Mercedes Mullins
With gas prices ever-fluctuating, a fuel-efficient car is a great way to save money. While electric vehicles are an option, they may not suit everyone's budget or driving needs. Therefore, a gas-only, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid vehicle is a more suitable choice for many. When it comes to measuring fuel efficiency, we refer to the miles per gallon (MPG) ratings, which indicate how far a car can travel on a gallon of fuel. While diesel engines are typically more fuel-efficient than petrol, British buyers tend to prefer petrol and hybrid cars. Some of the most fuel-efficient cars include the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, the 2024 Honda Civic, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra, the Toyota Prius, the BMW 330e, and the Peugeot 208 diesel hybrid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | 40+ mpg |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Electric |
| Make and Model | BMW 330e, Toyota Prius, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Peugeot 208, Lexus |
| Price | <$10,000 - $30,000 |
| Engine | 1.2L - 2.0L |
| Transmission | Manual, Automatic, CVT |
| Horsepower | 78 - 276 hp |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel-efficient SUVs
When it comes to finding a cheap and fuel-efficient SUV, there are a number of options to consider. Fuel economy is a key concern for car buyers, but you don't have to sacrifice this to gain the space and traction of an SUV. In fact, SUVs are now more efficient than ever before, with new construction methods and advanced powertrain technology.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a great option for a comfortable, fuel-efficient compact SUV with plenty of technology. The Nissan Kicks is another good choice, with a spacious and functional cabin, although it is worth noting that its fuel economy drops to 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive. The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV with a versatile cabin, offering decent passenger room and cargo space. The 2025 Hyundai Venue is also a subcompact SUV, boasting the lowest ownership costs in its class and efficient driving manners.
If you are looking for a family-friendly SUV, the Nissan Qashqai is a good option. It is comfortable, well-equipped, and fuel-efficient. The Kia Sportage is another practical and affordable option that will save you money in fuel costs. The Kia Niro is a well-equipped, spacious, and cheap-to-run SUV, also available as a plug-in hybrid. The Toyota RAV4 is a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV, although it is not the most exciting to drive. The 2024 Toyota Venza is also worth considering for its comfort and great fuel efficiency.
The Suzuki Ignis is a small SUV that is surprisingly roomy, with a 1.2-litre engine that is efficient around town. It is also significantly cheaper than other small SUVs on the market. The Toyota Yaris Cross is another small SUV that stands out for its impressive fuel efficiency, comfort, and lofty driving position.
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Hybrid cars
If you are looking for a cheap and fuel-efficient hybrid car, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime offers outstanding efficiency, with up to 127 MPGe in EV mode and 52 mpg combined in hybrid mode. It also comes loaded with tech features, including a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Another option is the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, which returns 50/47 mpg city/highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient compact hybrids available. It offers a modern, spacious interior and satisfying acceleration. For those on a tighter budget, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy and a superb package at a more affordable price. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is another option, delivering an EPA-estimated 38 mpg for both city and highway driving, along with a posh cabin and confident handling.
If you are open to spending a little more, luxury hybrid options provide impressive fuel economy and powerful performance. The Lexus ES 300h combines high fuel efficiency with luxurious accommodations, although the infotainment interface has been criticised as distracting. The Mercedes GLE is another luxury hybrid SUV that boasts a top-notch interior, exceptional build quality, and helpful technology features.
Overall, there are a variety of cheap and fuel-efficient hybrid cars available, offering a range of features, performance, and efficiency ratings to suit different budgets and preferences.
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Electric vehicles
The Nissan Leaf, for example, is one of the cheapest EVs on the market. The Leaf S has a 40-kilowatt-hour battery, a modest 147-horsepower electric motor, and an EPA-rated 149-mile range. The Leaf SV Plus, with its larger battery pack, has an EPA-rated range of 212 miles and a more powerful 214-hp motor. The Leaf also features an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, its CHAdeMO charging port is not widely used.
Another affordable option is the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which offers a 200-hp electric motor and a 65.0-kWh battery pack with an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 259 miles. The Hyundai Kona Electric is also worth considering, with its base model offering an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles and higher trims providing up to 261 miles of range. The Kona Electric features a sleek design, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
For those seeking a more premium experience, the Tesla Model 3 offers exceptional range, comfort, and technology for around $40,000. The Model 3 is fast, with excellent handling, and provides access to Tesla's ultra-fast and convenient Supercharger network.
Other notable mentions include the Kia Niro EV, Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Toyota bZ4X. These vehicles offer a range of features, from impressive aerodynamics to comfortable interiors and good performance.
When considering the cost of EVs, it's important to factor in the potential federal tax credits and state incentives available for electric vehicle buyers, as well as the generally lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline.
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Fuel-efficient used cars
When it comes to choosing a car, fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many buyers. While electric vehicles offer the most savings on fuel, they may not suit everyone's driving needs or budget. In that case, a fuel-efficient used car can be a great option. Here are some top choices for fuel-efficient used cars to consider:
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is one of the most well-known hybrids on the market. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, with the 2023 model year base LE trim providing an impressive 57/56/57 mpg. Even the all-wheel-drive variant with a second electric motor still delivers 53/54/54 mpg. Used Prius models are also available, with the 2009 model offering 49/61/53 mpg and the 2006 model delivering 51/48/50 mpg. The 2006 model, in particular, is an affordable option, often found for under $10,000.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is another excellent choice for a fuel-efficient used car. The 2024 model year non-hybrid Elantras offer good fuel economy, with the base SE model providing 32/41/36 mpg. The hybrid version, with its 1.6-litre gasoline engine and electric motor, delivers even better mileage, with the base Blue variant rated at 51/58/54 mpg.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient gas-powered car sold today. With a starting price of around $18,000, it's also very affordable. The Mirage hatchback is the most fuel-efficient version, rated at 36/43/39 mpg, while the Mirage G4 sedan is not far behind at 35/41/37 mpg.
Honda Civic
The 2024 Honda Civic is another excellent choice for a fuel-efficient used car. The mid-level EX trim with a 1.5-litre turbo engine and CVT transmission offers the best fuel economy in the range, rated at 33/42/36 mpg. The base model with a 2.0-litre engine is also efficient, delivering up to 31/40/35 mpg in the sedan and 30/37/33 mpg in the Sport version.
Lexus
If you're looking for a touch of luxury in your used car, the Lexus models are worth considering. They benefit from Toyota's fuel-efficient technology, with mileage ratings of around 43/40/42 mpg. While used luxury cars may not always have the best mpg, Lexus offers a good balance of class and fuel efficiency.
When choosing a fuel-efficient used car, it's important to consider your budget, driving needs, and the specific features you require. Additionally, keep in mind that fuel economy can vary depending on driving styles and conditions. It's always a good idea to research and test drive different options before making your decision.
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Fuel-efficient car brands
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration when buying a new car, and it's important to do your research to find the best option for your needs. The good news is that most modern car engines are efficient thanks to turbochargers and hybrid technology. Here are some of the top fuel-efficient car brands and models to consider:
Toyota
Toyota is known for offering a range of fuel-efficient vehicles, including the Prius and the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Prius comes in both self-charging and plug-in hybrid versions, with the latter providing an impressive official economy of 235.4 mpg. The self-charging version, which doesn't require a plug, is more affordable on the used car market and still offers excellent fuel economy of around 70 mpg. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is an SUV that achieves over 40 mpg in tests, making it a great choice for those looking for a larger vehicle without compromising fuel efficiency.
BMW
BMW, including its Mini and Rolls-Royce brands, has also made strides in fuel efficiency. The BMW 330e, a plug-in hybrid, can run on pure electric power for around 30 miles and offers impressive fuel economy, with over 100 miles to the gallon. The BMW 3 Series range is known for its high-quality interior and advanced technology, making it a great option for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.
Honda
Honda has consistently improved its average fuel economy, according to the EPA. The Honda Accord, in particular, stands out for its spacious cabin, refined road manners, and first-rate build quality. It has won praise from various automotive sources, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Hyundai
Hyundai, including its affiliate Kia, has also made significant strides in fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Elantra, for example, offers good fuel economy and plenty of standard tech features, making it a stylish and pragmatic choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Other Honourable Mentions
In addition to the brands mentioned above, there are several other carmakers worth considering for their fuel-efficient models:
- Lexus: The Lexus ES, for example, offers a reasonably priced mid-size luxury sedan with a smooth driving experience and a plush interior.
- Mercedes: The Mercedes E300 de is a plug-in hybrid diesel that offers an impressive official economy figure, providing excellent mileage.
- Peugeot: The Peugeot 208 diesel hybrid, launched in 2019, offers both style and efficiency, with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that returns more than 70 mpg.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest and most fuel-efficient car will depend on your location, budget, and requirements. However, here are some of the best cheap and fuel-efficient cars:
- 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
- 2024 Honda Civic
- 2024 Hyundai Elantra
- Toyota Prius
- Smart Fortwo
- Lexus
If you're looking for a fuel-efficient car that's suitable for families, you might want to consider an SUV. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is the only SUV to crack 40 mpg overall in our tests.
Fuel-efficient cars have better miles per gallon (MPG) ratings, meaning they can travel further on less fuel. This will save you money on fuel in the long run.
Yes, there are fuel-efficient cars that aren't electric or hybrid. For example, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra offers a variety of engine and transmission choices, with the non-hybrid base SE model being the most fuel-efficient.
