Seven Exciting Vehicles That Offer Exceptional Fuel Economy

Many people have specific criteria for choosing the ideal used vehicle. While some drivers prefer luxury items and performance that generates excitement, others are far more pragmatic with what they seek. The pragmatic driver looks for safety features, quality, and fuel economy. Now, what if there were vehicles that exhibited excitement and practicality? Good news—there are.

Here at DePaula Ford, we’ve searched our inventory and consulted our experts. Drivers looking for used cars for sale near Colonie will be impressed with what we’ve found. We’ve compiled a list of common pre-owned vehicles that offer exceptional fuel economy and generate plenty of excitement. They all provide powertrains that help you save money at the pump, and are loaded with features that bolster connectivity and entertainment.

#1 – Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion was one of the last sedans manufactured by the Blue Oval, and finding a used model is relatively easy. The hybrid variation of the 2020 Ford Fusion (the final model year) benefits from an exciting design with an infotainment screen that keeps drivers in Colonie connected to their favorite apps and technologies. The EPA estimates from 2020 were highly favorable. Drivers can expect to achieve 43 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, for 42 MPG combined. A used Ford Fusion Hybrid is ideal for daily commutes and weekend getaways.

#2 – Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Discussing fuel-efficient compact sedans without bringing up the Toyota Prius is impossible. As the world’s first hybrid vehicle produced on a massive scale, the Prius has been changing how people view fuel efficiency since it hit American shores in 2000. And while the Prius was long considered anything but exciting, that changed in 2023. The redesigned Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (also known as the Prius Prime before 2025) features a sharp exterior design, a refined interior, and abundant standard safety features. Drivers in Colonie will love the powertrain, which offers incredible fuel economy and serious power. The PHEV is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, offering 127 MPGe and 220 hp. Toyota’s PHEV also provides 45 miles of electric-only driving, which is great for short trips around town.

#3 – Hyundai Santa Cruz

We go from sedans to another popular vehicle class, the pickup truck. Many drivers in Colonie favor trucks for their versatility, prowess, and capability. While trucks aren’t usually considered fuel-efficient vehicles, the emergence of the Hyundai Santa Cruz has forever altered that image for many drivers. Introduced in 2022, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers all the advantages of its domestic counterparts on a smaller scale.

Hyundai’s pickup offers a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and can be equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed transmission for solid fuel economy. EPA testing saw FWD models of the 2022 Santa Cruz achieve 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for 23 MPG combined—not as good as a hybrid sedan, but not bad for a pickup. Hyundai’s pickup also features a unique exterior design that distinguishes it from its competitors. In addition to its performance and fuel economy, Hyundai’s pickup features an immersive infotainment screen and plenty of safety features. It also sells at a much lower price than some of its domestically produced counterparts.

#4 – Ford Maverick Hybrid

No brand is more synonymous with pickup trucks than Ford. The F-150 and Ranger are examples of Ford’s unwavering determination to give drivers the best. The Maverick is a relative newcomer to the Ford truck fleet, a compact pickup that offers the same incredible performance as its older siblings and surpasses fuel economy expectations. Introduced in 2022, the Maverick has an available hybrid powertrain that produces 191 hp and is paired with a CVT.

A 2022 Ford Maverick with this particular combination achieves 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, for 37 MPG combined. Colonie drivers who love the prowess and performance of a Ford truck but are also looking for an economical means of transport can’t go wrong with a used Maverick.

#5 – Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

In addition to the brand’s dedication to making a better pickup truck, Ford has helped ensure the SUV’s continued popularity. The popularity of the compact SUV, as we know it, might never have occurred had it not been for the Ford Escape, which debuted in 2001. The Escape proved to be just as capable as larger SUVs, and remains an exciting compact offering in its class.

The PHEV version of the Escape arrived in 2020 and provides the performance that’s always been associated with Ford, with exceptional fuel economy. A used Escape Plug-In Hybrid is an excellent choice for family-oriented drivers who live in Colonie. A 2.5L four-cylinder engine equipped with electric motors produces 221 hp. EPA testing saw the 2020 Escape achieve a remarkable 102 MPGe, and 37 miles of electric-only driving make the Escape PHEV great at short commutes without using any fuel whatsoever.

#6 – Ford Mustang Mach-E

If you’re looking for an exciting used SUV that can help you bypass the pump entirely, consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Introduced in 2021, the Mach-E, an all-electric SUV, provides incredible range and performance that surpasses expectations. The Mach-E comes with everything Colonie drivers want, and then some. Exhibiting the exhilarating traits of the Mustang sports car and having the ability to go long distances on a single charge make the Mach-E one of a kind.

Performance and range depend on the configuration. The Mach E offers up to 480 hp, more than enough to fulfill your dreams of being a race car driver. With an estimated range of up to 320 miles on a single charge, you’ll have no trouble taking the road trip you’ve always wanted to. Besides its incredible performance, the Mustang Mach-E provides plenty of practicality and tech-savviness. It offers 59.7 cu.ft. of storage in the back plus a 4.7 cu.ft. “frunk” up front, and all trims have a 15.5-inch infotainment screen to ensure connectivity.

#7 – Toyota Camry Hybrid

The most popular sedan among commuters, the Toyota Camry is an instant crowd pleaser at any dealership. The Camry comes in various trims that provide plenty of luxury and comfort, and the introduction of a hybrid version in 2007 saw Toyota’s flagship product deliver fuel economy that matches its excitement. The updated 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 208 hp. EPA rankings are nothing short of extraordinary. The 2021 Camry Hybrid can achieve 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway, for 52 MPG combined. Combined with Toyota’s reputation for sustainability and safety, these specs make a used Camry an excellent investment for drivers in Colonie.

Fuel Efficiency and Fun Can Coexist With Each Other

Colonie drivers looking for a used car, truck, or SUV with plenty of excitement and fuel economy can shop our selection here at DePaula Ford. We offer used sedans like the Fusion, Prius, and Camry, which are highly effective at tackling the daily commute and inexpensive to insure. Pre-owned trucks like the Maverick and Santa Cruz offer exceptional fuel economy and can assist drivers with towing, off-roading, and other activities at which the vehicle class is proficient.

Family-oriented drivers in Colonie can shop our selection of used fuel-efficient SUVs. Models like the Escape are great for young families who are always on the go and need a fuel-efficient model with plenty of standard safety features. Of course, for those who enjoy a little more kick in their commute while bypassing the pump altogether, a Mustang Mach-E can give you a thrilling and economical experience.

Fuel efficiency and excitement can certainly coexist with one another. Take the trip from Colonie to see us and let us help you find the used vehicle that gives your life efficiency and excitement on equal footing.