- Cars
- MY2022–2026
Most Fuel-Efficient Midsize Cars
The most efficient 2026 midsize car is the Toyota Prius (2.0 L · FWD) at 57 MPG combined, 27 MPG above the median midsize car (30 MPG) among the 22 midsize cars ranked. The Toyota Prius costs about $1,150 a year to fuel, $1,140 less than the median midsize car ($2,290).
The leader went from 56 MPG in MY2022 (Toyota Prius) to 57 MPG in MY2026 (Toyota Prius); the top-10 median went from 39.5 MPG to 47 MPG.
Best combined
57MPG
Toyota Prius · 2026
Median model
30MPG
2026
Models ranked
22
2026
Model years covered
5
MY2022–2026
Top 10 for 2026
| 1 |  | 57 | 57 | 56 | $1,150 | +27 |
| 2 |  | 54 | 51 | 58 | $1,220 | +24 |
| 3 |  | 51 | 52 | 49 | $1,280 | +21 |
| 4 |  | 49 | 50 | 47 | $1,330 | +19 |
| 5 |  | 48 | 51 | 44 | $1,360 | +18 |
| 6 |  | 46 | 48 | 44 | $1,730 | +16 |
| 7 |  | 41 | 42 | 41 | $1,590 | +11 |
| 8 |  | 33 | 30 | 38 | $1,960 | +3 |
| 8 |  | 33 | 29 | 39 | $1,980 | +3 |
| 10 |  | 31 | 28 | 35 | $2,620 | +1 |
Year by year: leader and top-10 median
The leader of each model year and the median of that year's top 10, both computed from the same rows as the yearly rankings. The leader's name opens that year's full ranking.
| 2026 | 57 | 47 | 22 | |
| 2025 | 57 | 42.5 | 26 | |
| 2024 | 57 | 37.5 | 29 | |
| 2023 | 57 | 37.5 | 31 | |
| 2022 | 56 | 39.5 | 33 |
Open a model year
How this list is built
Every line below is read from the list definition that produced the table.
- Classes: Midsize cars.
- 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 MY2022 to MY2026; 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 2026 midsize car gets the best gas mileage?
The most efficient 2026 midsize car is the Toyota Prius (2.0 L · FWD) at 57 MPG combined, 27 MPG above the median midsize car (30 MPG) among the 22 midsize cars ranked. The Toyota Prius costs about $1,150 a year to fuel, $1,140 less than the median midsize car ($2,290).
Which model years does this ranking cover?
MY2022 to MY2026. A year gets its own page only when at least 10 models qualify, so the pages cover 5 model years.
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.