Ameer Randolph
With gas prices constantly fluctuating, consumers are increasingly looking to save at the pump. Fuel efficiency is an important factor when shopping for a new car, and most modern vehicles are far more efficient than older models. The most fuel-efficient cars are those with petrol engines with hybrid assistance, some newer diesel engines, and electric cars.
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What You'll Learn
Hybrid cars
Hybrid vehicles are an excellent choice for consumers who want to save money on fuel and reduce their carbon footprint. While they may come with a higher price tag, the long-term payoff of a hybrid vehicle can be significant. For example, the 2017 Toyota Prius gets 50 mpg overall in real-world driving and has been a leader in best mpg for hybrids for years. The 2023 model year Toyota Prius is also a popular choice, offering a dramatic swept-back exterior design and improved fuel economy of up to 196 horsepower.
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is another highly fuel-efficient option. The 2024 model offers buyers a variety of engine and transmission choices, with the base SE trim providing the most fuel efficiency at 32/41/36 mpg. The entry-level 'Blue' trim is the most affordable and efficient version of the Elantra Hybrid, with a combined rating of 54 mpg. The Kia Niro is another hybrid SUV option that provides a comfortable cabin, modern styling, and great technology features.
In addition to the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, other notable hybrid vehicles include the Honda Accord Hybrid, which offers spacious seating for five and a smooth ride, and the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which combines the brand's compact car with its fantastic hybrid technology. The Honda Civic is also worth considering, as it offers both sedan and hatchback body styles, three engine choices, and impressive fuel efficiency.
When considering the most fuel-efficient cars, it's important to look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the long-term savings that hybrid vehicles can offer. Additionally, hybrid cars have the added benefit of emitting less ground-level air pollution, contributing to a healthier environment. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, investing in a hybrid vehicle can be a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet.
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Non-hybrid cars
While hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, there are still plenty of non-hybrid options available for those who prefer traditional gasoline-powered cars. Here are some of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars on the market:
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a highly fuel-efficient car, with an EPA combined rating of 37 mpg for the G4 model and 39 mpg combined for the base model. While it may not be the fastest car on the market, with a 0-60 mph time of around 11-12.8 seconds, it is a great choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a well-known compact car that offers excellent fuel efficiency. The 2023 model is estimated to achieve around 32-36 mpg in the city and 41-43 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim and transmission choice. The 2025 model is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid compact car you can buy. The 2016 model with the 2.0 engine is also recommended for its fuel efficiency.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish and feature-rich sedan that offers impressive fuel efficiency. The 2025 model is said to have incredible mpg, with an EPA-estimated combined rating of up to 36 mpg. The 2023 model is also known for its impressive fuel economy.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has long been known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 2023 model is estimated to achieve around 32-36 mpg in the city and 41-43 mpg on the highway. The 2025 model is also available as a hybrid, offering even better fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a fun-to-drive car that offers more space than expected. The 2024 model can achieve 42 mpg on the highway, and the 2025 model is also noted for its fuel efficiency.
Acura Integra
The Acura Integra, which returned in 2022, shares its mechanicals with the Honda Civic, offering similar fuel economy. It is a bit more luxurious and comfortable, making it a great choice for those looking for a premium fuel-efficient vehicle.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is another car that offers impressive fuel efficiency, with an mpg in the upper-30s on the highway and lower 30s overall. The 2023 model is noted for its fuel economy.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that offers a good balance of space and fuel efficiency. The 2024 model has a highway mpg rating of 37, and the 2025 model is also noted for its fuel efficiency.
These cars offer a range of options for those looking for a non-hybrid vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency.
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Diesel cars
The 2011 Kia Rio, offered in some markets with a diesel engine, is one of the most efficient diesel cars ever built. According to its makers, it could achieve 73.3 mpg, with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than any other non-electric car on sale at the time, including hybrids. The engine that achieved this feat in the Rio was a 1.1L three-cylinder engine with 74 horsepower. A larger 1.4L diesel was also offered in the Rio, with an efficiency rating of 58.8 mpg and 89 horsepower.
The Honda HR-V's Euro-spec diesel variant is another impressive diesel car in terms of efficiency. The 1.6L i-DTEC diesel engine that featured in the 2019 Euro-spec HR-V was officially rated at 47 mpg.
The Skoda Octavia is another one of the most efficient diesel cars currently on sale. The 114hp 2.0-litre diesel in the Octavia Hatch delivers 67.3 mpg.
The BMW 1 Series offers a choice of two diesel engines producing 114hp (badged 116d) or 187hp (120d). The 116d offers up to 61.4 mpg in combined driving, while the 120d still does a respectable 57.6 mpg.
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Petrol cars
While diesel engines tend to be more fuel-efficient than petrol engines, there are still plenty of fuel-efficient petrol cars on the market. Small cars, in particular, suit petrol engines well; their compact dimensions and light weight can deliver great fuel economy.
The Suzuki Celerio, for example, is a 5-door car with Suzuki's 1.0 Dualjet SZ3 engine, which returns an impressive 78.4 mpg according to the manufacturer. The Skoda Citigo is another small car with great fuel efficiency. It has a 1.0 Greentech petrol engine and can be expected to deliver around 73 mpg. The Suzuki Baleno is another small car from the manufacturer that offers excellent fuel economy.
The Peugeot 208 is another great option, with a lighter structure and more aerodynamic profile, increasing its fuel efficiency. The 1.5-litre diesel engine can achieve a real-world economy of over 60 mpg. The Mazda 2 is another stylish and powerful option, with the base 75 bhp petrol engine achieving 58.9 mpg, and the 90 bhp version achieving 60.1 mpg. The Picanto is a good choice for city driving, with a 66 bhp petrol engine that does 60 mpg, although it is less ideal for long motorway trips. The Toyota Aygo X is another city car with impressive fuel efficiency, offering up to 58.8 mpg on the combined cycle.
The Up is a tiny but nippy car, with a 65 bhp petrol engine that achieves 55.2 mpg, although it is not ideal for motorway driving. The Renault Clio is another good option, with a 90 bhp petrol motor that offers 54.4 mpg in combined driving. The Focus is a fun hatchback with a mid-range mild-hybrid 155 bhp petrol engine that offers 54.3 mpg.
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Electric cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are propelled by one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable battery packs. They have several advantages over conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs).
Firstly, EVs are highly energy efficient. They convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels, while conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12-30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels. This high efficiency of electric-drive components means that EVs can dramatically reduce fuel costs. In fact, even the least efficient EV is still more fuel-efficient than a comparable gasoline vehicle.
Secondly, EVs are environmentally friendly. They emit no tailpipe pollutants, although it should be noted that the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. However, electricity from nuclear, hydro, solar, or wind power plants causes no air pollutants.
Thirdly, EVs have performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than internal combustion engines.
Finally, EVs provide benefits in terms of reduced energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.
The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty EVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle. However, in the right applications, EVs maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts.
Kilowatt-hours per 100 miles is one measure of EV efficiency, or the amount of electricity consumed to drive a fixed distance. This information is available on the window sticker of new EVs. The EPA also provides a theoretical calculation of miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) for EVs, to show electric energy fuel economy in a comparable way to gasoline fuel economy for other vehicles.
Some of the most efficient EVs include the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which uses 24 kWh of electricity to go 100 miles, and the Audi E-Tron S, which needs 53 kWh to go the same distance. The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 50 miles per gallon (MPG), while the conventional 2024 Corolla (four-cylinder, automatic) is estimated at 35 MPG. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient gas-powered car sold today, with a rating of 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined for the hatchback and 35/41/37 mpg for the sedan.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car, with a fuel efficiency rating of 36/43/39 mpg (city/highway/combined). The 2024 Honda Civic is another non-hybrid option, with a rating of 33/42/36 mpg.
If you're looking for a hybrid, the 2023 Toyota Prius is a great choice, offering up to 57/56/57 mpg. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is also fuel-efficient, with a rating of 51/58/54 mpg.
Some other fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars include the 2024 Hyundai Elantra, with a rating of 32/41/36 mpg, and the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, which offers a smooth ride and spacious seating for five.
In addition to the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and the Kia Niro are also fuel-efficient hybrid options. The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid is another option, offering the ability to run on pure electric power for around 30 miles.
When choosing the most fuel-efficient car, consider your budget, preferred fuel type (petrol, diesel, or hybrid), and the features you want. Diesel engines are typically the most fuel-efficient, followed by hybrids, but British buyers tend to prefer petrol and hybrid cars. You can also improve fuel efficiency by making small changes to your driving style, such as turning off air conditioning and avoiding short trips.
