YONKERS, NY --- The redesigned Toyota Prius remains the most fuel-efficient car consumers can buy at 44 mpg overall, according to Consumer Reports' latest tests. 

Highway fuel economy has improved to 55 mpg from 50 mpg in Consumer Reports' own fuel economy tests, but city mileage has dropped to 32 mpg from the 35 mpg of its predecessor. 

The Prius has been CR's Top Pick for Green Car in the Annual Auto Issue for the past six years, and the redesigned model received a "very good road test score of 80" in Consumer Reports' November issue. 

The new third-generation Prius has several small improvements, the magazine reported. A press release from CR said the new Prius offers a "firm, steady ride, a better driving position, and improved rear seating." 

"The redesigned Prius has several small improvements," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Conn. "It feels more substantial to drive, and still gets great fuel economy." 

Instead of testing a group of competing vehicles for the November issue, CR featured tests of several new and redesigned vehicles that are hot off the magazine's test track. In addition to the Prius, this issue also includes the redesign of the Chevrolet Equinox small SUV; the Nissan Cube wagon; the redesigned Subaru Outback wagon; and the Chrysler-based Volkswagen Routan minivan.