(November 22, 2009) Honda has the most fuel efficient fleet in the United States, followed closely by Hyundai, the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday in releasing preliminary figures for 2009.

All vehicles sold in the 2009 model year are expected to average 21.1 miles per gallon in "real world" driving, which is one-tenth of a mile better than in the 2008 model year, the Detroit News reported.

Final 2009 figures will be released next year in October or November. The preliminary numbers are based on sales data and confidential product reports and sales estimates from the companies and usually don't vary much from the final tallies, which are based on actual sales.

The EPA also released final numbers for the 2008 model year, reporting the nation's fleet improved 0.4 miles per gallon from 20.6 mpg in 2007 to 21.0 mpg.

The figures account for total vehicles sold. Detroit's Big Three, which sell proportionally larger trucks and SUVs than foreign competitors, were at the bottom. The numbers also show automakers will have to reduce emissions sharply in coming years.

Honda had a fleetwide 23.6 mpg fuel economy average in the 2009 model year. Hyundai had 23.4 mpg. Toyota, which was tied for first in 2007, slipped to third with 23.2 mpg.

Volkswagen was fourth at 22.3 mpg; while Nissan and BMW were tied for fifth at 21.6 mpg.

Detroit's Big Three finished in the last three spots. Fordwas in seventh with a 20.5 mpg; General Motors was in eighth at 19.9 mpg; and Chrysler was last at 18.7 mpg.

In the 2008 model year, GM edged Ford with a 19.7 mpg average. The Dearborn automaker had a 19.4 mpg rating and Chrysler was close behind at 19.3 mpg.