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Which Toyota is the most economical?

The Toyota Prius is generally the most economical Toyota in terms of fuel economy, especially among non-plug-in hybrids. For those able to charge regularly, plug-in options and electric models can offer even lower energy costs per mile.


The question of economy depends on how you measure it—gasoline miles per gallon (MPG), mpg-equivalent (MPGe) for plug-ins, or total ownership costs including electricity and maintenance. This article surveys Toyota's current lineup to identify the leaders in efficiency and how drivers can maximize savings.


Measuring economy in Toyota's lineup


Fuel economy ratings come from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and vary by model year, drivetrain (front- or all-wheel drive), and wheel size. Hybrids typically report MPG, while plug-in hybrids and all-electric models use MPGe or provided electric-range numbers. Real-world results depend on driving conditions, climate control usage, and how often the vehicle is charged or refueled.


Top hybrids for best fuel economy


These hybrid models are the ones most often recognized for delivering the highest efficiency within Toyota’s current lineup.



  • Toyota Prius

  • Toyota Corolla Hybrid

  • Toyota Camry Hybrid


Bottom line: The Prius typically leads in pure hybrid efficiency, while the Corolla Hybrid and Camry Hybrid offer excellent efficiency with different body styles and sizes to suit varying needs.


Plug-in hybrids and electric options


Plug-in hybrids and all-electric Toyotas provide additional pathways to economy, especially for drivers who can charge regularly and have shorter daily commutes.



  • Toyota Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid)

  • Toyota bZ4X (all-electric)


Plug-in hybrids like the Prius Prime can surpass non-plug-in hybrids in daily-use energy savings when charged and operated within their electric range. All-electric models, while highly energy-efficient per mile, depend on electricity prices and charging access for their practical metrical advantage.


Summary


For the strongest fuel-economy performance in Toyota’s lineup, the Prius remains the benchmark among traditional hybrids. If you frequently charge and drive modest daily distances, the Prius Prime offers additional savings through its electric range. For those prioritizing electric propulsion, the bZ4X presents a compelling option, with economics shaped by local electricity costs and charging convenience. Ultimately, the most economical choice depends on your driving habits, charging setup, and total cost of ownership.

Which Toyota vehicle has the most gas mileage?


The highest MPG Toyota is the Toyota Mirai fuel-cell electric sedan, with an EPA-estimated 76/71 city/highway MPG, followed by the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid which can achieve up to 54/133 city/highway MPG. The traditional hybrid Prius is the next most fuel-efficient, with ratings as high as 58/53 city/highway MPG. 

  • Toyota Mirai: This fuel-cell electric vehicle is the most efficient, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 76 mpg city and 71 mpg highway. 
  • Toyota Prius Prime: As a plug-in hybrid, it has exceptional ratings: up to 54 mpg city and 133 mpg (equivalent) highway. 
  • Toyota Prius: This traditional hybrid is very fuel-efficient, with ratings of up to 58 mpg city and 53 mpg highway. 
  • Toyota Corolla Hybrid: This model offers up to 53 mpg city and 52 mpg highway. 
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid: It has an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 53 mpg highway. 
  • Toyota Crown: This hybrid sedan gets up to 42 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. 



Which is the most economical Toyota car?


The most fuel-efficient Toyota is the Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid with an EPA-estimated rating of up to 127 MPGe combined when using electric power. For traditional hybrid efficiency, the regular Prius model achieves up to 57 MPG city and 56 MPG highway. For a more conventional gasoline-powered option, the Corolla offers excellent fuel economy, especially in its hybrid versions. 
Plug-in hybrid

  • Toyota Prius Prime: Up to 127 MPGe combined, with an all-electric range of about 45 miles. 

Hybrid
  • Toyota Prius: Up to 57 MPG city and 56 MPG highway. 
  • Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Up to 53 MPG city and 46 MPG highway. 
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid: Up to 51 MPG city and 53 MPG highway. 

Gasoline
  • Toyota Corolla: Up to 32 MPG city and 41 MPG highway. 
  • Toyota RAV4: The hybrid version offers excellent fuel efficiency for an SUV, while the gasoline-only model is less efficient. 

Electric
  • Toyota bZ4X: A fully electric option that offers 119 MPGe combined. 



Which Toyota car is the cheapest to maintain?


What is the cheapest Toyota model to maintain?

  • Toyota Corolla: The Corolla is one of Toyota's most popular models, and for good reason.
  • Toyota Yaris: The Yaris is a subcompact car that is affordable to purchase and maintain.
  • Toyota Camry: The Camry is a midsize sedan that is known for its reliability and durability.



What Toyota has the least problems?


The Toyota Corolla is frequently cited as having the least problems, often described as a "bulletproof" and highly reliable car with a proven track record. Other models that are consistently ranked as very reliable include the Camry, especially earlier models like 2012-2017, and the RAV4, particularly the 2013-2018 models. For those looking for an SUV, the RAV4, 4Runner, and Sequoia are good options.
 
Sedans

  • Toyota Corolla: Often considered the most reliable Toyota, it is known for its long-term dependability and low probability of serious repairs. 
  • Toyota Camry: A very reliable sedan, particularly older models from 2012-2017, with a strong reputation for dependability. 
  • Toyota Avalon: This model is noted as being one of the longest-lasting passenger cars, often lasting over 250,000 miles. 

SUVs
  • Toyota RAV4: Highly rated for reliability, especially models from 2013-2018. The RAV4 is also noted for having a low average annual repair cost. 
  • Toyota 4Runner: A reliable option if you need a larger SUV, with a good track record for longevity. 
  • Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser: These are also noted for being long-lasting SUVs. 

Other models
  • Toyota Prius: The Prius is also recognized as a reliable and low-cost vehicle to maintain. 
  • Toyota Tundra and Sienna: Some specific models of these vehicles, particularly the previous generation Tundra and certain Sienna models, are also noted for their reliability. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.