Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Wagons and Hatchbacks for 2015

Don't be fooled by their relatively small footprints: Though wagons and hatchbacks are typically more compact than their crossover and SUV brethren, these vehicles deliver big-time when it comes to cargo capacity. As such, they're excellent choices for drivers seeking transportation that's cavernous yet nimble.

These vehicles are also known for being all-stars at the pump, and the segment boasts some of the most fuel-efficient models on the market. The 10 picks that follow are the most fuel-efficient wagons and hatchbacks for 2015.

Our list is green with hybrids, with three Toyotas — the Prius, Prius V and Prius C — sitting at the top of the lineup. Hybrids from Honda and Lexus are also included, along with gas-only models from Scion and Mitsubishi.

Two plug-in hybrids make the cut — the Chevrolet Volt and the Ford Fusion Energi. Initially, both these models travel solely on electric power — the Volt for 38 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 rank a lot higher on our list.

Note that electric vehicles are excluded from this list. Limited range and a lack of charging stations make these cars impractical for many drivers. Most buyers aren't likely to cross-shop them with the models 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.

Be sure to visit our Incentives and Rebates page to learn about current incentive and rebate offers before you buy. And check out our Deals of the Month page to find our picks for the best deals. You might also find the vehicle you're interested in offered through Edmunds.com's Price Promise^® program.

1. 

   1. Toyota Prius — 50 mpg combined (51 city/48 highway) (tie)