Katerina Swanson
Fuel efficiency is an important factor for many car buyers, as it can save them money in the long run. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the fuel economy of new vehicles, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. While electric vehicles are not always an option, there are still plenty of efficient gas-powered vehicles on the market. Here is a list of some of the best new cars with great fuel economy:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Prius | 57/56/57 mpg |
| 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid | 127 MPGe and 52 mpg |
| 2025 Toyota Crown | 42 MPG |
| 2024 Honda Civic | 31/40/35 mpg |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra | 32/41/36 mpg |
| 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue | $25,450 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla | 32/41/35 mpg |
| 2025 Toyota Camry | 48 MPG |
| 2025 Nissan Versa | 35 mpg |
| 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage | N/A |
| 2024 Lexus ES Hybrid | 42 MPG |
| 2024 BMW 3 series | 29 MPG |
| 2024 Honda Accord | 32 MPG |
| 2024 Kia Niro | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Hybrid models
Hybrid cars are now one of the best choices for squeezing the most miles out of a gallon of gas. There are two types of hybrids on the market: the traditional hybrid, which uses an electric motor to assist the gas engine, and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which has a larger battery pack that can be recharged by plugging it in and can run the car independently or in conjunction with the gas engine.
The Toyota Prius is the original hybrid car, and it continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient options on the market. The 2024 model has a fuel economy of 57/56 mpg city/highway, and the 2023 model received a stylish redesign. The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius, with a combined average of 127 mpg-e for electric and gas driving and 52 mpg in Hybrid mode. The 2025 model has a new 2.0-liter powertrain that achieves quicker acceleration, and the 2024 model was named the MotorTrend Car of the Year.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is another excellent choice, offering a reasonable price, a fuel-efficient engine, and a sporty performance. The Honda Accord Hybrid offers more power and performance than its Korean rival, the Sonata, and has excellent interior space, stable handling, and a comfortable ride. The Honda CR-V Hybrid is also a top safety pick, with 40 mpg and an estimated $1,300 annual fuel cost.
The Lexus ES 300h combines high fuel efficiency with a luxurious interior. The 2025 model has stately yet modern looks, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and 44 mpg combined, all for $45,000. The Lexus NX 350h is another top safety pick, with 39 mpg and a higher estimated annual fuel cost of $1,650 due to its use of premium fuel.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a small SUV that delivers good mpg, a comfortable ride, and lots of standard technology features. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid also offers excellent fuel economy, a spacious and well-built cabin, and 14.2 cubic feet of cargo room. The 2024 model is a stylish and pragmatic choice, with good fuel economy and plenty of standard tech.
The Kia Niro is a small hybrid SUV with excellent fuel efficiency, a stylish and spacious cabin, and roomy seating. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that deliver a total of 180 hp. The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 32 miles using only electric power before switching to the gas engine, and it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 13.8-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers excellent gas mileage, a roomy cabin with an upscale design, and standard all-wheel drive, and it can travel up to 34 miles on electric power.
Other hybrid models with good fuel economy include the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which has a combined mpg of 53/46/50, the 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which has a roomy and comfortable cabin and many helpful technology features, the 2024 BMW 330e, which is one of the most fuel-efficient sedans on the market, and the 2024 Hyundai Tucson, which delivers good mpg, a comfortable ride, and standard technology features.
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Fuel-efficient SUVs
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when shopping for a new car. Modern vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient than older models, but some newer cars outperform others in this category. This is also true for SUVs, with some models offering better fuel economy than others. Here are some of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market:
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue is a stylish and relatively inexpensive SUV option. It offers a spacious interior and improved performance compared to its pure-ICE counterpart. However, it lags behind some of its rivals in terms of fuel efficiency by about 7 mpg.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia AWD
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia AWD is a premium midsize crossover SUV with a unique, longer, and lower aesthetic. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, nearly reaching 40 mpg, thanks to Toyota's advanced hybrid powertrain system. The vehicle also comes equipped with the full array of Toyota Safety Sense technologies.
2025 Lexus NX 350h AWD
The 2025 Lexus NX 350h AWD is a luxurious and fuel-efficient SUV known for its plush interior and comfortable ride. It boasts one of the best gas mileage ratings among SUVs, thanks to its efficient set of electric motors and 2.5-liter I-4 engine. The Lexus NX also offers a high resale value compared to other luxury SUVs.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a popular choice for those seeking a compact hybrid SUV. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, with an EPA city mpg rating of 41. The RAV4 Hybrid provides improved performance, refinement, and quicker acceleration compared to the pure-gasoline version. However, it may have an occasionally choppy ride and a generic mall-crawler-lite look.
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape is a practical and affordable SUV option. It offers efficient hybrid variants, a roomy cabin, and advanced technology. The Escape Hybrid provides good handling and competitive pricing. However, it falls short in terms of cargo room and interior material quality when compared to rivals like the RAV4 and CR-V.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a comfortable and fuel-efficient compact SUV packed with technology. It offers a well-equipped and spacious interior, making it a practical choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient SUV.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a safe, affordable, and competent subcompact SUV. It provides a good balance of features and performance, making it a solid choice for those seeking a smaller and efficient SUV.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that stands out for its practicality, affordability, and attractive design. It offers a well-rounded package that makes it a compelling option in the fuel-efficient SUV segment.
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Affordable fuel-efficient cars
When shopping for a new car, fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider. While most modern vehicles are more efficient than older models, some cars stand out for their impressive fuel economy. Here are some of the best affordable fuel-efficient cars to consider:
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid hatchback renowned for its reliability and impressive fuel economy. The base model with front-wheel drive offers up to 57 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 56 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. It offers a smooth ride, quick acceleration, and a long list of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2024 model has improved driving dynamics and up to 196 horsepower.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a fuel-efficient and affordable sedan. It offers up to 51 mpg in the city and 58 mpg on the highway, making it a fantastic value proposition. The Elantra Hybrid provides a comfortable ride, a roomy cabin, and an impressive array of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and proximity keyless entry. The non-hybrid Elantra models also offer good fuel economy, with some versions delivering up to 41 mpg.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is one of the most affordable and fuel-efficient compact sedans on the market. It offers excellent practicality, roomy front seats, and a smooth ride. The Corolla Hybrid is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the former providing better fuel efficiency. It comes loaded with features, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and lane-trace assist.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a non-hybrid option that delivers impressive fuel efficiency. The 2024 model has a spacious interior, superb cabin quality, comfortable seats, and intuitive controls. It offers an EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway and includes standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic pre-collision braking. The sportier Si model is rated at 27/37/31 mpg, while the base hatchback LX trim achieves 30/38/33 mpg.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable cars on the market, with a starting price of around $16,695. While it has some drawbacks, such as a weak engine and a harsh ride, it offers impressive fuel efficiency, reaching up to 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. It comes with standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and forward automatic emergency braking.
These cars offer a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practical features, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers looking to save on fuel costs without compromising on performance and comfort.
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Fuel-efficient compact cars
When it comes to fuel-efficient compact cars, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the top choices available on the market:
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a popular choice among drivers seeking a compact car that offers both functionality and fuel efficiency. It is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles and comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Corolla is known for its ease of driving, smooth ride, and standard driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. In terms of fuel economy, the Corolla delivers impressive numbers, with up to 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway for the non-hybrid version. The hybrid variant, the Corolla Cross, takes it a step further, providing up to an EPA-estimated 53/46/50 mpg with FWD and 51/44/48 mpg with AWD.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another excellent option in the compact car segment. It offers a range of engine and transmission choices to suit different needs. The base engine provides up to 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the sportier Si model, with its turbocharged engine, achieves 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The Civic is known for its versatility, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish and pragmatic compact car that also offers impressive fuel economy. Among the non-hybrid Elantras, the base SE model with a 147-hp engine and a CVT transmission stands out as the most fuel-efficient, delivering 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The Elantra also has a hybrid variant, which further enhances its fuel efficiency, with the base Blue model offering up to 51 mpg in the city and 58 mpg on the highway.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a versatile compact car known for its powertrain options, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric versions. The Niro hybrid, in particular, excels in fuel efficiency, with the base FE trim delivering an impressive 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway. The Kia Niro is a great choice for those seeking a simple drivetrain and a taller profile without compromising fuel economy.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a practical compact sedan that prioritizes comfort and fuel efficiency. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it offers a spacious interior and a smooth ride. The Jetta is equipped with modern technology, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control. In terms of fuel economy, it achieves up to 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
These compact cars offer a combination of functionality, efficiency, and value, making them excellent choices for those seeking fuel-efficient vehicles without compromising on performance and comfort.
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Fuel-efficient sedans
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when shopping for a new car. Sedans, in particular, offer a balance between fuel efficiency and spacious interiors. Here are some of the most fuel-efficient sedans on the market:
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic sets the bar for compact sedans, offering excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious cabin, and advanced driver-assistance features. The base model with a 158-hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivers impressive fuel economy, with up to 31/40/35 mpg. The sportier Si model, equipped with a 200-hp turbocharged engine, still manages a respectable 27/37/31 mpg. The Honda Civic is a great choice for those seeking a well-rounded package of performance, features, and fuel efficiency.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is renowned for its fuel efficiency, with the 2024 model offering improved fuel economy and driving dynamics. The base LE trim with front-wheel drive achieves an impressive 57/56/57 mpg, while the all-wheel-drive variant with a second electric motor delivers 53/54/54 mpg. The Prius is a reliable choice for those seeking exceptional fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish and pragmatic choice, offering good fuel economy and an array of standard features. The non-hybrid Elantra, with a 147-hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission, boasts impressive fuel efficiency figures of up to 32/41/36 mpg. The hybrid model, with a total system output of 139 hp, offers even better fuel economy, with the base Blue variant rated at 51/58/54 mpg.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro stands out for its versatility, offering buyers the choice of a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric powertrain. The Niro hybrid's base FE trim, with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivers an impressive 53/54/53 mpg. The Kia Niro is an excellent option for those seeking flexibility and exceptional fuel efficiency.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a mid-size sedan that combines performance and fuel efficiency. Powered by a 208-hp, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, the base LE trim achieves an impressive 51/53/52 mpg. While fuel efficiency decreases slightly for higher trims, the Camry Hybrid remains a strong choice for those seeking a spacious and efficient sedan.
Honourable Mentions:
- Volkswagen Jetta: One of the most efficient sedans in America, offering a roomy interior and ample trunk space.
- Nissan Versa: Impressive fuel efficiency at 35 mpg and a low price make the Versa a great value proposition.
- Lexus ES: A reasonably priced mid-size luxury sedan that offers a smooth driving experience and a plush interior.
- BMW Z4: A factory turbocharged sports car that excels in fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 28 MPG.
- Kia K5 GT: Affordable, fast, and fuel-efficient, the K5 GT offers impressive performance and luxury.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is the most efficient car you can buy, with EPA ratings of 127 MPGe and 52 mpg. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue is the cheapest car with the best gas mileage, with a starting price of $25,450. The 2025 Toyota Camry, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra, and the 2024 Toyota Corolla are also good options.
The 2024 Honda Civic, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata, the 2024 Lexus ES, the 2024 Honda Accord, and the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage are all known for their good fuel economy.
Cars with good fuel economy can help you save money on gas and reduce your environmental impact.
Remove any unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight and wind resistance. Avoid idling, as it wastes fuel.
In addition to fuel economy, you should consider the car's price, features, interior, exterior, engine, powertrain, ride and handling, comfort, and safety.
