What Are Today's Most Affordable Fuel-Efficient Cars?
Not ready for a hybrid? This list focuses on the most fuel-efficient cars that aren’t hybrids, so you can save money on gas without making the switch. This guide highlights the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars on the market today.
Just because you want to save money on your car and on fuel doesn’t necessarily mean you should have to give up features, safety or comfort. Fortunately, today’s crop of economy cars are great values, packed with safety features and technology, and with enough space and comfort for day-to-day use in the city and on longer trips.
If you’re shopping for a car on a tight budget, and have a tight budget for gasoline, we’ve compiled a list of five great choices. All of them start at under $25,000 MSRP, and all of them sip fuel and are rated by the EPA at over 35 MPG on the highway.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Best for Budget Buyers: Mitsubishi Mirage
As one of the cheapest cars with the best gas mileage, the Mirage is perfect for city driving and long commutes. The subcompact Mirage hatchback is one of the least-expensive vehicles available on the U.S. market. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most economical to run, with its 1.2-liter engine capable of 43 MPG on the highway when equipped with the continuously variable automatic transmission (a five-speed manual is standard). The Mirage’s hatchback body has plenty of room up front and a versatile cargo area that can be expanded by folding down the back seats. Its super-tight turning circle makes it a great car for the city. Even at its low base price, the Mirage comes standard with ABS brakes, stability control, and automatic braking with pedestrian detection, features which are optional on many more expensive cars. Seven airbags and a rear-view camera are also standard, as is a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- Starting MSRP: $16,695
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 36/43
Hyundai Elantra
Best Tech & Safety: Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra is a modern, spacious sedan with surprising features and luxury. We like its upscale interior, with features previously available only on high-end luxury cars. It comes with a large 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. A wide range of safety systems keep you safe; forward collision assist with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, and more are all standard. The 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 42 highway MPG.
- Starting MSRP: $22,125
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 32/41
Volkswagen Jetta
Most Fuel-Efficient Non-Hybrid: Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta is a compact sedan with almost as much room as a mid-size sedan. It stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient cars that aren’t hybrids, offering 43 MPG on the highway with a turbocharged engine. In fact, everything about it feels like it’s from a class above, from its spacious interior to its big, comfortable seats, to its superb ride quality and the quiet cabin. From the moment you turn the steering wheel, you can sense the Jetta’s autobahn breeding: it’s stable and comfortable at highway speeds with superb refinement for a car of its price. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces a thrilling rush of speed while sipping gas. Its 158 horsepower is nearly double the Mitsubishi Mirage’s, while delivering great fuel economy. Standard tech includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multiple USB ports, a back-up camera, and more.
- Starting MSRP: $22,495
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 29/43
Honda Civic
The Reliable Fuel-Saving Classic: Honda Civic
Redesigned in 2022, the Honda Civic continues to impress with its spacious interior, making it a great choice for families. Its superb cabin quality, comfortable seats, and intuitive controls—many of which still use physical knobs and buttons—set it apart in its class. The Civic also delivers a surprisingly sporty driving experience for its price. The 2.0-liter engine produces 158 horsepower while achieving an EPA-estimated 41 MPG on the highway. Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic pre-collision braking. Looking for better efficiency and power? The Civic Hybrid delivers 50 MPG in the city and boasts 200 horsepower.
- Starting MSRP: $24,250
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 32/41
If you’re shopping for the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars, these options deliver the best balance of performance and economy. Finding the cheapest car with the best gas mileage doesn’t have to be difficult.
🚙 Looking for even better fuel economy? Check out our Best-Selling Hybrid Cars with an average City MPG of 45.5.
⚡ Curious about how hybrids compare to gas cars? Read our guide about the Benefits of Hybrid Electric Vehicles to see the key differences in performance, maintenance, and cost.
🔋 Think all hybrids need charging? They don’t! Learn about the mechanics in How Hybrid Cars Work.
