12 Best Fuel-Efficient Cars for the Whole Family

Americans have all but abandoned subcompact cars for tiny SUVs. But Kia hasn’t given up, and its Rio, while basic in price, has sculpted good looks and loads of safety and convenience features. The back seats are small, but they’re good for kids, and the efficiency more than makes up for it. In our test drives, we found that it offered an upscale driving experience, notably for its price.

Hyundai has charted a compellingly original design identity in recent years, full of futuristic creases, sneering headlamps and interesting character lines. But it’s the Elantra’s roominess, smooth driving manners and the variety in its offerings, from unadorned to nearly luxurious, that really delights us. Our engineering pros lauded the vehicle for its practicality and efficiency.

The Accord has been so good for so long, it’s a shoo-in for any best-of list (including many years of winning a coveted spot on Good Housekeeping's Best New Family Car Awards list). But getting behind the wheel reveals its profound refinement. It’s spacious, engaging, safe and so reliable it could run long enough to pass on to the next generation. This hybrid version is also outrageously fuel efficient. Our lead tester, Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman, sums it up as "a practical and modern vehicle for a family looking for comfort and convenience but not willing to sacrifice a fun driving experience."

The Civic celebrated its 50th birthday this year, and like many of us, it has improved with age. Now in its 11th generation, it’s better than ever, combining a smooth ride and smoothly operating components with quality materials. We love the hatchback’s looks and versatility for shopping and road trips. With its refined design and comfy interior, our testers didn't mind cruising as the driver or a backseat passenger.

The design of the current Maxima dates from 2016, but its then-futuristic styling still looks muscular and unique today. The interior is elegant beyond its price and hosts easy-to-use features. And with a motor borrowed from the Z sports car, it’s a spirited performer yet also sips gas on the highway. Its attractive cabin and sharp handling, notably for a midsize sedan, left our pros impressed.

Volvo has abandoned its heritage in angular design for a refined Scandinavian modernism inside and out. But the brand retains its well-earned reputation for safety, comfort and reliability. This plug-in hybrid has 41 miles of electric range, so you can zip through errands silently and emission-free. Ultimately, we found this premium compact sedan to strike the perfect balance between style and comfort.

Giving its best-selling SUV an electric injection has proven a hit for Toyota. In our road tests, we found that not only is the Rav4 hybrid far more efficient than its gas-only sibling, but it’s also quicker. And with standard all-wheel-drive, it’s more sure-footed in all weather. A plug-in hybrid “Prime” model has 42 miles of electric range, and though its base price is $11,000 more than the regular hybrid, it may be eligible for significant local, state and federal tax credits to help offset that premium.

If the NX seems like a more upscale and refined version of the Rav4, that’s because it is, sharing much of its underpinnings with its Toyota cousin. But it offers luxurious Lexus hallmark touches like soft leather, open-pore wood, enhanced technology, a sleeker shape and a quieter ride. Our media and tech analysts loved that even the base model comes with a 10" touchscreen (the higher-end trims get a 14").

The first plug-in version of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee provides traditional brand equities like rugged looks and tenacious four-wheel-drive capability — and atypical ones like a luxurious interior that rivals upmarket Euro competitors. Our engineers appreciated that the model includes ample standard driver safety tech, but its real secret weapon is its 26 miles of electric range.

Lincoln purveys a fresh take on modern American luxury with high-quality materials, a hushed cabin and eminently comfortable seats — three rows of them (the third one is just for kids). Our pros were glad to see that the sleek exterior matched the plush interior. This plug-in hybrid foretells the brand’s electric future, providing 21 miles of range.

GM’s diesel engine offers stellar efficiency and range for a full-size SUV, without the clatter, smoke and scent associated with these motors. Our team was notably impressed by the quiet interior during test drives. The three-row Tahoe offers gobs of passenger and cargo room, a stellar ride and GM’s SuperCruise hands-free highway driving assistance system.

There’s no better family vehicle than a minivan in terms of usability, capability and features. (Does your SUV have an onboard vacuum, an intercom system or power-sliding doors?) There’s no better minivan than a Pacifica, and there is no better Pacifica than the Hybrid. End of discussion. Rothman has already dubbed 2023 "The Year of the Minivan," so get yours fast.