1st Place: 2006 Hyundai Sonata
Combined EPA Fuel Economy: 27
Powertrain: 2.4 liter, 4 cyl., 4-AT
Hyundai continues its ascent into the global automotive marketplace by building better cars and offering them at better prices equipped with better warranties. Topping the fuel economy ratings can’t hurt either, and in our recent review of the new 2006 Hyundai Sonata, which takes the blue medal ribbon in the large car category, we gave this roomy sedan high marks. But wait, you say, isn’t the Sonata a mid-size car? Not according to the EPA. If you find this distinction by the feds a dubious one, your next best bets for a big, fuel-efficient car are the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx and Toyota Avalon.
| Runners-Up |
Make and Model |
Combined MPG |
Powertrain |
| 2nd Place |
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx |
25 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Toyota Avalon |
25 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| 3rd Place |
Chevrolet Impala |
24 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Chrysler 300 |
24 |
2.7 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Ford Five Hundred |
24 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., 6-AT |
| |
Hyundai Sonata |
24 |
3.3 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Mercury Montego |
24 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., 6-AT |
| 4th Place |
Ford Five Hundred |
23 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., CVT |
| |
Mercury Montego |
23 |
3.0 liter, 6 cyl., CVT |
| 5th Place |
Buick Lucerne |
22 |
3.8 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Chevrolet Impala |
22 |
3.9 liter, 6 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Chevrolet Impala SS |
22 |
5.3 liter, 8 cyl., 4-AT |
| |
Chrysler 300 |
22 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
| |
Dodge Charger |
22 |
3.5 liter, 6 cyl., 5-AT |
|
