These Are The 26 Gas-Powered Cars With The Highest MPG, According To The EPA

Fuel prices have skyrocketed, and that little fuel light on the dashboard is one many drivers dread to see. With each visit to the pump leaving a bigger dent in their pockets than ever before, car owners must seek means to cut down the cost of using their vehicles.

The first stop is scouring the market for a (typically, non-electric) car with better miles-per-gallon returns, and a small difference in these figures can add up to massive savings over time.

The rise of electric vehicles presents some hope with heavy savings in annual running costs, and just checking out how much EV owners save in service costs compared to ICE drivers shows the scale of frugality.

Still, manufacturers have perfected internal combustion engines, with some providing world-beating fuel economy while retaining affordable entry prices. Here are gas-powered cars with the highest MPG based on official EPA fuel economy data, including sedans, SUVs, and even a sports car.

UPDATE: 2023/12/11 01:34 EST BY MARTIN PETER

How we got our model selections: HotCars analyzed new 2023 and 2024 cars on sale in the U.S. market today to find the most fuel-efficient ones. We looked at fuel economy data from the EPA and ranked the most fuel-efficient new cars in ascending order (from least to most fuel-efficient) using the EPA’s combined MPG values.

26 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 30 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2023 MX-5 Miata Has A 181-HP Four-Cylinder Engine

When it comes to sports cars, it’s hard to go wrong with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, one of the most beloved and longest-running sports cars of all time. Introduced in the late ’80s, the MX-5 Miata has gained a huge cult following worldwide thanks to its combination of beautiful looks, fantastic driving dynamics, and punchy engines.

Though some people may complain that the Miata isn’t as powerful as its rivals, it more than makes up for it by being easy on the gas. With a combined EPA rating of 30 MPG for the 2023 model, it’s no surprise why the Miata is the best-selling two-seater sports car ever made.

25 2024 Toyota RAV4: 30 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 RAV4 Gets 27 MPG In The City

Toyota didn’t get to the top of the auto industry by accident. The Japanese marque always seems to be a few steps ahead of other carmakers, and a great example of this is when it launched the RAV4 in the early ’90s. As one of the first compact crossover SUVs, the RAV4 quickly grew its customer base worldwide and now sells almost 500,000 units annually.

There are many reasons why the RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in America. The RAV4 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, allowing it to have a combined EPA rating of 30 MPG. For more information, check out everything confirmed so far about the 2024 RAV4.

24 2023 Ford Escape FWD: 30 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2023 Escape FWD Costs $1,750 In Annual Fuel Costs

The only Ford that made our list today is none other than the Escape. Introduced in 2000, the Escape is a small SUV that’s now in its fourth generation. Compared to the third-generation model, the fourth-gen Escape is lighter by over 200 pounds, which is one of the reasons why it’s so fuel-efficient.

All Ford Escape versions have decent fuel economy figures, but the front-wheel-drive version beats all other gas-powered versions by offering a 30 MPG combined EPA rating.

23 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer FWD: 31 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Trailblazer FWD Has An EPA-Estimated Range Of 409 Miles

The subcompact crossover SUV market has been growing rapidly in recent years, which is why Chevy introduced the Trailblazer in 2019 to take advantage of the demand. The Trailblazer has been a hit since then and is loved for its sharp looks, affordability, and spacious cabin.

While the Trailblazer may not be as fuel-efficient as rivals like the Nissan Kicks, it still gets a decent combined EPA rating of 31 MPG, making it one of the most fuel-efficient and best Chevrolet models on the market and the only one on our list today.

22 2024 Mazda 3: 31 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Mazda 3 Gets 37 MPG On The Highway

If you want more space and practicality for a lower price than the Mazda MX-5 offers, the next best Mazda to get is the Mazda 3. Available in both sedan and hatchback forms, the latest Mazda 3 is still one of the best-looking sedans you can get at its price, and it does offer some premium materials inside if you get the higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda 3 draws its power from a 2.5-liter four-pot dishing out a decent 191 hp that makes it quick while still offering a combined EPA rating of 31 MPG. For more information, see how the 2024 Mazda 3 stacks up agains the Honda Civic.

21 2024 Hyundai Venue: 31 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Venue Costs $1,700 In Annual Fuel Costs

Cars are getting more expensive everyday, especially if you’re in the market for an SUV, and if you only have $20,000 to spend, the new car options are getting increasingly fewer. Thankfully, the Hyundai Venue is still around.

With a starting price of just over $20,000, the 2024 Hyundai Venue presents an incredible value proposition, which is why it’s one of the best subcompact crossover SUVs on the market. The 2024 Venue is not just cheap to buy. With a combined EPA rating of 31 MPG, the Venue is also cheap to run.

20 2024 Kia K5: 31 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 K5 Has An EPA-Estimated Range Of 490 Miles

Before the rise of SUVs, mid-size cars like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord were the most popular among families. This is why Kia introduced the K5 at the turn of the century.

The K5 is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable sedan to ferry their family around. The latest K5 gets a combined EPA rating of 31 MPG, which further boosts its appeal.

19 2024 Hyundai Kona FWD: 31 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Kona FWD Gets 28 MPG In The City

If you want to help the environment, Hyundai sells a fully-electric version of the Kona that’s pretty good. However, if you want a pure ICE vehicle, the front-wheel-drive version of the Kona is also a great option. The second-generation Kona is set to hit the market in 2024, and it’s worth the wait.

On top of offering a cool new design and a roomier cabin than the previous generation, the all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona is also fuel-efficient and has a combined EPA rating of 31 MPG.

18 2024 Kia Soul Eco Dynamics: 31 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Soul Eco Dynamics Has A 147-Hp Engine

Another cool subcompact crossover SUV that deserves your attention if fuel efficiency is your priority is the Kia Soul. The Soul is a distinctive option among the current crop of subcompact SUVs thanks to its boxy styling, refined demeanor, and spacious cabin.

Although you only get a 147-hp four-cylinder engine in the Soul, it makes up for it by having a combined EPA rating of 31 MPG.

17 2024 Nissan Altima: 32 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Altima Has An EPA-Estimated Range Of 518 Miles

The Altima has been one of the best Nissan car models since its debut three decades ago. A favorite among car rental companies and families, the Altima has always been a top choice for those seeking affordable, reliable, frugal, and comfortable transportation.

The latest 2024 Nissan Altima lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors by offering a 188-hp four-cylinder engine in the base model and a combined EPA rating of 32 MPG.

16 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: 32 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2023 Corolla Cross Gets 31 MPG In The City

Compact crossover SUVs are all the rage right now, especially for city folk. They’re practical enough for most families’ needs, but their small size makes them affordable to buy and run and easy to drive. Toyota knows this, which is why it used the popular Corolla platform to create a new compact crossover SUV – the Corolla Cross.

One thing that has made the Corolla one of the best-selling car models ever is its fuel efficiency, and Toyota wanted to replicate that with the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross boasts an impressive combined EPA rating of 32 MPG, which is excellent for an SUV.

15 2024 Honda Accord: 32 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Accord Gets 37 MPG On The Highway

There is so much good stuff going on with the Honda Accord besides its famed bullet-proof reliability. It shines in every way possible, from its agile chassis, simple, intuitive infotainment system, and affordable pricing. It is also easy on the gas, with an official EPA rating of 32 MPG combined.

There are plenty of reasons to buy the Honda Accord, and efficiency is one of the main causes. Not only is the Accord built to last, but it’s also built to go as far as possible by being as efficient as possible at all times. Thanks to its 32 MPG combined score, Honda has made it one of the very best in that regard at this moment in time.

14 2024 Toyota Camry LE/SE: 32 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Camry LE/SE Costs $1,650 In Annual Fuel Costs

Among the Camry’s best features, it boasts a spacious, well-built cabin, plenty of standard features, and strong fuel economy. It features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine netting 203 hp with a combined EPA rating of 32 MPG.

While SUVs are the rave, the Camry remains a great old-school family sedan alternative. Furthermore, it comes with reasonable pricing starting at $28,655 for the LE trim. Combine the low price with an annual fuel cost of $1,650 and the Camry package seems like a fruitful one. Not to mention, it has a claimed maximum range of 506 miles.

13 2023 Hyundai Sonata: 32 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2023 Sonata Gets 38 MPG On The Highway

Offering a legitimate alternative to the Toyota Camry is the 2023 Hyundai Sonata. Plus, the Sonata Hybrid has everything going to place it near the top of the hybrid car segment. The 2023 Sonata has an exhaustive list of standard features and a sleek cabin.

It also offers great value for money with a starting MRSP of around $27,000, excellent warranties, and great fuel economy. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine dishing out 191 hp and returning a combined EPA rating of 32 MPG.

12 2023 Subaru Impreza Sedan: 32 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2023 Impreza Sedan Gets 36 MPG On The Highway

If you ask any gearhead to name a Subaru, they’ll likely think of the Impreza first. The Impreza helped Subaru gain a huge following worldwide thanks to its rally-inspired technologies, affordability, performance, and the fact that it comes with standard all-wheel-drive even in the base models.

The 2023 Impreza is available as a hatchback or sedan, and the most fuel-efficient one is the sedan with a combined EPA rating of 32 MPG – impressive for a car with an all-wheel-drive system.

11 2024 Nissan Kicks: 33 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Kicks Costs $1,600 In Annual Fuel Costs

The Kicks doesn’t have much going for it. The design doesn’t turn many heads, and a 122-hp four-pot won’t help you win any races. However, when it comes to affordability, few subcompact crossover SUVs can beat it.

On top of offering one of the lowest starting prices in its class, the 2024 Kicks also promises huge savings in gas thanks to a combined EPA rating of 32 MPG. Plus, the 2024 Kicks is a smart choice for buyers on a budget.

10 2023 Nissan Rogue FWD: 33 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2023 Rogue FWD Gets 30 MPG In The City

If the aforementioned Nissan Kicks is too small for your needs, the next best option in the Nissan family is the Rogue — an SUV one could make a case for there being nothing wrong with.

This compact crossover SUV offers plenty more space than the Kicks, more power from its 201-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and more comfort inside.

Despite the power and space boost, the 2023 Rogue still offers the same combined EPA rating as the Kicks – 33 MPG.

9 2024 Nissan Sentra: 34 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Sentra Costs $1,550 In Annual Fuel Costs

If you can’t afford the Altima, or are looking for something a bit more fuel-efficient, the Sentra makes a great option. The Sentra makes its case by offering a lower entry price than rivals like the 2024 Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and many standard features. The 2024 Sentra is also easy on the gas, offering a combined EPA rating of 34 MPG.

8 2024 Kia Forte FE: 34 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2024 Forte FE Gets 41 MPG On The Highway

The Kia Forte FE may be cheap, but it’s hard to tell just by looking at it. A great design inspired by the Kia Stinger, a spacious cabin, and many standard features can easily fool you into thinking it costs more than it really does. The only thing that might give it away is its engine – a 147-hp four-cylinder.

Despite its lack of power, the Forte is still a superb option, especially for budget-minded buyers. It offers over 40 MPG on the highway according to the EPA, which is excellent. The 2024 Forte is a compact sedan that packs a punch and an affordable price tag.

7 2023 Nissan Versa: 35 MPG

Powertrain & Fuel Economy

The 2023 Versa Gets 40 MPG On The Highway

To some, the Nissan Versa is an easy car to ignore. While its design might not make heads turn and its 122-hp four-pot might not inspire much confidence among gearheads looking for performance, the Versa, however, makes up for its shortcomings by being one of the cheapest new cars for 2023.

On top of that, the Versa offers a 35 MPG combined EPA rating, which is great for a non-hybrid car. On a full tank, the Versa offers up to 378 miles of range.