Despite continuing developments in hybrid and electric-car technology, the moral old-fashioned internal combustion engine is motionless kickin'. For those who want to devote less to gasoline without forking over significant change on a hybrid or electric vehicle, here are the most productive gas-only models for 2024 per EPA estimates. So here are the top 10 most fuel efficient cars!
Mini Hardtop and Convertible: 32 mpg
Mini's Hardtop, besides Convertible models, combines a fun-to-drive façade with excellent fuel efficiency. The two- and four-door mockups are most efficient in the three-cylinder Cooper guise when equipped with an involuntary transmission. Conversely, opting for the accessible 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 mutual fuel economy figure.
- Base price: $26,795
- EPA combined/city/highway: 32/29/38 mpg
Acura Integra: 33 mpg
Like Integras past, the 2024 Acura Integra is a glitzy Honda Civic. That's no bad thing, though, because Honda's compact sedan is among the best in its section (and a 10-best winner). Whereas the Civic is accessible in sedan and hatchback body styles, the Integra is a hatchback-only affair. If you want to snag the maximum fuel-efficient variant of this entry-level luxury car, you'll need to cane to the base model and its smaller rolling stock. Nevertheless, it may lack the racy bits of higher-end trims, but the standard Integra retains those models' 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. The car's accessible six-speed manual is not offered in its entry-level guise.
- Base price: $32,695
- EPA combined/city/highway: 33/30/37 mpg
Nissan Kicks: 33 mpg
With 122 horsepower since its wheezy four-cylinder engine, the Nissan Kicks isn't swift. But it is reasonably fuel efficient. Offered exclusively through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), Nissan's subcompact car SUV returns a combined 33 mpg according to the EPA. It's a small fuel tank; however, you'll still need to stop at the gas station relatively frequently.
- Base price: $22,155
- EPA combined/city/highway: 33/31/36 mpg
Nissan Sentra: 34 mpg
The Nissan Sentra demonstrates that affordable and efficient cars don't have to be air dorky. It's powered by a 149-hp 2.0-liter inline-four and incessantly variable automatic transmission (CVT). When gas fees soar, the Sentra's small fuel tank can make filling up less heartbreaking than bigger cars with even bigger ones.
- Base price: $21,745
- EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/40 mpg
Volkswagen Jetta: 34 mpg
The Volkswagen Jetta is fun to drive and offers far more space than you might guess. The eight-speed automatic transmission nets the best firewood efficiency from this compact sedan's 158-hp turbo four. We'd take the minor hit to efficiency and pick a Jetta with the six-speed manual.
- Base price: $22,585
- EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/41 mpg
Kia Forte: 34 mpg
The Kia Forte sits underneath the K5 in the Korean brand's lineup. Its front-wheel drive also comes standard with a 147-hp inline-four. However, Kia offers a six-speed manual with the thirstier turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder of the GT fit; the brand equips all naturally aspirated Fortes through a sensible CVT. The Forte is far from its segment's best or most exciting vehicle. Still, it does offer a long typical features list, reasonable pricing, and impressive fuel economy with its dishonourable powertrain.
- Base price: $20,915
- EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/41 mpg
Nissan Versa: 35 mpg
Every variant of the Nissan Versa relies on a 122-hp four-cylinder engine for motivation. However, only models fortified with the optional CVT net an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg. The Versa won't convince you it's a presentation vehicle, but it offers 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
Hyundai Elantra: 36 mpg
The Hyundai Elantra customs a 147-hp inline-four and a CVT to achieve an EPA-estimated joint rating of up to 36 mpg. Those needing even more fuel efficiency can continuously go for the compact sedan's available hybrid powertrain. For a sharp-looking sedan that jumps just north of $20,000, the Elantra is an attractive choice, privileged and out.
- Base price: $22,590
- EPA combined/city/highway: 36/31/42 mpg
Honda Civic: 36 mpg
It can be challenging to bargain for something that the Honda Civic could do better; there's a model for all needs, from fuel sippers to track attackers. Plus, it's an everyday 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. Meanwhile, the more versatile hatchback returns an EPA combined rating of up to 35 mpg, while sedans with a base 2.0-liter engine net a combined fuel economy score of 33 mpg.
- Base price: $25,045
- EPA combined/city/highway: 36/33/42 mpg
Mitsubishi Mirage: 39 mpg
Sure, the Mitsubishi Mirage's litre three-cylinder train makes just 78 horses, but what the Mirage's absence in power it makes up for with its fuel efficiency. A CVT is the lone gearbox offered, although Mitsubishi sells the model in tailgate and sedan forms, the latter of which bears the name Mirage G4. The G4 is the hungrier Mirage model, with an EPA combined rating of 37 mpg. Regardless of body style, don't go anywhere fast in Mitsubishi's subcompact car, by way of 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
Conclusion
The kind of car your energy can affect the environment more than your budget. While electric vehicles may save you money on weekdays because you don't have to hurt inflated gas prices and produce no pollution while driving, there can be a higher upfront cost at the dealership. As you work toward maintainable living, you may want to learn how to shop sustainably, so recite up on fast fashion to find out what clothing brands to avoid.
