Check out what cars get the best gas mileage according to the EPA’s best mileage car ratings.
With gas prices on the rise (and seemingly no end in sight), many people are on the lookout for something to get them from point A to point B without too much damage to their bank account.
Here’s a short list of fuel-efficient, wallet-friendly vehicles from 2001 to 2022. (All fuel mileage data is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.) Average mpg depends on weight class and vehicle type. In 2019, the average mpg for a non-electric vehicle was 24.9.
Note: Hybrid car vehicles work by combining a traditional combustion engine with at least one electric motor. In short, the electric motor recaptures some of the energy expended by the combustion engine and the act of braking, and uses that to recharge the battery powering the electric motor. Hybrids are generally more fuel-efficient than their gas-only counterparts especially when driven to conserve fuel.
1. Mitsubishi Mirage
Since 2014, the Mirage has continued to rank as one of the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid cars. Not only is the gas tank easy on the wallet, but sticker prices aren’t bad either, considering the 2021 models starting at around $14,000.
- Combined Miles Per Gallon (MPG): 41
- City MPG: 37
- Highway MPG: 44
- Cylinders: Inline 3
- Engine Size in Liters: 1.2
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2014-2021
2. Hyundai Ioniq
One of the more popular hybrids, the Ioniq has a well-earned reputation and isn’t going to break your bank if you make the swap. Ioniqs range from $17,000 to $30,000, and are well worth the investment. As with any hybrid, it has a better mpg overall.
- Combined MPG: 58
- City MPG: 57
- Highway MPG: 59
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 1.6
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2017-2022
3. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a staple for anyone looking to improve their mpg. With hybrid and gas-only options, the Civic has something for just about anyone needing more fuel bang for their buck. If buying used, that’s even better, as its average starting price (for various years) is just over $12,000. The Honda Civic is the 2022 North American Car of the Year. Compare the Toyota Prius and the retired Honda Insight.
- Combined MPG: up to 44
- City MPG: up to 43
- Highway MPG: up to 44
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 1.5
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2012-2022
4. Chevrolet Malibu
No, not that beauty from the 60s. If you want to save money and know you have a reliable vehicle, the Malibu is still delivering, though most models before 2010 aren’t fuel-friendly; since then, though, they’ve ranged from 26 to 32 combined mpg, unless you spring for the hybrid. Even still, some models start at just under $12,000, while others are a bit higher.
- Combined MPG: up to 46 (including hybrids)
- City MPG: up to 49
- Highway MPG: up to 47
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 1.8
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2010-2022
5. Toyota Prius Eco
The Toyota Prius is among one of the most well-known vehicles for fuel efficiency in gas-only vehicles. While hybrid models are available, here are some stats for these long-standing fuel champs. Even back in 2001, these minis were running at 41 combined mpg. If you’re willing to make the switch, sticker shock shouldn’t be a factor — some earlier models of the Prius start at $3,000!
- Combined MPG: up to 56 (excluding hybrids)
- City MPG: up to 58 (excluding hybrids)
- Highway MPG: up to 53 (excluding hybrids)
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 1.8
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2001-2023
6. Lexus UX
Looking for a luxury SUV? The Lexus UX is a great place to start. Though it has a bit higher of a sticker price than the others (usually around $29,000 used), it makes up for it with its excellent mpg and a bit more leg room.
- Combined MPG: up to 42
- City MPG: up to 43
- Highway MPG: up to 41
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 2
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2019-2022
7. Kia Optima
The Kia Optima is nothing short of a go-getter. With options for gas-only, hybrid, and electric models, the choices are abundant. Since electric versions are going to be more gas-efficient, the following set of specs excludes them, (but for the curious, some of the plug-ins sit rather prettily at 103 mpg). Just as nice, you can find a non-electric model with a starting price around $13,000.
- Combined MPG: up to 42
- City MPG: up to 40
- Highway MPG: up to 45
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 2
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2013-2020
8. Subaru Crosstrek
Another SUV makes it onto this list for many reasons, but mostly for its mpg. The Crosstrek has a gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in versions. For our purpose here, we’re excluding the electric (though 90 mpg isn’t something to sneeze at!). You can snag a Crosstrek for less than $20,000.
- Combined MPG: up to 31
- City MPG: up to 29
- Highway MPG: up to 33
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 2.0
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2014-2023
9. Nissan Altima
Whether it’s an ’07 or ’22, the Altima is another car with a nice mpg option. As a mid-sized sedan, the Altima is worth the money you’re going to save in the gas tank and at the car lot, starting around $9,000.
- Combined MPG: up to 34
- City MPG: up to 35
- Highway MPG: up to 33
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 2.5
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2007-2022
10. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (AWD)
Aesthetically pleasing to many, the Rav4 Hybrid certainly is worth checking out. There is an electric version of the RAV4, the RAV4 EV, but it doesn’t stack up against other electric vehicles. For the gas-only models, the RAV4 isn’t likely to break the bank with a price tag starting around $24,000.
- Combined MPG: up to 40
- City MPG: up to 41
- Highway MPG: up to 38
- Cylinders: 4
- Engine Size in Liters: 2.5
- Transmission: CVT
- Similar Models: 2016-2022
This is not a fully comprehensive list. To compare prospective or currently owned vehicles, visit the United States Department of Energy.
First published in 2011 and rewritten in Summer 2022 to reflect the current market.
