll find in terms of comfort and breathability.

Lexus divides the upper and lower sections of the dashboard by color, supplying a two-tone effect that meets at the center stack. The color display sits on top of the dashboard and the entire stack is trimmed in aluminum. Just enough buttons, knobs, and switches are at the ready — not too many to feel cluttered, but enough to cause the driver to examine further. The Remote Touch controller requires a moderate learning curve and was frustrating at times. On the other hand, the interface in the all-new 2019 ES is much simpler and will likely find its way to a future NX.

The front seats are very comfortable and adequately bolstered. Access to the rear compartment requires lowering your head to avoid bumping it. Once inside, that space holds two adults reasonably well, but if you’re tall, then legroom becomes an issue, especially if either front seat is pushed back. In this case, the Lexus RX is the better choice for four adults. It also has a third-row option, which is ideal for carrying children.

Storage space is small, measuring just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The competing Acura RDX offers 31.1/79.8 cubic feet of storage space, while the Cadillac XT4 splits the advantage with 22.5/48.9 cubic feet of space.

2019 Lexus NX

2019 Lexus NX

Safety & Technology

There is some very good news on the tech front this year, at least for models built after Oct. 1, 2018. Both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality are included. As for Google Android Auto? Not yet. We expect Toyota/Lexus to add this feature sometime in 2020. But we can’t say it’ll be included retroactively for existing models.

Managing most interior functions requires using the Remote Touch controller found between the seats near the stick shift lever. It is a one-finger-touch controller that acts very much like a mouse — you simply need to hover over the correct command to activate same. On paper, this isn’t all that difficult. In reality, it can sometimes prove frustrating, even distracting. You should familiarize yourself with its workings before you hit the road.

The standard 8-speaker audio system delivers excellent sound and works with the 8-inch screen. All models come with Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity. HD Radio and Siri Eyes Free are also included. A navigation system is available and comes bundled with other multimedia improvements, including a 10.3-inch color split-screen display and a 10-speaker audio system.

As for safety features, Lexus goes beyond the universally standard rear-view monitor to include a suite of driver-assist items. Beginning with automatic high beams, Lexus bundles a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control with full stop. Also available is blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

2019 Lexus NX

On the Road

Under the hood of every NX model (except for the hybrid) is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. This engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. In a world where 8-speed automatic transmissions are commonplace, the NX relies on six forward gears. We expect that’ll change when a new model arrives next year.

The NX isn’t especially fast off the line and turbo lag is noticeable, but that’s not much of a deterrent. We found the NX performs best on the highway as it throws down ample passing power as needed.

The steering is evenly weighted and agile. You’ll be able to swing into an empty parking lot with ease and exit the same. On the highway, it adds weight for a more composed feel. On twisty roads, the NX throws in some body roll, but not enough to make a difference. Choose the F Sport version with its adaptive suspension system if you desire improved handling, especially when pulling out of corners.

Play with the drive mode select (eco, normal, sport) and gear changes and throttle mapping change. Reserved exclusively for the F Sport are Sport S and Sport S+ modes, but only when equipped with the adaptive suspension system.

As for fuel efficiency, this model is rated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA-estimated 24 mpg. Keep in mind that the NX takes premium grade gasoline only.

2019 Lexus NX

Auto Trends Recommends

The Lexus NX is showing its age as it nears the end of its first generation. Nearly every competing model is newer and that means consumers have much to consider when evaluating their options.

Although not the focus of this review, the hybrid variant offers a compelling reason to consider the NX. It costs $2,400 more than the standard model, but it comes with all-wheel drive. This means it only costs $950 more than the comparable all-wheel-drive gas-powered NX, while delivering a 7 mpg edge. As fuel prices continue to rise, you’ll recover the extra cost of the hybrid quickly.

2019 Lexus NX

2019 Lexus NX 300 Specifications

  • Sticker price from $37,785
  • Price as tested: $50,893 (estimated)
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 235 horsepower @ 4,800 to 5,600 rpm
  • 258 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,650 to 4,000 rpm
  • 3.40 inches bore by 3.40 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
  • Length: 182.7 inches
  • Width: 73.6 inches
  • Height: 64.8 inches
  • Passenger volume: 71.6 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 17.7/54.6 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds (with luxury package)
  • EPA: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,940 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick (2018)
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years
  • Vehicle assembly: Kyushu, Japan

2019 Lexus NX

See Also — F Sport Fun: 2018 Lexus GS 350

Lexus NX photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Lexus NX Hybrid Shines in a Niche Segment

by 9 Comments

Compact NX is the smallest of four Lexus SUVs.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Low fuel prices haven’t halted Lexus’ advance in all things hybrid. Piggybacking on Toyota Motors’ technology, Lexus’ gas-electric vehicles currently number five model lines and soon will be joined by two 2018 models: the LC 500h coupe and the LS 500h.

Of the current models, the Lexus NX 300h is the newest. Introduced in 2015 along with the Lexus NX Turbo, this compact SUV slots below the wildly popular midsize RX, the smallest of four SUVs offered by Toyota’s luxury brand.

Where the NX Turbo relies upon a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to move this SUV, the NX Hybrid uses a normally aspirated 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors. One of the motors sends torque to the rear wheels when needed, so the NX Hybrid is standard all-wheel drive, while the gas NX offers front- and all-wheel drive choices.

2017 Lexus NX Hybrid

A recent weekly driver for Auto Trends Magazine was a 2017 Lexus NX Hybrid. Although the NX Hybrid is a mono-spec (one trim) model, several packages are available. Indeed, my test model had a base price of $39,720 (plus $975) for destination, but $15,000 in upgrades.

Those upgrades included a $4,545 luxury package — 18-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, LED daytime running lights, and a 10-way driver’s seat with lumbar support. A $1,815 navigation package also brought in a 10-speaker premium Lexus audio system. Then, for $3,900, the luxury package was upgraded to 19-inch forged wheels. Other add-ons included a power-folding rear seat, parking assist, and safety features.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Differences and Similarities

There are a number of similarities as well as differences between the standard and hybrid models. both vehicles offer distinct styling cues marked by profound body sculpting, strong character lines, a rising belt line, and a flowing roofline.

Some find the look polarizing — as if the designers went wild with a sculpting knife. Certainly, today’s Lexus style is much more evocative than ever before, playing an integral part in raising the brand’s profile. Yes, Lexus has heard that their designs were “boring” and has set out to do something about that. The result is evident, especially in the updated fascias, including the pronounced spindle grille.

The NX’s spindle grille dominates the front fascia. But there is an important distinction between gas and hybrid models. Yes, the outline is the same, but the hybrid is marked by four distinct horizontal slats with a blue highlighted Lexus logo in the middle. The gas model dispenses with the bars and employs a honey-combed design, itself marked by a black highlighted Lexus logo.

Other standout features of both models include the L-shaped accent lights, sporty headlamps, a narrow lower grille opening, huge wheel arches, a rear spoiler, and wing-like rear combination lamps. Dual exhaust ports are also present.

Wheel choices range in size from 17 to 19 inches, and include alloy wheels with both five- and 10-spoke designs. All-season tires are standard.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Take a Look Inside

The Lexus NX seats five, although four is the ideal number. There is ample head, shoulder, hip and leg room up front. The rear seat is sufficient in all four categories, but can provide tight hip and shoulder room if someone is sitting in the middle position. Tall passengers may find the sloping roofline somewhat limiting, although the bulk of the slope occurs behind the rear seat.

That said, you’ll find just 16.8 cubic feet of standard storage space. Fortunately, the battery pack is located beneath the rear seat and therefore doesn’t keep that seat from folding. And a good thing too: you’ll enjoy 53.7 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seat is folded.

A modern interior graces the NX Hybrid, dressed in NuLuxe trim. NuLuxe has the look and feel of leather, but it isn’t the real thing. Leather seats are available, but don’t immediately dismiss the imitation material — it is one of the best I’ve seen (and felt) in the industry. As for the rest of the trim, opt for the luxury package if wood trim is your requirement. Here, you’ll find linear black shadow wood as an upgrade from the usual metallic trim.

All models come with keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. Individual options include heated front seats, power folding and reclining rear seats, a power moonroof, or heated and ventilated front seats.

The front seats are very comfortable, the driver’s seat more so with the available 10-way power seat with lumbar support. Kudos to Lexus for supplying a quiet interior and a comfortable ride. If you’re a fan of the RX Series, the NX will not disappoint.

2017 Lexus NX 300h

Safety and Technology

All Lexus NX models come with a generous list of safety features. Eight standard airbags, a backup camera, Siri Eyes Free, stability control, and Lexus Enform Connect are included. You can also choose triple-beam LED headlamps, lane departure alert, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, parking assist, and a pre-collision system with radar cruise control.

When it comes to safety ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2017 Lexus NX with its Top Safety Pick+ rating, its highest score. Similarly, both the NX 200t and NX 300h garnered top five-star scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Technology and Lexus go hand in hand and the NX Hybrid delivers. You’ll find a full LCD color display in the instrument panel and you’ll also have Lexus’ touch pad to control the center stack color screen. That pad works much in the same way as a mouse. There is a learning curve present — my advice to new owners is to practice the pad while at home to avoid distractions on the road. When you grasp the system, you’ll manage the scratch pad with only minimal distraction.

An eight-speaker Lexus premium sound system is present, but you can upgrade to a 10-speaker system. The expected tech features such as Bluetooth, USB connectivity, HD Radio, traffic and weather updates (subscription), and an auxiliary audio port are also present. A Qi-compatible wireless device charger is available — just remember to remove the cover from your smartphone, otherwise it won’t work for you.
2017 Lexus NX 300h

On the Road

The NX Hybrid “rolls” differently than the gas model, using a hybrid propulsion system to get the work done. Where a six-speed automatic is paired with the gas model’s engine, Lexus employs an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with the hybrid.

You also have more horsepower to work with in the gas model — 235 hp v. 194 hp. Torque numbers are even more skewed toward the turbo — 258 pound-feet v. 152 pound-feet. Nevertheless, the hybrid delivers sufficient power when you need it.

Furthermore, the NX Hybrid offers a distinct fuel efficiency advantage, delivering 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway to the 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway of the turbo model. Importantly, the hybrid has a 7 mpg overall edge to the gas model — 31 v. 24.

For the uninformed, hybrids sometimes get a bad rap. Thought by some as generally weak alternatives to gas engines, hybrids do provide a lot of kick when you need it most — especially when passing.

As for the NX Hybrid, its toughest assignment is battling the performance boost of the turbo. Quite frankly, there is no contest there. The turbo has an edge that can’t be overcome, namely a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. As for the hybrid, a leisurely 9.1-second 0-60 mph time is offered. Again, you’re considering a hybrid for efficiency, not performance, so you’ll need to manage your expectations accordingly.

Two things to consider about this hybrid, no *most* hybrids — uninvolved steering and squishy brakes. That’s something you’ll deal with the NX Hybrid, but it shouldn’t be a surprise either — the brakes not only stop the SUV, but send kinetic energy to the lithium-ion battery pack for use later. And if you’re someone who likes to tow, the NX Hybrid has a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Compare that to the 2,000-pound capacity of the NX 200t.

Parting Thoughts

Is the NX Hybrid the best choice for you? It could be although it starts about $4,500 more than the base NX 200t. But the hybrid is all-wheel drive, thus the gap narrows to $3,000 when comparing AWD to AWD. Still, if you’re looking to get your investment back with the hybrid, you may be disappointed.

What the NX family does is to provide a sensible gateway to the Lexus brand. Several other models do likewise, including the compact CT hatchback, as well as the IS and ES sedans. All four can be had for under $40,000 and that means you can easily upgrade from Toyota or slide over from another luxury brand.

2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h
2017 Lexus NX 300h

Lexus: 1 Million Hybrid Vehicles Later

by 3 Comments

The Lexus brand is a hybrid leader, dominating the luxury segment and with plans to expand its offerings.

Luxury manufacturers typically supplement their gasoline-powered models with diesels. Lexus does offer diesels in some markets, but it relies on hybrids exclusively in North America to provide efficient models for its fleet.

This month, Lexus reached an important milestone: Toyota’s luxury brand sold its one millionth hybrid electric vehicle, an NX 300h delivered to a customer in Milan, Italy. Eleven years after delivering its first luxury hybrid, Lexus is firmly entrenched in a market few of its competitors dare to compete.

Lexus Hybrids
Head of Lexus Italy Mariano Autuori (left to right), Lexus Milan retailer Franco Spotorno, customer Aldo Pirronello, head of Lexus Europe Alain Uyttenhoven
and TMI CEO Andrea Carlucci during the hand-off ceremony for the
1 millionth Lexus hybrid sold globally, April 12, 2016.

Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050

Building hybrids is just one part of Toyota Motors’ goal to provide cleaner transportation. Indeed, the world’s largest automaker has tasked itself with six challenges to meet as part of the company’s Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 initiative. The challenges are as follows:

First, to reduce vehicle carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent by 2050 in comparison to 2010 levels. The automaker plans to achieve this goal through its next generation of vehicles, including its all-new Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle. Although not yet set in stone, Lexus will benefit from hydrogen technology just as it has from hybrids. Witness the dashing Lexus LF-FC concept introduced at Tokyo Motor Show 2015.

Second, to reduce life cycle carbon dioxide missions to zero. Going beyond the emissions created via traveling and manufacturing, the automaker has eliminating all other emissions in mind, including materials production as well as the disposal and recycling of its vehicles.

Third, to eliminate production-based emissions. The third element of Toyota’s six-part strategy is to develop and introduce low carbon dioxide technologies at its manufacturing plants. This means employing various renewable energy sources as well as incorporating hydrogen energy, something the company is currently pioneering.

Fourth, reduce water usage. The planet is facing many challenges when it comes to clean drinking water. For its part, Toyota is intent on reducing the amount of water needed in the manufacturing process, including in painting and forging. Beyond reducing water consumption, a comprehensive water purification plan will return much of that water to the earth.

Fifth, expand its recycling initiative beyond Japan. Toyota has carefully developed, implemented, and expanded its recycling efforts in its home territory, Japan. The same efficiencies the automaker has learned there, it plans to roll out across its global footprint.

Sixth, to operate and live harmoniously with nature. No doubt, the manufacturing process extracts much from the earth. For its part, Toyota is planting trees at its manufacturing plants. It has also been exploring ways to provide a more harmonious relationship with nature on a global scale. One such initiative is its Toyota Green Wave Project, designed to connect regions with green corridors.

Lexus Hybrids

As for its current hybrid efforts dating to the sale of a Lexus RX 400h in 2005, the company claims a number of firsts in the luxury sphere.

In 2006 the first hybrid luxury sedan, the GS 450h rolled out and was followed the next year by the LS 600h, what it describes as the most powerful luxury hybrid sedan. In 2009, the first luxury compact model, the HS 250h, was introduced and was followed by the CT 200h, the ES 300h, and then by three other models: IS 300h, GS 300h, and the NX 300h. The latest model to roll out is the RC 300h sports coupe, introduced at the close of 2015.

Although North America is the largest market for Lexus hybrids with just over one in three models sold there, Europe has taken to hybrids in a big way. Indeed, in 2015, Lexus hybrid sales in Europe topped North American sales. Japan is also a big market, accounting for 22.5 percent of all Lexus hybrids sold.

The RX Hybrid is Lexus’ best selling model too, with more than 335,000 sold since its 2005 introduction. Other strong sellers include the CT and ES lines. Notably, the GS line is the only one offering customers a pair of powertrain options: GS 300h and GS 450h.

The Lexus Hybrid Advantage

As for the one millionth customer, Aldo Pirronello, he expressed surprise and honor when he learned his 300h purchase enabled Lexus to reach this important milestone.

Said Pirronello, “This is my first Lexus. I chose this brand because I really value it. When I saw the new Lexus NX 300h, I was immediately captured by its design, and of course the hybrid technology made me enthusiastic.”

With 10 hybrid models available, Lexus has no plans to stop there. In comments offered related to reaching the hybrid milestone, Tokuo Fukuichi, president of Lexus International shared that “more are on the way” and hybrids will play a key role in helping the company reach its “ambitious environmental goals for 2050.”

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.

13 Top Fuel Efficient 2015 Models by Category

by Leave a Comment

Lexus NX fuel efficient hybrid.

The 300h is the hybrid variant for the Lexus NX.

With gasoline prices trending somewhere below $2.50 per gallon, the rush to fuel-efficient vehicles has certainly come to a grinding halt. On the other hand, demand for pickup trucks, large utility vehicles and other less-efficient models has soared.

Even though pump prices have eased, some drivers continue to search for new cars that offer excellent fuel economy, perhaps because they know that long-term fuel prices will only rise. Indeed, if you have long term ownership in mind, you need to consider prospective fuel and auto trends when exploring your purchase options.

The following list represents today’s top fuel economy cars, trucks, utility vehicles, and wagons by category. For this Auto Trends has included standard hybrid models, but removed plug-in hybrids and other electrified vehicles that skew the numbers.

1. Large Cars — The Ford C-MAX is categorized as a large car even though its chassis is based on the compact Ford Focus. In the federal government’s odd vehicle measuring criteria, it is interior room that dictates space. This five-passenger, front-wheel drive wagon-like model is EPA-rated at 42 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway for a combined 40 mpg. For a bona fide large car, you can choose a Toyota Avalon Hybrid and enjoy the same combined 40 mpg as the small Ford.

Toyota Prius fuel efficient hybrid2. Midsize Cars — The Toyota Prius has a large interior, room for five and is front-wheel drive. It is the best known of all hybrid vehicles and the most efficient of them all. To that end, Toyota takes a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gasoline and pairs it with a hybrid drivetrain. This Toyota is EPA-rated at 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway for a combined 50 mpg. (Pictured: the PHEV version).

3. Compact Cars — The Toyota Prius C is a compact version of the larger Prius and is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid drivetrain. This hatchback seats up to five and is EPA-rated at 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway for a combined 50 mpg.

4. Subcompact Cars — A gasoline-only vehicle leads this segment, a Ford Fiesta SFE model powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged, three-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This five-passenger Fiesta is EPA-rated at 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway for a combined 36 mpg. Incidentally, you can also opt for an Audi A3 outfitted with a turbo-diesel engine to equal the Fiesta’s fuel economy.

5. Minicompact Cars — Cars in this segment are the smallest on the road and include the three-passenger, Scion iQ. The front-wheel drive iQ is powered by a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission.This model is EPA-rated at 36 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway for a combined 37 mpg.

6. Two-Seater Cars — The EPA has a category for two-seat cars that includes vehicles of varying sizes. The most fuel efficient car here is the Honda CR-Z, a hybrid model powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and paired with a continuously variable transmission. This Honda is EPA-rated at 36 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 37 mpg.

7. Midsize Station Wagons — There are very few wagons on the market. The Toyota Prius V is one such model, the largest of all Prius models. It is a hybrid vehicle with 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. This roomy five-passenger model is EPA-rated at 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg.

8. Small Station Wagons — Can the Honda Fit possibly be categorized as a small station wagon? Well, that’s exactly what the EPA has done with this five-door hatchback. The Honda Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. It is EPA-rated at 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway for a combined 36 mpg.

Honda Fit fuel efficient vehicle

9. Minivans — What category seems to defy its name? That probably would be minivans, comprised mostly of medium-sized models. One exception is the six-passenger Mazda 5, powered by a 2.5-liter, four cylinder engine and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This model is EPA-rated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined 24 mpg.

10. Medium Sport Utility Vehicle — Sport utility vehicles typically do not get good gas mileage, but the exception is found in smaller models or with hybrids. In the medium SUV category. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is EPA-rated at 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined 28 mpg.

11. Small Sport Utility Vehicle — The most fuel-efficient small SUV is a luxury model, a Lexus NX 300h front-wheel drive hybrid. This model is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Seating five, the NX 300h is EPA-rated at 35 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for a combined 33 mpg.

12. Standard Pickup Trucks — Ford may have a lightweight, aluminum-bodied truck in the F-150, but it is a Ram 1500 HFE 2WD model that is the most efficient in this segment. That truck is powered by a 3.0-liter, turbo-diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is EPA-rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for a combined 24 mpg.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado fuel efficient truck.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado.

13. Small Pickup Trucks — Small trucks are not as fuel-efficient as some would like, despite offering standard four-cylinder engines. Several models, including the Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are tied in this segment, making a combined 22 mpg. The good news is that an upcoming turbodiesel for GMC and Chevrolet should boost fuel economy by about 20 percent when that engine comes out in 2016.

Fuel Efficient Tips

Official fuel economy numbers aside, you can maximize your efficiency in several ways, including avoiding jackrabbit starts and hard breaking, and by keeping your tires properly inflated. Use cruise control on the highway when road conditions are dry and you can increase your efficiency further.