Top 11 Most Fuel-Efficient Wagons and Hatchbacks for 2014

Wagons and hatchbacks  are built to easily accommodate cargo, and these cars are prized by drivers who value versatility and utility. These vehicles are also known for offering outstanding fuel efficiency. The segment is home to some of the most frugal choices on the market.

The 11 picks that follow (our list is slightly longer than the usual 10 due to ties) are the most fuel-efficient wagons and hatchbacks for 2014. Predictably, our list is brimming with hybrids, from a pair of very affordable Hondas to a more upscale Lexus.

A couple of plug-in hybrids also 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 likely be the most fuel-efficient choices 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.

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