- Cars
- MY2012
Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2012
The most efficient 2012 car is the Toyota Prius c (1.5 L · FWD) at 50 MPG combined, 26 MPG above the median car (24 MPG) among the 169 cars ranked. The Toyota Prius c costs about $1,320 a year to fuel, $1,700 less than the median car ($3,020).
The top 10 run from 50 MPG to 37 MPG. Each model is listed once, with its best qualifying configuration named in the row; models with the same displayed value share a rank.
Best combined
50MPG
Toyota Prius c
Median model
24MPG
169 models
Top-10 median
41MPG
Models ranked
169
one row per model
Full ranking
Showing the top 50 of 169 models. Every column is sortable.
| 1 |  | 50 | 53 | 46 | $1,320 | +26 |
| 2 |  | 48 | 49 | 46 | $1,370 | +24 |
| 3 |  | 44 | 43 | 44 | $1,500 | +20 |
| 4 |  | 42 | 43 | 40 | $1,570 | +18 |
| 5 |  | 41 | 40 | 42 | $1,590 | +17 |
| 5 |  | 41 | 43 | 39 | $1,600 | +17 |
| 7 |  | 40 | 42 | 38 | $1,630 | +16 |
| 8 |  | 38 | 41 | 35 | $1,720 | +14 |
| 8 |  | 38 | 41 | 35 | $1,720 | +14 |
| 10 |  | 37 | 36 | 37 | $1,780 | +13 |
| 11 |  | 36 | 34 | 39 | $1,810 | +12 |
| 11 |  | 36 | 34 | 38 | $1,810 | +12 |
| 11 |  | 36 | 34 | 38 | $1,820 | +12 |
| 11 |  | 36 | 34 | 38 | $2,230 | +12 |
| 15 |  | 34 | 35 | 33 | $1,930 | +10 |
| 15 |  | 34 | 30 | 40 | $2,760 | +10 |
| 17 |  | 33 | 30 | 37 | $1,990 | +9 |
| 17 |  | 33 | 30 | 36 | $2,000 | +9 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 28 | 40 | $2,010 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 29 | 38 | $2,010 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 28 | 38 | $2,030 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 28 | 37 | $2,040 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 28 | 38 | $2,040 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 29 | 37 | $2,040 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 28 | 39 | $2,040 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 28 | 39 | $2,050 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 30 | 37 | $2,480 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 29 | 36 | $2,520 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 29 | 39 | $2,920 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 29 | 39 | $2,920 | +8 |
| 19 |  | 32 | 29 | 37 | $2,950 | +8 |
| 32 |  | 31 | 27 | 37 | $2,100 | +7 |
| 32 |  | 31 | 29 | 34 | $2,100 | +7 |
| 32 |  | 31 | 28 | 35 | $2,110 | +7 |
| 35 |  | 30 | 27 | 35 | $2,180 | +6 |
| 35 |  | 30 | 27 | 35 | $2,200 | +6 |
| 35 |  | 30 | 27 | 34 | $2,690 | +6 |
| 35 |  | 30 | 27 | 34 | $2,690 | +6 |
| 35 |  | 30 | 27 | 34 | $2,690 | +6 |
| 40 |  | 29 | 27 | 33 | $2,220 | +5 |
| 40 |  | 29 | 26 | 34 | $2,240 | +5 |
| 40 |  | 29 | 27 | 33 | $2,250 | +5 |
| 40 |  | 29 | 26 | 32 | $2,290 | +5 |
| 40 |  | 29 | 27 | 32 | $2,780 | +5 |
| 40 |  | 29 | 27 | 31 | $2,810 | +5 |
| 46 |  | 28 | 25 | 33 | $2,300 | +4 |
| 46 |  | 28 | 24 | 35 | $2,320 | +4 |
| 46 |  | 28 | 24 | 35 | $2,320 | +4 |
| 46 |  | 28 | 26 | 31 | $2,330 | +4 |
| 46 |  | 28 | 26 | 30 | $2,330 | +4 |
How this list is built
Every line below is read from the list definition that produced the table.
- Classes: Small cars, Midsize cars, Large cars, Wagons, Two-seaters.
- Powertrains: Gas, Hybrid, Diesel.
- Ranked by EPA combined MPG, highest first.
- One row per model (make and model): the configuration that ranks best in this list is shown, with its trim, engine and drive named in the row.
- Ties are decided on the displayed value (whole MPG or miles, kWh per 100 miles to one decimal, cost rounded to $10): tied models share a rank, then are ordered by a tie-breaker and by name.
- Special-purpose vehicles, such as heavy-duty variants, are excluded.
- Electric vehicles are ranked separately (see the EV rankings): gas, hybrid and diesel MPG is never mixed with MPGe.
- Annual cost assumes 15,000 miles a year at the EPA rating and the dated national fuel prices stamped below; it is rounded to $10 and all differences use the rounded values.
- Model years MY2000 to MY2027; a year is listed only when at least 10 models qualify.
Data and period
- EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026
- Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. average, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh)
- 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway
Frequently asked questions
Which 2012 car gets the best gas mileage?
The most efficient 2012 car is the Toyota Prius c (1.5 L · FWD) at 50 MPG combined, 26 MPG above the median car (24 MPG) among the 169 cars ranked. The Toyota Prius c costs about $1,320 a year to fuel, $1,700 less than the median car ($3,020).
How much does the Toyota Prius c cost to fuel per year?
About $1,320 a year at 15,000 miles a year, using the prices stamped at the bottom of this page. The median car in this list costs $3,020 a year.
How many cars are ranked for 2012?
169 models qualify, one row each. The median is 24 MPG, and the top 10 run from 50 MPG to 37 MPG.
How are ties, trims and drivetrains handled?
Each model appears once, with the configuration that ranks best in this list; its trim, engine and drive are named in the row. Models with the same displayed value share a rank (1, 2, 2, 4) and are then ordered by a tie-breaker and by name. See the methodology.
Are electric cars and plug-in hybrids included?
Not in this list. MPG rankings cover gas, hybrid and diesel models only. Electric cars are ranked in EV range and EV efficiency, and plug-in hybrids in electric range.
What does combined MPG mean?
EPA's combined rating blends 55% city and 45% highway driving. It comes from standardized laboratory tests, so your results will differ with driving style, weather and load. See the methodology.