For most drivers, the most useful measure of fuel efficiency is combined mileage, which is based on miles-per-gallon ratings for both city and highway travel. But for those drivers who spend most of their time on the freeway, highway mileage is of paramount importance.
The 11 picks that follow (our list is longer than the usual 10 due to ties) are the sedans with the best highway fuel economy for 2014. The list is loaded with hybrids, and includes models like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. Our lineup also features diesel models like the BMW 3 Series Diesel and the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel.
Note that electric cars are excluded since their limited range makes them impractical choices for many shoppers. Many models on our list offer a range of gas-only powertrains, and in these cases, rankings are based on each model's gas-only powertrain with the best highway mileage. To arrive at our rankings, we utilized the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) miles-per-gallon ratings for highway travel.
1. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid — 48 mpg highway
2. Ford Fusion Hybrid — 47 mpg highway
3. Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid — 46 mpg highway (tie)
Honda Accord Hybrid — 46 mpg highway (tie)
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel — 46 mpg highway (tie)
4. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid — 45 mpg highway (tie)
BMW 3 Series Diesel — 45 mpg highway (tie)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel — 45 mpg highway (tie)
5. Volkswagen Passat Diesel — 43 mpg highway
6. Toyota Corolla — 42 mpg highway (tie)
Volkswagen Jetta Diesel — 42 mpg highway (tie)
