4. 2011 Mercury Milan Hybrid – 39 MPG Combined

Topping VW’s thrifty Jetta TDI is the even more miserly Mercury Milan! Hybrid versions of this high-quality sedan are most efficient. If you’re opposed to the stench of death surrounding this discontinued brand you could always go with the more popular Ford Fusion or Lincoln MKZ; they’re a lot more alive. These cars are all basically the same, but we chose the Mercury just to be different.

Under the hood rests a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s augmented by an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total horsepower delivered by the system is 191.

Where these cars really shine is in the efficiency department. They sticker at a whopping 41 miles per gallon in city driving and up to 36 on the interstate. Combined they ought to deliver 39 MPG. Not bad for a comfortable, reasonably large car.

Correction: Initially we listed this car as a 2012 model when in fact the last year for the Mercury Milan was 2011.

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