With gasoline prices remaining a significant concern for households, finding the Most Fuel Efficient Gas Cars is more important than ever. While prices have dipped slightly from last year, predictions suggest we could see another surge, especially as summer driving season approaches. For car buyers looking to minimize their trips to the gas station without switching to hybrid or electric vehicles, there are still excellent options in the market.
It’s not always practical to trade in your current vehicle solely for better fuel economy, particularly if considering a jump to a more expensive hybrid or EV. However, if you’re already planning to buy a new car, choosing one of the most fuel efficient gas cars can lead to substantial savings over time. Advancements in automotive technology mean that even gasoline-powered cars are achieving impressive mileage figures. Features like turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and efficient transmissions are now commonplace, pushing many ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles into the coveted 30+ MPG range.
Typically, achieving top-tier fuel efficiency in gas cars involves opting for smaller, lighter models, often with base engines and without features like all-wheel drive. To simplify your search, we’ve consulted the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) fueleconomy.gov database to bring you a curated list of the most fuel efficient gas cars across various segments for the 2024 model year. These listings highlight the top-performing versions within each model line, specifying engine details and EPA city/highway MPG ratings.
For 2024, the crown for the most fuel efficient gas car goes to the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. This subcompact sedan boasts an EPA rating of 36 MPG in the city and an impressive 43 MPG on the highway, powered by a modest 1.2-liter engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). According to EPA estimates, driving a Mirage G4 for 15,000 miles annually will cost around $1,200 in fuel, based on current average gas prices. Over five years of ownership, this translates to roughly $2,250 in fuel savings compared to the average 2024 model.
Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Gas Passenger Cars
If you’re in the market for a sedan or hatchback that sips fuel, these are the top contenders in the passenger car category for most fuel efficient gas cars:
- Mitsubishi Mirage/G4: 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with CVT: 36 MPG city / 43 MPG highway
- Honda Civic: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine: 33 MPG city / 42 MPG highway
- Hyundai Elantra: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with CVT: 32 MPG city / 41 MPG highway
- Toyota Corolla/Hatchback: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 10-speed transmission: 32 MPG city / 41 MPG highway
- Nissan Versa: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with CVT: 32 MPG city / 40 MPG highway
Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Gas Luxury Cars
Luxury doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fuel economy. These luxury cars prove you can have both efficiency and premium features, making them some of the most fuel efficient gas cars in the upscale segment:
- Acura Integra: 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 7-speed transmission: 30 MPG city / 37 MPG highway (Premium fuel recommended)
- Audi A3: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 7-speed transmission: 29 MPG city / 37 MPG highway
- BMW 530i: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 27 MPG city / 35 MPG highway
- Mercedes-Benz C300: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 9-speed transmission: 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
- Mercedes-Benz CLA250: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Gas SUVs
For those needing more space and versatility, SUVs are a popular choice. Here are the leaders in fuel efficiency among non-hybrid SUV models, representing some of the most fuel efficient gas cars in the SUV category:
- Nissan Kicks: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with CVT: 31 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
- Hyundai Kona: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with CVT: 29 MPG city / 34 MPG highway
- Chevrolet Trailblazer: 1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine with CVT: 29 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
- Hyundai Venue: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with CVT: 29 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
- Volkswagen Taos: 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 28 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Gas Luxury SUVs
Even in the luxury SUV segment, fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly prioritized. These models lead the way as the most fuel efficient gas cars in the luxury SUV class:
- Lexus NX: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
- Cadillac XT4: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 9-speed transmission: 24 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
- BMW X1: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 7-speed transmission: 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
- Infiniti QX50: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
- BMW X3: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Gas Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are not typically known for fuel efficiency, but there are still models that stand out. For those needing truck capabilities without excessive gas consumption, these are the most fuel efficient gas cars in the pickup truck category:
- Ford Maverick: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 23 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
- Ford Ranger: 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 10-speed transmission: 21 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
- Chevrolet Colorado: 2.7-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 19 MPG city / 24 MPG highway
- GMC Canyon: 2.7-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 19 MPG city / 23 MPG highway
- Nissan Frontier: 3.8-liter 6-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission: 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway
Maximize Your Fuel Efficiency with Any Gas Car
Beyond choosing a fuel-efficient model, every driver can adopt habits to improve gas mileage, regardless of their vehicle. Simple changes in driving style and vehicle maintenance can significantly impact your fuel consumption and help you save even more. Here are some proven tips to maximize fuel efficiency for any gas car:
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and harsh braking. Gradual starts and stops conserve fuel.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and waste fuel.
- Reduce Aerodynamic Drag: Drive with windows closed at highway speeds and remove unnecessary roof racks or exterior accessories that can disrupt airflow.
- Lighten Your Load: Don’t carry unnecessary weight in your trunk or cargo area. лишний weight requires more energy to move the vehicle.
Choosing one of the most fuel efficient gas cars combined with mindful driving habits is a smart strategy to combat rising fuel costs and reduce your environmental footprint. This list provides a solid starting point for anyone looking to save money at the pump without compromising on the practicality and familiarity of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Source: fueleconomy.gov
