Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans for 2014

Strong fuel economy continues to be an attribute that car shoppers value highly. Car manufacturers understand this, and have been making a solid effort to meet this demand with quality vehicles. These days, sedan buyers interested in keeping things frugal at the pump have a wide range of choices.

The 10 picks shown below are the most fuel-efficient sedans for 2014. Many manufacturers have been adding hybrid versions of popular models to their fleets, and our list reflects this. For 2014 — as was the case last year — our list is comprised entirely of hybrid models.

Our list runs the gamut from luxury models like the Lexus ES 300h to more modestly priced choices like the Honda Accord Hybrid. A couple of plug-in hybrids also make the cut: the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid and the 2014 Ford Fusion Energi. Initially, both these models travel solely on electric power — the Accord Hybrid for 15-20 miles, and the Fusion Energi for 20 miles. After that, they function like regular hybrids. With both these models, the fuel efficiency rating shown doesn't include miles driven on electric-only power. If these miles were included, both plug-ins would likely be the most fuel-efficient choices on our list.

One model that is conspicuous in its absence is the Toyota Prius. The reason is that the car's useful rear hatch makes it more of a hatchback than a sedan . The Prius makes an appearance on our "Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Hatchbacks and Wagons" list.

Note that electric cars are excluded from this list. Their limited range and a lack of charging stations make these cars impractical for many buyers. Most buyers are not likely to cross-shop them with the hybrids listed below.

Each vehicle's placement on our list is determined by its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) combined fuel economy rating. The EPA's combined fuel economy rating is based on miles-per-gallon ratings for city and highway travel, using the following formula: 55 percent of city mpg rating plus 45 percent of highway mpg rating.

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   1. Honda Accord Hybrid — 47 mpg combined (50 city/45 highway)