With gas prices fluctuating wildly over the last few years, fuel-efficient cars are the most intelligent and pocket-friendly choice on the road right now. If you need more preparation to make that leap to an all-electric vehicle, well, don’t fret. There are many gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars that offer excellent mileage and will save you in the long run.
Buying a fuel-efficient car is something that will save you not only a lot of cash but is also the right thing for the environment. Considering the fact that fuel continues to be more expensive, and with the growing concern about carbon emissions, gas mileage is a significant factor to consider. In this blog, we will take a look at the top ten cars that are available with the best gas mileage, according to fuel efficiency, affordability, and key features.
Understanding Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency measures how well a vehicle converts fuel into energy for driving. It’s usually represented in miles per gallon (MPG): the higher the MPG, the lower the amount of fuel your car uses. Understanding it will assist you in knowing the car you can get with the amount of money you have since many cars will want to use less fuel to make ends meet.
Why Gas Mileage Matters
Good gas mileage isn’t just easy on your wallet; it’s also better for the planet. Cars that sip fuel produce fewer emissions, making our air cleaner and healthier. Plus, with fuel prices always changing, a fuel-efficient car gives you some stability and peace of mind.
How is Fuel Efficiency Measured?
Fuel efficiency is measured through tests that mimic different driving conditions, like city and highway driving, to give an average rating. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets these standards to ensure accurate and consistent measurements.
What to Consider for Fuel Efficiency
When choosing a fuel-efficient car, consider the following:
- Vehicle Size and Type: Smaller cars generally get better gas mileage. If you don’t need a big car, a compact or hybrid might be perfect for you. But if you need more space, look for midsize cars or SUVs with fuel-saving tech.
- Engine and Technology: Modern engines are getting more efficient thanks to innovations like turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Also, hybrids and electric options are an additional benefit for fuel savings.
- Driving Habits: Smooth driving, steady speeds, and avoiding aggressive acceleration can improve your gas mileage. Regular maintenance, like tyre inflation and using the right motor oil, also helps.
- Aerodynamics and Weight: Cars with streamlined designs have less air resistance and use less fuel. Also, fuel efficiency is improved in lighter cars because there is less energy required to move.
Looking Ahead
The future of fuel efficiency is bright, with automakers constantly working on new technologies to reduce fuel use and emissions. From improved engine designs to exploring alternative fuels, the goal is a more sustainable and eco-friendly driving experience.
Top 10 Cars With Good Mileage Per Gallon
Now, let’s get into the top 10 best-gas-mileage cars, categorized into compact cars, midsize cars, and SUVs. So whether you are someone who wants something small and efficient or a big one with a better mileage number, we’ve got you covered.
1. Hyundai Elantra (Starting From $21,625)
The Hyundai Elantra is back, this time in a hybrid version. It combines power from its 1.6-litre gasoline four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and battery pack to produce a total system output of 139 hp. You’ll find it paired exclusively with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This is one of the most popular cars, and it comes in under $25000. On the fuel efficiency front, it’s the Blue that offers the best performance, with an EPA-estimated 53/56/54 mpg rating. The Limited and SEL are essentially the same, offering only slightly less efficient ratings of 49/52/50 mpg.
- Fuel Economy: The 2024 Hyundai Elantra’s SEL and Limited models have undergone EPA testing for fuel efficiency to achieve the desirable ratings of up to 31 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. With that combination, you have a city range of up to 384.4 miles and a highway driving range of up to 496 miles.
2. Honda Civic (Starting From $23,750)
The 2023 Honda Civic comes in either sedan or hatchback body styles, offers three different engines, and is mated to a combination of manual and CVT transmissions. The most fuel-efficient is the midlevel EX sedan, which achieves 33/42/36 mpg with the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine and CVT. The base LX sedan scores 31/40/35 mpg with its 2.0-liter engine. The best the hatchback offers is at 31/39/35 mpg using the turbo engine and CVT. The Type R sedan, a high-performance Civic, gets 22/28/24 mpg.
The Civic Si sedan is only available with a six-speed manual and scores 27/37/31 mpg with its turbocharged engine. In hatchbacks, the fuel economy ticks down slightly when opting for the manual. The Sport model gets 26/36/29 mpg with the 2.0-litre engine and manual. The Civic Type R is the high-horsepower offering in the lineup, packing 315 hp, but returns just 22/28/24 mpg. For those who want more squareness in the design, competitors, such as the Honda Accord, come in a boxier and square design, at least for the front and rear.
- Fuel Economy: 30 city/37 highway/33 combined mpg rating for Sport. Thirty-three city/42 highway/36 combined mpg rating for EX. 31 city/38 highway/34 combined mpg rating for Touring. Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings.
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid (Starting From $28,855)
Renowned for impressive fuel economy, the Toyota Camry Hybrid masterfully combines power and efficiency in one attractive package. The Camry Hybrid ranks top among midsize cars in fuel economy with its hybrid powertrain. Besides a good performance, the Camry Hybrid features a stylish and aerodynamic exterior that will ensure it turns heads everywhere.
With a 208-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas-electric powertrain married to a CVT, the Toyota Camry Hybrid delivers compelling fuel efficiency to the tune of 51/53/52 mpg in its base LE trim. In more advanced trims, such as the SE, SE Nightshade, XLE, and XSE, it drops slightly to 44/47/46 mpg, but this is still plenty to make the Camry Hybrid stand out in the midsize class.
- Fuel Economy: The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the regular Toyota Camry is 34 MPG combined, while the Toyota Camry Hybrid attains an outstanding 52 MPG combined.
4. Volvo V60 Recharge (Starting From $71,250)
Generating a total of 455 horsepower, the T8 variant of the Volvo V60 Recharge has an impressive fuel efficiency of 74 mpg-e combined. This system is driven by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder attached to dual electric motors for AWD. The V60 Recharge T8 gets an official EPA rating of 40 miles of electric range and a total range of 530 miles.
Station wagons provide better fuel economy and driving dynamics relative to sport-utility vehicles and bring with them a unique sense of style. Volvo’s V60 and V60 Cross Country are charismatic options in this segment, boasting typically smart Scandinavian design and an especially upmarket interior. In the Volvo lineup, the electric car and the luxurious white interiors are for people who care about the planet and those with a taste for elegant design.
The Cross Country adds SUV-inspired styling, while the Polestar Engineered introduces a performance angle. The Polestar hybrid works brilliantly as a sport-wagon movement, and the Cross Country is a classy ride with a comfortable and polished demeanour that has landed it on our 2024 Editors’ Choice list.
- Fuel Economy: The plug-in-hybrid 2024 V60 Recharge manages 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving during Gas/Hybrid mode, boasting an impressive 74 MPG equivalent in Electric/Hybrid mode.
5. Lexus ES (Starting From $42,040)
The Lexus ES sits very much at home in the luxury sedan category, known for its classic look and available trim line. Built for both four-cylinder, V-6, and hybrid engines, it accommodates different preferences while offering excellent fuel economy. However, it is not designed for any spirited driving; its interior is roomy and stylish, offering comfort to its passengers with a relaxing ride.
Sitting on the Toyota Camry platform, it enjoys competitive pricing compared to similar offerings such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series. It is lacking in driver engagement, but the ES is tailored more toward smooth and refined riding characteristics, which will appeal to those buyers who place more importance on comfort and dependability in their luxury vehicle purchase.
- Fuel Economy: The ES 350 boasts a fuel efficiency of 22 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 26 mpg. With a powerful engine generating 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, it’s standard across all ES 350 trim levels. Plus, it comes equipped with a sizable 15.9-gallon fuel tank capacity.
6. Nissan Versa (Starting From $16,680)
The 2024 Nissan Versa is commendably inexpensive and well-equipped without the bargain-basement feel that characterizes many subcompact models with low price tags. The car is also particularly strong in terms of fuel efficiency and front-seat passenger headroom and legroom, but there are compromises. Specifically, the slow acceleration and a tight back seat may not meet everyone’s needs.
The car doesn’t offer a hatchback option, but it’s also far from expensive, with an estimated 30-35 miles per gallon in combined mileage. It has a roomy trunk and standard advanced safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, all features that could easily make this a top pick among the subcompact car recommendations, besting options like the Mitsubishi Mirage. Additionally, for those who are interested, here is a complete list of car manufacturers that start with N.
- Fuel Economy: When outfitted with the CVT, the Versa achieves ratings of up to 32 mpg in city driving and an impressive 40 mpg on the highway.
7. Acura Integra (Starting From $31,800)
The Acura Integra is a persuasive alternative for somebody shopping for a high-content hatchback with a bit of luxury. A unique combination of style and performance is being offered due to the differences in base price with competitors from Germany, a spacious back seat and trunk, and an involving driving manner. Pricing, power, and performance do put it in intense competition with other Honda Civic models.
It is not available in an all-wheel-drive version or as a hybrid, but with 30 – 33 combined miles to the gallon, it is an efficient vehicle. Among the discussion of red car logos, the Acura badge imparts an element of sophistication to the vehicle.
- Fuel Economy: For fuel efficiency, the 2024 Acura Integra gets an impressive 30 miles per gallon in the city, 37 on the highway, and a combined 33 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, the Acura Integra A-Spec variant gets slightly lower but still pretty good figures of 29 miles per gallon in the city, 36 miles on the highway, and a combined 32 miles per gallon.
8. Mazda 3 (Starting From $24,170)
The fourth-generation model, launched in 2019, Mazda 3, gives its drivers an upscale feel due to the assured handling and fast acceleration, even with its turbocharged engine. The premium interior design and materials make this driving experience even better, complemented by the newly available 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
While it might trail some rivals in rear legroom and cargo capacity, the Mazda 3 does quite well in terms of its fun-to-drive nature and its responsive handling. Among its 2024 updates, the Mazda 3 adds the Carbon Turbo package for added desirability in the eyes of enthusiasts. And amid the talk of premium Bose Speakers, the Mazda 3’s audio system goes a long way in boosting the overall driving experience.
- Fuel Economy: With standard front-wheel drive, the 2024 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S trim achieves an amazing EPA-estimated 27 miles to the gallon for city driving and 37 miles to the gallon on the highway.
9. Ford Escape Hybrid (Starting From $35,190)
The Ford Escape Hybrid is one car that combines gas-saving efficiency with the space and convenience of an SUV. The Escape Hybrid, with its hybrid powertrain, pulls off excellent gas mileage that is perfect for families and adventure drivers who want a greener driving experience. This is the Escape Hybrid, ready to face any journey with confidence, whether it’s running errands around the city or exploring an off-road adventure. In the discussion of Ford vehicles with Blue Cruise, there are many models you can explore.
- Fuel Economy: Regardless of the level of trim, all the models are fitted with a continuously variable transmission. The efficiency is impressive, with a range of 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. That adds up to 558 miles on a full tank.
10. Volkswagen Golf (Starting From $31,965)
The Volkswagen Golf GTI has a great history, with the original idea being retained throughout eight generations. The GTI features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, good for 241 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, and moves with enthusiasm.
With sufficient space for drivers and passengers and practical cargo capacity, the GTI managed to blend practicality and sportiness in a good way. Serving as the lone representative of the Golf lineup in the U.S. The GTI upholds the rich heritage of the hot hatch, delivering exhilarating driving dynamics and a welcoming driving experience for everyone, from the seasoned driver to the new-blooded enthusiast.
- Fuel Economy: The 2024 Golf R achieves 20 miles per gallon in the city and up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway, boasting a 14.5-gallon gas tank.
Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency
To get the best mileage from your car, keep it in top condition. Ensure proper tyre pressure, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for regular oil changes, and stay on top of other maintenance. You can improve fuel efficiency by using the correct grade of motor oil, changing filters as necessary, and maintaining other parts of the car in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
A driver’s behaviour can also influence fuel efficiency. Do not aggressively drive: Driving behaviours like speeding and rapid acceleration can reduce fuel mileage drastically. Instead, drive gradually and anticipate stops since this will improve your fuel efficiency and extend the vehicle’s life.
Driving Techniques for Better Fuel Economy
You can increase your fuel mileage even more by using these fuel-saving driving techniques. Reduce idling time, use cruise control on highways, and minimize air conditioner and heater use. Smart trips and combining trips also save gas.
Improving fuel efficiency can also be done by lightening the load in your car. Take out the things that you do not need; lighter vehicles use less fuel. Additionally, try to stay at a steady speed and avoid sudden speed adjustments to optimize your car’s fuel economy.
In conclusion, buying a fuel-efficient car will save money on gas and contribute to the environmental concept of clean air. Fuel efficiency is more important than ever in a time when gas prices fluctuate, and concern over carbon emissions grows. Understanding fuel efficiency and considering the effects of vehicle size, engine technology, and driving habits will help you make an educated selection that fits your needs and values. There are lots of options out there, ranging from compact cars to SUVs, which give good gas mileage without sacrificing performance or features. Making the switch to a fuel-efficient car, be it hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or gas only, is a wise and eco-friendly move when it comes to the road ahead.
