With gas prices soaring to all-time highs, many folks are shopping for new vehicles to maximize their fuel economy potential. Not too long ago, the most ideal hybrid vehicle one could buy was the Toyota Prius. However, with many other companies turning eyes to electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and super-efficient standard hybrids, there are a ton of options to turn to. However, only one non-plug-in hybrid vehicle eclipses the elusive 60-mile-per-gallon mark. Surprisingly, it isn’t a Prius.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue gets an astonishing 60 mpg highway
According to the EPA, the only vehicle to eclipse the ever-elusive 60 mpg threshold is the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue. Though there is plenty of competition in the 50 mpg plus range, the Ioniq Hybrid Blue stands out as the ultimate hybrid in the game.
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue gets an astonishing 58 mpg city rating, too. So, the combined EPA rating is 59 miles per gallon. For a modern car with plenty of amenities that doesn’t require charging, that is an absolutely astonishing number.
The only close competition is the 2022 Toyota Prius Eco, which matches the Ioniq’s 58 mpg city rating. However, it falls short with a highway rating of “just” 53 mpg. That means the second-best performing 2022 hybrid vehicle lands on a 56 mpg combined rating, a full three mpg behind the Ioniq. When it comes to highway mpg competition, the only close competitors are also Hyundai vehicles. Clearly, Hyundai has the hybrid game figured out.
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue achieves this remarkable feat of fuel economy by using Hyundai’s Blue Drive hybrid technology. Blue drive is a suite of technologies that include a smart start/stop engine system, a variable alternator charging system, electric power steering, and ultra-low roll resistance tires. Together, these features work to lighten the load on the engine as much as possible to maximize fuel economy. Clearly, it’s working out quite nicely!
Because of this remarkable fuel efficiency, the EPA estimates that Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue owners save a whopping $7,750 on fuel over the course of five years as compared to the average 2022 model year vehicle. That’s over $1,500 a year in savings.
Unfortunately, Hyundai discontinued the Ioniq Hybrid
Sadly, with the release of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, the hybrid brother is no longer being produced. So, if you’re after one of these extreme fuel economy heroes, you’ll have to shop the used market.
Fortunately, when buying a certified pre-owned Hyundai vehicle, the company honors the remarkable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. So, you’re free to take your 60 mpg wonder on as many summer road trips as your heart desires. Pour on the miles with peace of mind in knowing that if anything happens, your CPO Ioniq Hybrid Blue is under warranty!
Of course, if you can’t get your hands on the Ioniq or it isn’t quite the right fit for you, Hyundai’s Blue Drive technology can be found on other models, too. The Sonata sedan and Tuscon compact SUV are also both available in Blue Drive format for maximum fuel efficiency.
So, sadly, it seems that the 2023 model year will no longer net a vehicle that has a 60 mpg fuel economy rating. As usual, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
Keep scrolling to see more super fuel-efficient vehicles!
RELATED: 4 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Toyota Prius, Not a Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
