The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars (That Aren't Hybrids)
Despite continuing advancements in hybrid and electric-car technology, the good old-fashioned internal combustion engine is still kickin'. For those who want to spend less on gasoline without forking over big money on a hybrid or electric vehicle, here are the most efficient gas-only models for 2024 per EPA estimates.
Mini Hardtop and Convertible: 32 mpg
Mini's Hardtop and Convertible models combine a fun-to-drive persona with excellent fuel efficiency. The two- and four-door models are at their most efficient in three-cylinder Cooper guise when equipped with an automatic transmission. On the plus side, opting for the available six-speed manual transmission or stepping up to the more powerful—and pricier—Cooper S trim only makes a small dent in the subcompact's EPA-estimated combined fuel economy figure.
Base price: $26,795
EPA combined/city/highway: 32/29/38 mpg
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Acura Integra: 33 mpg
Like Integras past, the 2024 Acura Integra is essentially a glitzy Honda Civic. That's no bad thing, though, as Honda's compact sedan is among the best in its segment (and a 10Best winner). Whereas the Civic is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the Integra is a hatchback-only affair. If you want to snag the most fuel-efficient variant of this entry-level luxury car, then you'll need to stick to the base model and its smaller rolling stock. Though it may lack the racy bits of higher-end trims, the standard Integra retains those models' 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Alas, the car's available six-speed manual is not offered in its entry-level guise.
Base price: $32,695
EPA combined/city/highway: 33/30/37 mpg
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Nissan Kicks: 33 mpg
With 122 horsepower from its wheezy four-cylinder engine, the Nissan Kicks isn't especially quick. But it is reasonably fuel efficient. Offered exclusively with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), Nissan's subcompact SUV returns a combined 33 mpg according to the EPA. Its small fuel tank, however, means you'll still need to stop at the gas station relatively frequently.
Base price: $22,155
EPA combined/city/highway: 33/31/36 mpg
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Nissan Sentra: 34 mpg
The Nissan Sentra proves that affordable and efficient cars don't have to look dorky. It's powered by a 149-hp 2.0-liter inline-four and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). When gas prices soar, the Sentra's small fuel tank can make filling up less heartbreaking than larger cars with even bigger ones.
Base price: $21,745
EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/40 mpg
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Volkswagen Jetta: 34 mpg
The Volkswagen Jetta is reasonably fun to drive and offers far more space than you might expect. The available eight-speed automatic transmission nets the best fuel efficiency from this compact sedan's 158-hp turbo four. That said, we'd probably take the small hit to efficiency and pick a Jetta with the six-speed manual.
Base price: $22,585
EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/41 mpg
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Kia Forte: 34 mpg
The Kia Forte sits below the K5 in the Korean brand's lineup. It's front-wheel drive and comes standard with a 147-hp inline-four. Though Kia offers a six-speed manual with the thirstier turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder of the GT trim, the brand equips all naturally aspirated Fortes with a sensible CVT. The Forte is far from the best or most exciting vehicle in its segment, but it does offer a long standard features list, reasonable pricing, and impressive fuel economy with its base powertrain.
Base price: $20,915
EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/41 mpg
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Nissan Versa: 35 mpg
Every variant of the Nissan Versa relies on a 122-hp four-cylinder engine for motivation, but only models equipped with the optional CVT net an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg. The Versa won't convince you it's a performance vehicle, but it does offer a lot of value courtesy of its ample interior space and robust standard features list.
Base price: $17,245
EPA combined/city/highway: 35/32/40 mpg
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Hyundai Elantra: 36 mpg
The Hyundai Elantra uses a 147-hp inline-four and a CVT to achieve an EPA-estimated combined rating of up to 36 mpg. Those in need of even more fuel efficiency can always go for the compact sedan's available hybrid powertrain. For a sharp-looking sedan that starts just north of $20,000, the Elantra is an attractive choice inside and out.
Base price: $22,590
EPA combined/city/highway: 36/31/42 mpg
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Honda Civic: 36 mpg
It can be tough to find something that the Honda Civic doesn't do well; there's a model for every need, from fuel sippers to track attackers. Plus it's a frequent 10Best winner. When equipped with the 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four and a CVT, the Civic sedan is rated at an EPA combined 36 mpg. The more versatile hatchback, meanwhile, returns an EPA combined rating of up to 35 mpg, while sedans with the base 2.0-liter engine net a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg.
Base price: $25,045
EPA combined/city/highway: 36/33/42 mpg
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Mitsubishi Mirage: 39 mpg
Sure, the Mitsubishi Mirage's little three-cylinder engine makes just 78 horses, but what the Mirage lacks in power it makes up for with its fuel efficiency. A CVT is the only gearbox offered, although Mitsubishi sells the model in hatchback and sedan forms, the latter of which bears the name Mirage G4. The G4 is the thirstier Mirage model, with an EPA combined rating of 37 mpg. Regardless of body style, don't plan on getting anywhere fast in Mitsubishi's subcompact car, as a Mirage G4 with a CVT we tested in 2018 needed 12.8 seconds to hit 60 mph.
Base price: $17,950
EPA combined/city/highway: 39/36/43 mpg
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The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars (That Aren't Hybrids)
Mini Hardtop and Convertible: 32 mpg
Acura Integra: 33 mpg
Nissan Kicks: 33 mpg
Nissan Sentra: 34 mpg
Volkswagen Jetta: 34 mpg
Kia Forte: 34 mpg
Nissan Versa: 35 mpg
Hyundai Elantra: 36 mpg
Honda Civic: 36 mpg
Mitsubishi Mirage: 39 mpg
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