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Top 10 Lists

The EPA recently released its list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles for 2010. Hybrid cars dominated the list, accounting for nine out of ten of the top slots. That's no surprise of course – fuel efficiency is the major draw of hybrid technology. However, what if you don't want a hybrid?

Not everyone who wants to save at the gas pump adores the look and feel of a hybrid. Add in the premium price tag that typically comes with going green, and it's easy to see why some people would shy away from the technology. Luckily, there are plenty of non-hybrid cars that are nearly as fuel-efficient as their hybrid brethren. The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars for 2010 are listed below:

2010 Smart fortwo (36 mpg combined) - Okay, chances are if you aren't interested in a hybrid, you may not be interested in the 2010 Smart fortwo. With a diminutive 3-cylinder engine, this quirky little 2-seater isn't for everyone. However, if you're looking for a zippy urban commuter that earns 33 mpg in the city, then this may be the car for you. Just don't expect to take it out on the highway for too long. 2009 model pictured.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (34 mpg combined) - The 2010 VW Jetta is one of the better non-hybrid options for those looking for a little extra room. Though it is considered a compact car, the Jetta still offers more room than most vehicles on this list. The Jetta's diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission musters 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (34 mpg combined) - The 2010 VW Golf shares the same diesel engine as the Jetta. As such, they post identical fuel ratings. The 2010 Golf hatchback is one of the sportiest and fun to drive non-hybrid gas sippers for the year.

2010 Audi A3 (34 mpg combined) - Outfitted with the same diesel technology as the VW TDIs, the 2010 Audi A3 is the most fuel-efficient upscale non-hybrid for 2010. If you want a premium fit and finish, and don't mind an MSRP that starts around $27,000, then the Audi A3 should be on your short list.

2010 MINI Cooper (32 mpg combined) - The MINI Cooper gives the VW Golf a run for its money in terms of sporty appeal. Nimble, stylish and fairly affordable, the MINI Cooper is a good choice for the eco-friendly driver that wants an extra helping of visual appeal. The 2010 MINI earns 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. For a little more cargo room, check out the 2010 MINI Clubman (31 mpg combined).

2010 Toyota Yaris (32 mpg combined) - The compact 2010 Toyota Yaris is the non-hybrid to beat when it comes to value. With a base MSRP below $13,000, only a handful of vehicles can be had for less coin. Throw in good safety ratings, room for four and a peppy engine and the Yaris is an all-around good value. The 2010 Yaris with manual transmission earns 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

2010 Honda Fit (31 mpg combined) - For those who need a little extra cargo space, the 2010 Honda Fit is a good alternative to the MINI Cooper. The 2010 Fit offers nearly twice as much cargo space, along with a similar sport-inspired appeal. Better yet, the Honda Fit can be had for much cheaper (base MSRP $15,000). The 2010 Honda Fit earns 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

2010 Kia Rio (31 mpg combined) - The 2010 Kia Rio is a vehicle that's all about economy. Beyond the stellar 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (manual transmission), the 2010 Rio also comes with a base MSRP of about $11,500. If you like the idea of bolstered safety features and don't mind driving around without a lot of bells and whistles, then the Rio is worth a look. 2009 model pictured.

2010 Hyundai Accent Blue (31 mpg combined) - The special edition 2010 Hyundai Accent Blue features a unique 5-speed manual gearbox that improves fuel efficiency on the highway. With an economical MSRP of about $10,000, this little hatchback competes ably against the Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris. Fuel efficiency is 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

2010 Chevrolet Aveo (30 mpg combined) - The Chevrolet Aveo combines 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with an introductory MSRP of $11,965 to deliver one of the best values available today in the small car market. The Aveo is available as either a sedan or hatchback.

Other Non-Hybrids That Feature Great Fuel Economy

Rounding out the list of most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars for 2010 are a handful of vehicles that offer excellent fuel economy. All of these vehicles fall into the compact vehicle segment. They include:

• 2010 Suzuki Swift X (27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)
• 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE Coupe (25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway)
• 2010 Hyundai Accent (28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)
• 2010 Nissan Versa (28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)
• 2010 Toyota Corolla (26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)
• 2010 Ford Focus (24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)

Most luxury cars these days come standard with advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology. Yep, AWD now comes standard or as an option in more and more affordable cars, CUVs and SUVs.

There are actually several reasons to consider AWD in your next new car purchase. Generally, AWD vehicles give you better safety and handling as well as the ability to drive in more inclement weather situations.

And, if you can afford AWD as well as advanced braking systems like electronic stability control (ESC), you should consider it. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates ESC will reduce crashes by as much as 34% (59% for SUVs with a great reduction in rollovers), saving between 5,000-9,000 lives and prevent around 200,000 injuries (once all light vehicles on the road are equipped with ESC).

Some car companies like Subaru are known for putting its super advanced AWD on all models. In fact, AWD has been a standard feature on American-made Subaru vehicles since 1996. Perhaps that is why Subaru is the top-selling car brand in the state of Alaska and some Alaskans are known to be die-hard Subaru enthusiasts.

So, what really is AWD and why do you need it? With his technology, all four wheels receive torque from the engine simultaneously, allowing each tire to rotate at different speeds. Independent tire rotation improves a vehicle’s overall handling and stability, making it useful in rain, snow and dry pavement.

AWD is not 4WD and it is not advised to take AWD vehicles out on unpaved roads, in mud or in deep snow. AWD systems are also not always in full AWD mode. In fact, AWD vehicles drive most of the time just as any front-wheel-drive car. With advanced AWD technology, however, engine power automatically goes to the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip.

The least expensive AWD vehicle in the U.S. car market today is the five-seat hatchback Suzuki SX4 Crossover. Priced at around $16,000, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover comes standard with a three-mode AWD system. What does this mean? The drive can choose between 2WD, 4WD Lock or 4WD Auto. In 4WD lock mode, the wheel lock together for low gear driving in snow, ice, sand and mud). The 4WD Auto mode is more versatile, allowing the driver to push power to all four wheels for extra safety and performance.

AWD comes standard or as an option on most luxury models from Audi, Volvo, Acura, Lexus, BMW, Lincoln, Infiniti, Cadillac, Porsche, VW and Mercedes-Benz.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Read more from Sheryll Alexander at Driving Smart.