We all know driving a car that gets good gas mileage is a great way to get more bang for your buck. But what counts as “good” gas mileage, anyway?
Because it’s such a subjective term—and it involves several factors—there’s no one-size-fits-all definition. For example, many gas-powered passenger cars exceed 35 miles per gallon (mpg), with hybrids regularly exceeding 50 mpg and electric vehicles (EVs) topping 100 mpg. Meanwhile, a standard truck may only get 25 mpg.
So compared to a hybrid, the truck gets poor gas mileage—but compared to other trucks, it may be the most fuel-efficient option.
Keep that in mind as you research fuel-efficient cars. Narrow your focus to the types of vehicles that make sense for your lifestyle, your budget, the weather in your area, and the amount of driving you do. From there, start looking into gas mileage.
Which older cars have the best gas mileage?
While the average cost of used vehicles has skyrocketed over the past few years, many of these cars—even makes and models that are 10+ years old—still provide good gas mileage.
The higher your budget, the more vehicles you can consider—especially when it comes to hybrids and EVs. But even if you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive used car, you should be able to find plenty of fuel-efficient options. Just keep in mind that older cars typically have more wear and tear, so be prepared for additional maintenance expenses.
Cheap used cars with good gas mileage
Fuel-efficient used cars under $15,000*
Fuel-efficient used cars under $10,000*
Fuel-efficient used cars under $5,000*
Fuel-efficient new cars
Car and Driver ranked the following 10 cars based on a combination of fuel efficiency and ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
2024 Toyota Prius
2024 Hyundai Elantra
2024 Hyundai Sonata
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2024 Toyota Corolla
2024 Honda Accord/Accord Hybrid
2024 Lexus ES
2025 Toyota Crown
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage/Mirage G4
2024 Honda Civic
Keep in mind this is only one publication’s list, and it’s also not a comprehensive list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. As you research new vehicles, consider additional factors, such as safety ratings, depreciation, and suitability for your lifestyle.
Are hybrid cars worth it?
Ultimately, that’s up to you. In many cases, hybrid vehicles cost more up front than their gas-only counterparts. So if money is tight at the time you’re shopping, that extra cost can be a significant hurdle. Plus, if you don’t drive that much, you may find the financial benefits of a hybrid’s fuel efficiency take years to balance out the higher upfront costs.
That said, if your lifestyle involves even an average amount of yearly driving—and you’re able to spend a little more at the time of purchase—a hybrid car can provide significant value.
The cheapest electric vehicles
New (and relatively new) EVs aren’t typically considered inexpensive—for example, the cheapest car on the list below has a starting price of $29,280. But if you find one that fits your budget and lifestyle, EVs and their 100+ mpg fuel efficiency can be excellent money-savers.
According to cars.com, here are the five cheapest electric vehicles, as of April 2024:
Nissan Leaf: $29,280 starting price
Mini Cooper SE Hardtop: $31,895 starting price
Hyundai Kona Electric: $34,050 starting price
Hyundai Ioniq 6: $38,650 starting price
Fisker Ocean: $38,999 starting price
Buying a used car
As you search for a used car, how do you narrow your search and buy the right one? With this step-by-step guide, we can help you through the process—from setting a budget to taking a test drive.
There are pros and cons to buying a used car from a dealer, private seller, online retailer, or friend or family member. It comes down to your priorities, timeline, and budget. Here’s what you need to know.
Interested in buying a used car but not sure when to start? Check out our tips on the best times to buy a used car.
Buying car insurance for your new vehicle
Getting a new (or new-to-you) vehicle is a great reason to review your policy and make sure it still works for you. After all, you’re required to carry car insurance for your vehicle—in 49 states, anyway—so you might as well take the time to get it right.
We’ve put together an in-depth article to help you buy car insurance for your new vehicle, which can help you answer some key questions, such as:
When should you add insurance to a new car?
What’s the minimum coverage available?
What factors impact insurance costs?
Improve your car’s gas mileage
If you’re not in the market for a new vehicle but still want to save money on fuel, there are plenty of ways to help improve your gas mileage with your current car, such as:
Keep your speed consistent
Know the type of fuel that works best for your car
Clean out your car
Maintain properly inflated tires
Use air conditioning sparingly
Avoid idling your vehicle when possible
Watch out for products that sound too good to be true
The general information in this blog is for informational or entertainment purposes only. View our blog disclaimer.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article's publication date.
**All product names, logos, brands, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. All company, product, and service names are for identification purposes only. Use of any of the foregoing does not imply endorsement.