2009 Fuel Economy Guide: Prius Takes #1, Again

The EPA has just published... The 2009 Fuel Economy Guide. Hybrids swept the top four spots this time, with the 2009 Toyota Prius ranking as the most fuel efficient car.
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If you're shopping for a new car next year (or wondering how much your gas-guzzling neighbors are spending on fuel), the EPA has just published your suggested reading: The 2009 Fuel Economy Guide. Hybrids swept the top four spots this time, with the 2009 Toyota Prius ranking as the most fuel efficient car for the third year in a row. The three-cylinder Smart Fortwo came in at number five, making it the most fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle.

Other standouts: Volkswagen's new diesel-powered Jettas debuted in the top ten--a sign, perhaps, of more diesels to come. According to the LA Times blog Up to Speed, the Jetta TDI is "presumptively the first of a flood of European-made diesels to hit every one of our states." Described by insiders as "50-state compliant" diesels, the new vehicles have been engineered to meet more stringent emissions standards, which allow less particulate matter and nitrogen oxide, a key ingredient for smog formation and acid rain. (Hybridcars.com has a helpful comparison of diesel pros and cons on Yahoo! Auto's Green Center.)

We've posted the EPA's top ten on The Green Life. You can also download the full guide here [PDF], or at fueleconomy.gov for a breakdown of winners by category (subcompact, compact, etc.).

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