There are numerous factors that determine whether a car is fuel-efficient. Elements such as engine size, vehicle weight, transmission type, tire selection, and aerodynamics all play a role in either conserving or consuming fuel.
While fully electric vehicles are gaining traction and hybrid cars have been prevalent for over a decade, gasoline-only vehicles still have a place in the market when it comes to fuel efficiency.
It might be surprising to see gasoline-only cars achieving close to 40 MPG, but it is entirely possible.
Vehicles like the Mitsubishi Mirage utilize compact engines, lightweight materials, and an overall smaller frame to maximize fuel economy all while remaining significantly more affordable than most hybrid options.
1. Mitsubishi Mirage
Combined Gas Mileage: 39 MPG
As the most fuel-efficient and budget-friendly non-hybrid vehicle on this list, the Mitsubishi Mirage is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine paired with an automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
While a five-speed manual transmission was previously offered, Mitsubishi discontinued it due to its impact on fuel efficiency. With a 0-60 mph time of approximately 11 seconds, this car prioritizes efficiency over speed.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 39 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 359 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,400
- Tank Capacity: 9.2 gallons
Inside, the Mirage offers a basic yet functional interior, which aligns with its starting price of around $16,695.
Despite its compact size, it is a four-door vehicle and comes with essential features, including standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and approximately 17 cubic feet of cargo space.
Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo capacity to 47 cubic feet.
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2. Hyundai Elantra
Combined Gas Mileage: 36 MPG
The Hyundai Elantra, which was the most stolen car in America in 2023, has been continuously refined since its debut in the 1990s.
The 2023 model is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission, enabling it to achieve fuel economy just a few MPG below the Mirage.
Producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, the Elantra delivers adequate performance, though its 0-60 mph acceleration remains modest at 8.1 seconds.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 36 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 446 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,500
- Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons
Safety is a strong suit for the Elantra, as it comes standard with multiple driver assistance systems, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.
In terms of technology and comfort, buyers can choose between an eight-inch or 10.3-inch infotainment display. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a built-in Wi-Fi connection.
3. Honda Civic
Combined Gas Mileage: 36 MPG
The Honda Civic is a well-rounded front-wheel-drive sedan that excels in comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
Under the hood, it features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
With a 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds, it offers enough power to merge seamlessly onto highways and reach cruising speeds without hesitation. A CVT transmission is utilized to optimize fuel efficiency and performance.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 36 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 446 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,500
- Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons
With a fuel tank capacity of 12.4 gallons, the Honda Civic ranks among the vehicles with the longest driving range on this list.
Standard safety features include automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Inside, the cabin is designed with a modern and sophisticated touch, offering ample cargo space.
Drivers can choose from three screen options, while a mesh inlay spanning the dashboard discreetly conceals the air vents.
4. Toyota Corolla
Combined Gas Mileage: 35 MPG
The Toyota Corolla is a stylish sedan that delivers the dependable and satisfying driving experience expected from Toyota.
Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it generates 169 horsepower while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency. Depending on driving habits, it achieves between 32 and 41 MPG, with an average of 35 MPG.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 35 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 462 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,550
- Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Inside, the Corolla boasts an upscale design, featuring a refined cabin equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including:
- Automatic high beams
- Road sign assist
- Forward collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
The Toyota Corolla strikes a perfect balance between fuel efficiency, comfort, and style. For those who don’t mind a four MPG difference compared to the Mitsubishi Mirage, it remains an excellent non-hybrid choice.
5. Nissan Versa
Combined Gas Mileage: 35 MPG
The Nissan Versa stands as the most affordable new car equipped with a four-cylinder engine. Under the hood, it houses a compact 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers the same average fuel efficiency as the Toyota Corolla.
This engine produces 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of roughly 10 seconds.
While the Versa won’t make you feel like a race car driver, it will certainly keep your wallet happy thanks to its excellent fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy And Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 35 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 378 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,550
- Tank Capacity: 10.8 gallons
The Versa comes equipped with an automatic CVT transmission. Standard safety features are minimal, offering front and rear automated emergency braking.
However, buyers can opt for additional safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Inside, the cabin leans toward a sportier aesthetic, with ample space to seat two adults comfortably in the rear.
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6. Nissan Sentra
Combined Gas Mileage: 34 MPG
Among the vehicles on this list, the Nissan Sentra stands out for its appealing design.
It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission, generating 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque.
In urban driving conditions, fuel economy hovers around 30 MPG, while highway cruising can achieve up to 40 MPG.
Fuel Economy And Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 34 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 422 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,600
- Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons
Beyond its sleek and contemporary exterior, the Nissan Sentra boasts one of the most stylish interiors in its segment.
The dashboard incorporates simple analog gauges for easy readability, while circular air vents and red stitching lend a sporty touch.
Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, ensuring a well-rounded driving experience.
7. Volkswagen Jetta
Combined Gas Mileage: 34 MPG
The Volkswagen Jetta is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, though Volkswagen plans to phase out the manual option in the 2025 model, keeping it exclusively for the Jetta GLI.
For optimal fuel efficiency, it’s recommended to choose the available 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta is a front-wheel-drive vehicle and achieves a respectable 0-60 mph time of seven seconds.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 34 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 449 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,600
- Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Inside, the Jetta is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with features like a mobile hotspot and wireless phone charging.
The cabin offers generous space and a premium feel, enhanced by traditional knobs for the radio and HVAC controls, striking a balance between modern convenience and classic functionality.
8. Kia Forte
Combined Gas Mileage: 34 MPG
The Kia Forte is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but don’t let that fool you this sedan delivers 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, which is 27 horsepower and 20 pound-feet more than the discontinued Kia Rio.
On average, the Forte achieves 34 MPG, with highway mileage reaching up to 41 MPG.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 34 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 476 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,600
- Tank Capacity: 14 gallons
As an upgrade from the Rio, the Forte offers a more refined interior while maintaining a simple and practical design.
While it’s not a luxury vehicle, it remains an excellent option for those seeking an affordable non-hybrid sedan that doesn’t compromise on fuel efficiency.
With one of the largest fuel tanks on this list, the Forte boasts one of the longest driving ranges among gasoline-powered vehicles.
9. Acura Integra
Combined Gas Mileage: 33 MPG
The long-awaited return of the Acura Integra finally arrived in 2022.
Just like its predecessors, the fifth-generation Integra is built on the same platform as the Honda Civic, meaning it shares similar fuel economy and running costs with its more affordable counterpart, which was also mentioned on this list. H
owever, the Integra stands out with a more luxurious and comfortable design, along with a significantly longer body measuring 185.8 inches (4,718 mm) compared to the Civic’s 179.1 inches (4,549 mm).
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 33 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 409 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $2,050
- Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons
As a result, the Integra’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the Civic’s, averaging 3.0 MPG less. However, it still remains one of the most fuel-efficient premium models available.
The only major exception to this would be the high-performance Acura Integra Type S, which sacrifices efficiency for speed.
10. Audi A3
Combined Gas Mileage: 32 MPG
While the Audi A3 isn’t the most fuel-efficient car on this list, it is one of the quickest, delivering an impressive balance between performance and economy with a combined rating of 32 MPG.
Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just six seconds.
Unlike many of the other vehicles on this list that feature a CVT transmission, the Audi A3 comes equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 32 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 422 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,700
- Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons
For those in search of a fuel-efficient, non-hybrid car that also offers luxury, affordability, and premium features, the Audi A3 is a strong contender.
In addition to its 32 MPG rating, it comes with Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a high-end, well-equipped interior.
Moreover, the A3 boasts an attractive and sophisticated exterior design. However, one potential drawback is its slightly lower cargo capacity compared to some of the other models on this list.
11. Mini Cooper
Combined Gas Mileage: 32 MPG
The British-born (now German-engineered) Mini Cooper is a compact model that blends a retro-futuristic design with minimalism.
While it may not offer the most car for the money, its BMW-derived B38 turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers respectable performance along with solid fuel efficiency.
Interestingly, this is essentially the same engine found in the high-performance BMW i8, albeit significantly detuned to produce 136 horsepower.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 32 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 371 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $2,100
- Tank Capacity: 11.6 gallons
One major advantage of the Mini Cooper is that it maintains the same fuel economy regardless of whether you opt for the hardtop, convertible, or four-door variant.
While its running costs are on the higher end compared to some models on this list, they remain competitive with vehicles like the Acura Integra.
12. Honda Accord
Combined Gas Mileage: 32 MPG
After undergoing a complete redesign in 2023, the Honda Accord enters the 2024 model year without any changes. The only gas-powered option in the lineup is a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 192 horsepower.
This engine is paired with a CVT transmission and comes exclusively with front-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): 32 MPG
- EPA-Estimated Range: 474 miles
- Annual Fuel Costs: $1,700
- Tank Capacity: 14.8 gallons
While the turbocharged engine isn’t as powerful as the hybrid variant, it still delivers impressive acceleration, allowing the Accord to reach 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds.
Additionally, it remains fuel-efficient, achieving 37 miles per gallon on the highway. The Honda Accord’s other strong suits include its sleek design and an extensive suite of driver-assistance features.