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According to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2016 Prius gets 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. This spectacular fuel economy didn't happen by accident. Toyota spent years developing technology that would improve the popular hybrid vehicle's efficiency. If you're interested in buying a car with remarkable hybrid technology, you'll want to know these four reasons the Toyota Prius offers the best fuel economy. An Aerodynamic Shape That Reduces Drag When you compare the 2015 Prius to the 2016 version, you'll immediately notice that Toyota changed the exterior slightly. While the company probably wanted to maintain the Prius's iconic shape, it also wanted to make some tweaks that would reduce drag. Those subtle changes help improve fuel efficiency by letting the car slip easily through the air. The design works so well that the 2016 Prius gets about two miles per gallon more than the 2015 model. more What you may not notice is that the 2016 model is about 2.5 cm (about an inch) lower than the 2015 Prius. The company managed to do this thanks to its Toyota New Global Architecture technology. The result is a lower center of gravity that improves handling while also lowering the car's drag coefficient. A Lithium Ion Battery Lowers the Weight 2016 is the first time that Toyota decided to use a lithium ion battery instead of a nickel metal hydride battery. This was a smart choice since lithium ion batteries are smaller and weigh less. By lowering the weight, Toyota made it possible for the Prius to drive more miles without using more power. Lithium ion batteries cost a little more than nickel metal hydride designs, but the extra expense is worth it for drivers considered about saving money at the pump. A More Rigid Body Further Reduces Weight Toyota made major revisions to the Prius's electric motor, transaxle, and other crucial components to lower the weight even more. New welding techniques made it possible to give the new Prius a rigid body that some estimate is 60 percent better than the 2015 version. A Tweaked Powertrain Improves Thermal Efficiency As the parts in a car interact, they create friction. During the process, that friction turns into heat, which then becomes lost energy the vehicle can't use. Toyota made a lot of tweaks to the Prius's powertrain over the last year and managed to lower the amount of friction (and, therefore, the amount of energy lost through heat). All car manufacturers have made significant strides in thermal engineering technology over the last few decades. It's one of the reasons that today's cars tend to get better mileage than their older cousins. Toyota, however, has really pushed this technology to a new level. The 2016 Toyota Prius proves that car manufacturers can build more efficient vehicles when they invest in new technologies. With some luck, Toyota's advances will convince other companies to take fuel efficiency more seriously in the coming years.

Shopping around for a fuel-efficient vehicle is a smart choice. With gas prices in a constant state of flux, you never know when they're going to shoot through the roof and make it difficult to afford filling up at the pump. Thanks to Toyota's innovative technologies, the automaker is offering an impressive lineup of fuel-efficient cars that make life a little easier on your wallet. 1. 2016 Toyota Corolla America's favorite car, the Corolla has a longstanding tradition of quality and value. Thanks to recent updates, the 2016 incarnation of this sporty sedan boasts a max estimate of 42 miles to the gallon on the highway. That's an impressive feat for a car of this size and style! Even the city estimate is great at 30 miles per gallon, making the Corolla the perfect car for the daily commute. The Corolla starts at just $17,230 and features user-friendly controls, generous legroom, and an impressive list of standard equipment that make it a worthwhile investment. more 2. 2016 Toyota Yaris The compact hatchback of the lineup, the 2016 Yaris is the perfect size for urban driving. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder automatic gets an impressive 33 miles per gallon in the city and 42 on the highway, which translates to a combined mpg of 37. The car is also affordable, starting at just $14,845. The 2016 Yaris is available as a three- or five-door hatchback that features Toyota's Entune infotainment system, available five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, snappy styling, and an updated interior. When you need a small car that offers a little something of everything, the Yaris is a great option. 3. 2015 Toyota Prius Debuting with a base price of $24,200, the 2015 Prius hatchback made a splash with its 48 mpg on the highway and 51 miles per gallon in the city. That's an outstanding 50 miles per gallon combined. The 2015 Prius offers a straightforward interior with a floating console, standard touchscreen, and optional E-tune system, but it's outfitted with numerous safety features that make it a solid choice for any driver. These include multiple airbags, including a driver knee airbag, rearview camera, traction and stability control, and antilock disc brakes. Other safety features such as Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications system are optional. 4. 2016 Toyota Prius C If you love the Prius but need something a little more budget-friendly, consider the 2016 Prius C. This sports car boasts 53 miles per gallon in the city and 46 on the highway. A major update from 2015 is Toyota's Safety Sense-C system, which includes lane-departure assist, a low-speed collision system, and automatic high beam assist. This system is available on the Prius C Three Deluxe Moonroof and Safety package, although it comes standard on the Prius C Four trim. There's even an exciting Persona Series that looks custom with its electric lime accents. When you need to purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market, look no further than Toyota's offerings. There's bound to be a high-efficiency vehicle that suits your family's needs. Image by Cristhian Adame from Pixabay