Despite falling oil prices leading to cheaper gas at the pump, prices remain relatively high. This, combined with the reality of global inflation, means every available opportunity to save money counts for your budget. To help minimize how much you spend at the pump, we've identified the most fuel-efficient family sedans to buy in 2023.
As this list is about family cars, we've only considered large and midsize sedans, which, sadly, means leaving out ultra-efficient small cars such as the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and Toyota Prius. Read on to see which 2023 cars make the cut.
10 2023 Subaru Legacy: 30 MPG
Spacious and well-equipped, the 2023 Subaru Legacy is a good option for those who want a rugged family car that handles well on any terrain.
Legacy versions with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine return an impressive 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. As you'd expect of a Subaru, all-wheel drive is a standard fitment here.
9 2023 Kia K5: 31 MPG
If you're looking for a family car with a bit more sporting pedigree, the 2023 Kia K5 is a good option. In GT guise, the K5 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 generating 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine earns 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
If you prioritize fuel economy over performance, you'll need a K5 with the base 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with front-wheel drive, this powerplant gains 27 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. Models with all-wheel drive earn 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
8 2023 Toyota Camry: 32 MPG
Given its reputation, a Toyota had to be on the most efficient cars list somewhere. And, with up to 32 mpg combined (FWD) from its 202-hp inline-4, the 2023 Camry is the first Toyota on this list. When paired with an all-wheel drive system, this powertrain returns 29 mpg combined.
As well as the 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, Toyota sells the 2023 Camry with an available 3.5-liter V6 that's good for 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The V6 returns up to 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, meaning 26 mpg combined.
7 2023 Hyundai Sonata: 32 MPG
If you're familiar with the Sonata, you'll feel inclined to make a case for this feature-rich sedan on any most economical family cars list. Its base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine returns up to 28 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined. But this is far from the only efficient powertrain on offer.
The 180-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood of the Sonata SEL Plus and Limited versions gains an equally impressive 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, while the 290-hp turbo-four in the N-Line is good for 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
6 2023 Honda Accord: 33 MPG
A long-time favorite for families, the Honda Accord enters a new generation in 2023 with a complete makeover. Underhood, though, the car remains essentially the same, especially at the base level. That means a lightly revised 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine for the LX and EX trims. Like last year, the engine makes 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque.
Although Honda hasn't released fuel economy figures quite yet, we expect the turbo-four to return the same fuel economy as the previous generation, considering it's essentially the same powertrain. That will mean up to 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined. A continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive are standard.
5 2023 Toyota Crown: 41 MPG
The Toyota Crown is an all-new, lifted sedan with a unique design, high-end interior, good headroom, and standard all-wheel drive. It is available with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated front seats, a fixed panoramic roof, and many other desirable features.
For budget-conscious consumers, what's perhaps even more desirable is the hybrid powertrain underhood the Toyota Crown XLE and Limited. The setup includes a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors that generate 236 total system horsepower and 41 mpg combined (42 mpg city, 41 mpg highway).
4 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid: 43 MPG
With its sleek profile and striking design features, the 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid is sure to win over fans and the mass public alike. But what makes it even more captivating for those who have had the luck of getting behind its wheel is the huge amount of high-quality amenities onboard. Depending on your trim of choice, the vehicle offers a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat, quilted semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and more.
Under the hood, the ES 300h is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors generating a combined 215 horsepower. Its fuel economy rating is an exceptional 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 43 mpg combined.
3 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid: 47 MPG
Yet another hybrid on this list, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors for a combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid's fuel economy is an estimated 48 mpg in the city, 47 mpg on the highway, and 47 mpg combined.
The vehicle, which is all-new for 2023, also offers a wide array of amenities, including a 12.3-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, navigation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather upholstery (Sport model has cloth).
2 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 51 MPG
If you're serious about cutting down your family car's running costs, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is about as good as it gets. Its powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor paired for 192 horsepower. In the base Blue trim, the engine returns 50 mpg in the city, 54 mpg on the highway, and 51 mpg combined. And on top of this, the ride quality is remarkably relaxed and composed.
Elsewhere, Hyundai has kept the interior design simple, clean, and high-end-like. The base model features cloth upholstery, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, a four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Stepping up to the SEL trim (47 mpg combined) gets you additional niceties such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, heated outside mirrors, and similar. The Sonata Hybrid Limited (47 mpg), for its part, adds luxuries such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear center armrest, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient interior lighting.
1 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 51 MPG
Along with the Sonata Hybrid's engine, Toyota's 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powerplant is the most efficient powertrain you will find on any family car. It generates 208 horsepower while returning a remarkable 51 mpg (51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway).
Excellent fuel economy aside, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid features a comfortable and spacious cabin with loads of standard equipment, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start.