Everyone wants to save some money when they pull into the gas station. Gas is expensive, so finding the right car with the best possible gas mileage can save you from dreading the pump. There are a lot of great deals out there, but what is the best option for you? Luckily, research has been done for just this occasion.
1. Toyota Prius
You have to start a conversation about the best fuel-efficient cars on the market with the famous Prius. Arguably the king of saving people money at the pump, this car broke the mold for future hybrids. While still affordable, the base model will get you a combined 57 miles per gallon. Of course, there are the plug-in and all-electric models, but we are leaving those models out for this conversation. The sticker price on this model is an affordable $29,000.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi made the Mirage so affordable and fuel-efficient that almost anyone can justify one of these compact cars. They may be small, but they are cool-looking. You would think that these little roadsters would cost more than the $17,800 sticker price. One of the cheapest new cars on the market, they are perfect for commuters, averaging around 38 miles per gallon.
3. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai is quickly becoming one of the leaders in performance and safety. One of the few companies to offer a 10-year 100,00 warranty on their vehicles, it’s safe to say they know what they are doing. The Elantra comes in several options, but the most popular is the SEL model. It has a 2.0-litre engine and front-wheel drive that can average 40 miles per gallon on the freeway and just over 30 on the street. Not bad for a price tag of $24,540.
4. Honda Civic
If I were to hazard a guess, I would argue that the Honda Civic is the most driven car on the road today. It could be because they are known for being affordable, reliable, and great gas savers. For $25,000, you can drive one off the lot and enjoy fuel efficiency in the upper 30 miles per gallon. Consumers are still waiting on a hybrid model to drop one of these years; that could be a game-changer!
5. Kia Rio
Like Hyundai, Kia is becoming more and more popular in America due to their affordable and reliable product. The South Korean company has been selling its compact car, the Rio, for several years, and it’s only getting more popular. I can see why the popular LX IVT model is only $18,000. It sports four doors and can get over 40 miles per gallon. This could be the perfect car for a first-time buyer or college student.
6. Toyota Corolla
Get used to seeing Toyota models on the list of fuel-smart cars, as the company aims to save their drivers gas money. The Corolla is no exception. A compact car that is fun to drive, the base model will get up to 45 miles per gallon on the freeway and will only cost you $22,300. Upgrades to hybrids or all-wheel drive models could stretch your miles per gallon closer to 50 with a bit of a higher car payment.
7. Nissan Versa
Nissan’s compact economy car may be small, but it is far from boring. Buyers love the Versa for many reasons other than its affordable price tag and great gas-saving abilities. Drivers say the car is quite spacious once inside. Choose from a couple of different trims, but all will keep your wallet happy. The base model comes in at $17,500 and can get 35 miles to the gallon.
8. Volkswagen Jetta
You know you will be safe behind the wheel of a Volkswagen, but now you know you will be saving money as well. The German brand has been selling Jettas for years, but I was surprised to see that a model was for sale for only $22,500. That is a fantastic deal for a safe car that will net an incredible 35 miles per gallon.
9. Kia Forte
Another home run coming out of South Korea from Kia is the Forte. A step up in size from the Rio, the Forte offers four different trim options. The most popular is the LXS IVT, which has a 2.0-litre engine, front-wheel drive, and the ability to rack up 39 miles per gallon on the highway, all for a price of $21,400. Get yourself to a Kia dealership soon!
10. Nissan Sentra
Speaking of stepping up, like the Kia Forte, the Sentra is a step up from its compact cousin, the Nissan Versa. The Nissan Sentra has been around for 40 years. You don’t make it that long without doing something right. The Sentra has always prided itself on its affordability and fuel economy. Well, nothing has changed, and they have done it again. For $21,750, you can have a new Sentra and know you will be saving money as it will get 40 miles to the gallon on highway driving.
11. Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is an iconic ride. There is nothing else like them on the road, and despite being called Mini, the car is quite spacious. Imagine cruising through the city or to the beach with the roof down, feeling the wind in your hair. You won’t have a care in the world because you’re averaging 31 miles per gallon, and it only costs you $26,000.
12. Honda Accord
Honda has been offering their mid-sized sedan for decades, and the car keeps getting better. The newest models come in many trims, but the EX is the best one for fuel economy. It has a turbo engine and front-wheel drive that will get an estimated 37 miles per gallon on the highway. That can be yours for just over $30,000. They are offered in hybrids as well if you want to bump that fuel economy up.
13. Toyota Camry
Toyota is obviously winning the game when it comes to fuel efficiency, and the Camry is no exception. This full-size sedan will offer you all the comfort of a bigger ride with the peace of mind knowing you won’t break the bank every time you fill up. The sedan can get combined miles per gallon in the forties, and even higher than that if you opt for the hybrid model, but the base Camry will come with a price tag of $27,515.
14. Nissan Altima
Nissan is stepping up their fuel efficiency in every aspect of their cars. We already talked about the Versa and the Sentra, but the mid-size sedan Altima needs some attention. You will pay a bit more upfront, but the larger Altima will still see miles per gallon in the upper 30s. The price sits just under $30k, making this a great deal for your next car.
15. Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai has a hybrid option and an all-engine option when it comes to the Sonata. Both thrive in the fuel-saving world. The hybrid option will net you a combined 50 miles per gallon in both the city and highway. You will be surprised to see the base model sits at just over $25,000. It’s a good buy if you are looking for a cool car and some savings during fill-up.
Source: TrueCar, Car and Driver.
