The Environmental Protection Agency recently released its annual Fuel Economy Guide, designed to help consumers make more informed auto buying choices based upon estimated fuel costs and mileage standards for model year 2010 vehicles. What is interesting, but not surprising, to note is that nine of the top ten vehicles are hybrids.

The EPA said that for 2010 the most fuel efficient vehicle is – no surprise here – the Toyota Prius. The Prius has a 51/48 MPG city/highway rating. It is followed, in order, by these other hybrids (except for spot 8, which is the uber gas fuel efficient Smart ForTwo): Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, Honda Civic, Honda Insight, Lexus HS250h, Nissan Altima, Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner, Toyota Camary and Lexus RX450h. In the opposite direction, meanwhile, the least fuel efficient vehicle, according to the EPA, is the Lamborghini Murcielago (8/13 MPG city/highway).

image via Toyota

“Fuel economy is about both saving energy and saving money,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu in a statement. “Buying fuel efficient vehicles – like the many hybrid technologies featured in this year’s Fuel Economy Guide – helps limit carbon pollution, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce driving costs for American families.”

EPA 2010 Fuel Economy Guide [via Hybrid Cars]