Sylvie Willis
With rising fuel costs, it is no surprise that many car buyers are looking for a vehicle that is fuel-efficient. While electric cars are an option, they may not be suitable for everyone's budget or driving needs. Therefore, a frugal gas-only, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be a great alternative. Fuel efficiency is measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and most petrol-engined cars have lower MPG ratings than diesel cars. However, as most British buyers prefer petrol and hybrid cars, there are many options available in the market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | 235.4 mpg (Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid), 100+ mpg (BMW 3 Series 330e Plug-in Hybrid), 36 mpg (Volkswagen Taos), 39 mpg (Nissan Altima), 38 mpg (Mini Cooper), 41 mpg (Volkswagen Jetta), 33 mpg (Mercedes E300 de Plug-in Hybrid), 36 mpg (Hyundai Elantra), 39 mpg (Mitsubishi Mirage), 42 mpg (Honda Civic) |
| Price | Affordable: Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Civic, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Sentra, Mini Cooper |
| Higher Price: Volkswagen Taos, Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 3 Series 330e, Toyota Prius, Hyundai Sonata | |
| Engine | Gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Diesel |
| Transmission | Automatic, Manual, CVT |
| Size | Compact, Subcompact, Midsize |
| Body Style | SUV, Sedan, Hatchback |
| Features | Modern Tech, Spacious Interior, Cargo Space, Standard Safety Features, Infotainment System |
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What You'll Learn
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars
Hybrid Vehicles
Also known as Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), these cars seamlessly blend gasoline and electric power. The electric motor system kicks in during low-speed driving and acceleration, reducing the workload on the gasoline engine and saving fuel. HEVs rely on regenerative braking and their internal combustion engines to recharge their batteries. This makes them well-suited for urban driving, especially in residential areas and cities. When it comes to choosing a hybrid vehicle, it's important to consider your driving habits and priorities. Factors such as local supply and demand will also influence the dealer's pricing flexibility.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer an extended electric-only range compared to HEVs. They achieve this through larger batteries that can be charged by plugging into an external power source, reducing reliance on gasoline. The larger battery in PHEVs allows for fully electric driving for 20 to 50 miles, depending on battery size and vehicle configuration. However, PHEVs tend to cost more upfront than HEVs and may be more expensive to insure and maintain. When considering a PHEV, it's important to ensure you have access to a suitable charging setup, whether at home or at a public charging station.
When deciding between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it's essential to understand your specific needs and driving habits. Both options offer significant fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, but PHEVs provide greater electric range and a reduced need for gasoline. On the other hand, HEVs may be more cost-effective upfront and better suited for city driving, where their regenerative braking systems can assist in recharging the battery.
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Electric cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are generally more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the average cost to fuel an electric car was $485 a year, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. Similarly, a 2020 Consumer Reports study showed that EV drivers spend about 60% less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars.
When considering an EV, it's important to look at its efficiency, measured by kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity consumed per 100 miles. The lower the kWh/100 miles rate, the better the efficiency. The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, for example, stands out with 24 kWh/100 miles, while the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a more budget-friendly option with a comparable 29 kWh/100 miles rating.
Charging an EV at home will increase your electricity bill, but the overall cost is still expected to be lower than fueling a gas-powered car. Additionally, electricity costs are generally more stable than gasoline prices. However, charging at home during off-peak hours can further reduce costs.
Some of the most efficient EVs on the market include the Renault Zoe, with a 52kWh battery offering a range of 239 miles, and the Peugeot e-208, which can go up to 224 miles on a single charge. The Fiat 500e, a modern electric take on the iconic 1957 Fiat 500, achieves 200 miles from its 42kWh battery. The MINI Electric, despite its low-capacity 32.6kWh battery, offers a competitive 4.45 miles per kWh, resulting in a range of 145 miles.
For those on a budget, the Nissan Leaf starts under $30,000, while the Hyundai Tucson PHEV offers exceptional fuel economy for under $40,000. The Kia Niro EV is another affordable option, providing a decent 64.9kWh battery that can officially go 285 miles between charges.
While EVs typically have higher upfront costs, they make up for it with lower fueling and maintenance expenses. With no need for spark plugs or oil changes, and regenerative braking reducing the need for brake pad replacements, electric vehicles cost about half as much to maintain and repair as gas-powered cars.
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Gas-only cars
If you're looking for a cheap, fuel-efficient car that runs on gas only, there are several options available. Here are some gas-only vehicles known for their fuel efficiency:
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a highly fuel-efficient option, with the hatchback model rated at 36/43/39 mpg (city/highway/combined) and the Mirage G4 sedan rated at 35/41/37 mpg. It has a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with 78 horsepower, and its starting price is around \$16,695, making it one of the most affordable choices.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The gas-only sedan and hatchback variants are powered by a 169-hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a standard CVT transmission. The Corolla sedan LE and hatchback SE are the most efficient versions, rated at 32/41/35 mpg. The Corolla offers an upscale design, composed cornering, roominess, and potent engines.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a popular choice for those seeking fuel efficiency. The 2024 Civic offers various options, with the most efficient being the mid-level EX with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission, rated at 33/42/36 mpg. The Civic stands out for its sporty styling, agile handling, roomy rear seats, and intuitive tech features.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a top choice for those seeking a compact sedan with good fuel efficiency. It offers a wide range of engine options, with the base 147-hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine being the most fuel-efficient, rated at 32/41/36 mpg. The Elantra provides impressive interior space, distinctive styling, and features like an 8-inch touchscreen.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is an uber-practical and affordable subcompact car with excellent fuel economy. It is equipped with a 122-hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and is available with a manual or CVT transmission. The CVT-equipped automatic model provides the best fuel efficiency, delivering 32/40/35 mpg.
Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is an excellent choice if you're looking for a small hatchback. With a starting price of around \$14,595, it is the cheapest new car in the United States. The 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient, making it a great option for those on a budget.
These options provide a range of choices in terms of size, price, and features, all while offering excellent fuel efficiency for gas-only vehicles.
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Diesel cars
In Britain, a car’s fuel consumption is measured in miles per gallon (MPG). The most fuel-efficient diesel cars can achieve around 78 mpg, with the average being much lower, at around 47-67 mpg.
Some of the most fuel-efficient diesel cars include the Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI, which achieves 57.9 mpg, and the previous-generation Vauxhall Astra, which achieves more than 56 mpg in real-world conditions. The Astra is a spacious, practical family car with terrifically spacious rear seats and a large boot. The Octavia is also a family car, and while it is not as fun to drive as the Astra, it is more economical, with the Octavia Hatch delivering 67.3 mpg.
Other options include the Audi A4, which can hit 0-62 mpg in 8.2 seconds, and the previous BMW 4 Series Coupé, which offers a good balance between performance and costs. The 2011 Kia Rio is another efficient option, with a 1.1L three-cylinder engine that can achieve 73.3 mpg.
It is worth noting that a car’s fuel economy will vary depending on driving style, speed, acceleration habits, and load, among other factors.
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Cheap and reliable cars
When it comes to buying a car, you may want to consider its fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While you can opt for an all-electric model, a frugal gas-only, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle can also be a good choice.
Reliable car brands tend to be Volkswagen, Honda, and Toyota, but they are not the cheapest. If you're looking for a cheaper option, you might want to consider the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, which is the most affordable gas-powered car sold today, with a starting price just below $18,000. The Mirage hatchback is the most fuel-efficient, rated at 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined, while the Mirage G4 sedan is rated at 35/41/37 mpg.
The 2024 Honda Civic is another option, offering both sedan and hatchback body styles, three engine choices, and either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The most efficient 2024 Civic is the mid-level EX with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT, rated at 33/42/36 mpg. The base engine in the Civic is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is still good for up to 31/40/35 mpg in the sedan.
The Hyundai Sonata is a smooth-riding sedan with a long list of standard features, including a hands-free smart trunk lid, forward collision warning, and a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Nissan Altima is another spacious and safe option, with forward and reverse collision warning, although its ride quality and handling agility are not the best.
The Mini Cooper is a fun choice with a distinctive blend of retro charm and engaging performance. It offers three fuel-efficient engine options, with gas mileage estimates up to 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Kicks is a budget-minded subcompact SUV that is perfect for city dwellers due to its small size and maneuverability. It also comes loaded with standard features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a practical compact sedan with a spacious and comfortable interior. It is not the most exciting car to drive, but it is fuel-efficient, getting up to 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The Jetta comes with modern tech like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control.
If you're looking for a subcompact SUV, the Volkswagen Taos provides excellent interior space for passengers and cargo, although its price is higher than average for its class. The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid option, with a dramatic swept-back exterior, although it does compromise on rear headroom and cargo space.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the best cheap fuel-efficient cars:
- The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the least thirsty gas-powered car sold today and is the most affordable with a starting price just below $18,000.
- The 2024 Hyundai Elantra offers buyers a variety of engine and transmission choices.
- The Nissan Altima is a spacious cabin with a slew of standard safety features. It earns up to 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
- The Mini Cooper has three fuel-efficient engine options, with gas mileage estimates of up to 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Other fuel-efficient cars include the Toyota Prius, the Hyundai IONIQ, the BMW 3 Series, the Volkswagen Jetta, the Nissan Sentra, and the Honda Civic.
When choosing a fuel-efficient car, it is important to consider your budget and the type of car that best suits your needs. Fuel efficiency is typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and can vary depending on the driver's style. It is also worth noting that electric cars can cut fuel costs to zero, but they may not suit everyone's budget or driving needs.
