If you drive every day, you know the nervousness of filling up your car and watching the price tick up. Everyone wants to save money when they pull into the gas station, and finding the right car with the best possible gas mileage can keep you from dreading the pump.
There are a lot of great deals out there, but what is the best option for you? Here are some of the best cars on the market for fuel economy.
1. Toyota Prius
You have to start a conversation about the best fuel-efficient cars on the market with the famous Prius. Arguably the king of saving money at the pump, this hybrid broke the mold for future hybrids. It is still affordable as well.
The base model will get you a combined 57 miles per gallon. Of course, there are the plug-in and all-electric models, but we are leaving those models out for this conversation. The sticker price on the base model is under $30,000.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi made the Mirage so affordable and fuel-efficient that almost anyone can afford one of these compact cars. They are small, but they are cool-looking, and the 2024 model starts at an affordable $17,955. One of the cheapest new cars on the market, they are perfect for commuters, averaging around 38 miles per gallon.
3. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai is quickly becoming one of the leaders in performance and safety. One of the few companies to offer a 10-year 100,00 warranty on their vehicles, it’s safe to say they know what they are doing. The Elantra has a couple of options, but the most popular is the SEL model. It has a 2.0-litre engine and front-wheel drive that can average 40 miles per gallon on the freeway and just over 30 on the street. Not bad for a price tag of $24,725.
4. Honda Civic
Honda Civics are everywhere—they often feel like the most driven car on the road today. It could be because they are known for being affordable, reliable, and great gas savers. For the base model, you can drive one off the lot for $23,950 and enjoy fuel efficiency in the upper 30 miles per gallon. If you really want to be impressed, check out the 2024 hybrid model.
5. Kia Rio
Like Hyundai, Kia is becoming more and more popular in America due to their affordable and reliable product. The South Korean company has been selling its compact car, the Rio, for several years, and it’s only getting more popular. I can see why—the popular IVT model is under $18,000, has four doors, and can get miles per gallon up in the 40s. This could be the perfect car for a first-time buyer or college student.
6. Toyota Corolla
Get used to seeing Toyota models on the list of fuel-smart cars. Toyota definitely aims to save their drivers gas money. The Corolla is no exception. A compact car that is fun to drive, the base model will get up to 45 miles per gallon on the freeway. That base model will only cost you $22,050. Upgrading to a hybrid or all-wheel drive model could stretch your miles per gallon closer to 50.
7. Nissan Versa
Nissan’s compact economy car may be small, but it is far from boring. Buyers love the Nissan Versa for many reasons other than its affordable price tag and great gas-saving abilities. Drivers say the car is quite spacious inside. Choose from a couple of different trims; all will keep your wallet happy. The base model comes in at under $17,000 and can get 35 miles to the gallon.
8. Volkswagen Jetta
You know you will be safe behind the wheel of a Volkswagen, but now you know you will be saving money as well. The German brand has been selling Jettas for years, and a new one will only set you back about $22,660. That is a fantastic deal for a safe car that will net an incredible 35 miles per gallon.
9. Kia Forte
Another home run out of South Korea from Kia is the Forte. A step up in size from the Rio, the Forte offers four different trim options. The most popular is the LXS IVT, which has a 2.0-litre engine, front-wheel drive, and the ability to rack up 39 miles per gallon on the highway. All of this for a price of just over $21,000. Get yourself to a Kia dealership soon!
10. Nissan Sentra
Speaking of stepping up, like the Kia Forte, the Sentra is a step up from its compact cousin, the Nissan Versa. The Nissan Sentra has been around for 40 years—you don’t make it that long without doing something right.
The Sentra has always prided itself on its affordability and fuel economy. Well, nothing has changed, and they have done it again. For just a little over $22,000, you can have a new Sentra and know you will be saving money as it will get 40 miles to the gallon on highway driving.
11. Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is an iconic ride. There is nothing else like them on the road, and despite being called Mini, the car is quite spacious. Imagine cruising through the city or to the beach with the roof down, feeling the wind in your hair, without a care in the world because you’re averaging 31 miles per gallon, and it will cost you under $26,000.
12. Honda Accord
Honda has been offering this mid-sized sedan for decades, and the car keeps getting better. The newest models come in many trims, but the EX is the best one for fuel economy. It has a turbo engine and front-wheel drive that will get an estimated 37 miles per gallon on the highway. That can be yours for just over $30,000. They are offered in hybrids as well if you want to bump that fuel economy up.
13. Toyota Camry
Toyota is obviously killing the game when it comes to fuel efficiency. The Camry is no exception. This full-size sedan will offer you all the comfort of a bigger ride with the peace of mind knowing you won’t break the bank every time you fill up. The sedan can get combined miles per gallon in the forties. Higher if you opt for the hybrid model, but the base Camry will come with a price tag of $27,415.
14. Nissan Altima
Nissan is stepping up their fuel efficiency in every aspect of their cars. We already talked about the Versa and the Sentra, but the Altima needs some attention. You will need to pay more, but the larger Altima will still see miles per gallon in the upper 30s. The price sits just over $27,000, making this a great deal for your next car.
15. Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai has a hybrid option and an all-engine option for the Sonata. Both thrive in the fuel-saving world. The hybrid option will net you a combined 50 miles per gallon both in the city and on the highway. The car is sleek-looking as well. You will be surprised to see the base model sits at just under $30,000. It’s a good buy if you are looking for a cool car and some savings during fill-up.