The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars (That Aren't Hybrids) (2024)

Sure, the Mitsubishi Mirage's little three-cylinder engine makes just 78 horses, but what the Mirage lacks in power it makes up for with its fuel efficiency. A CVT is the only gearbox offered, although Mitsubishi sells the model in hatchback and sedan forms, the latter of which bears the name Mirage G4. The G4 is the thirstier Mirage model, with an EPA combined rating of 37 mpg. Regardless of body style, don't plan on getting anywhere fast in Mitsubishi's subcompact car, as 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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MITSUBISHI MIRAGE

It can be tough to find something that the Honda Civic doesn't do well; there's a model for every need, from fuel sippers to track attackers. Plus it's a frequent 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. The more versatile hatchback, meanwhile, returns an EPA combined rating of up to 35 mpg, while sedans with the base 2.0-liter engine net a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg.

• Base price: $25,045
• EPA combined/city/highway: 36/33/42 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HONDA CIVIC

The Hyundai Elantra uses a 147-hp inline-four and a CVT to achieve an EPA-estimated combined rating of up to 36 mpg. Those in need of even more fuel efficiency can always go for the compact sedan's available hybrid powertrain. For a sharp-looking sedan that starts just north of $20,000, the Elantra is an attractive choice inside and out.

• Base price: $22,590
• EPA combined/city/highway: 36/31/42 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Every variant of the Nissan Versa relies on a 122-hp four-cylinder engine for motivation, but only models equipped with the optional CVT net an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg. The Versa won't convince you it's a performance vehicle, but it does offer 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

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Getting the most efficient gas-only Toyota Corolla doesn't require picking between the sedan or the hatchback, as both body styles share the same EPA fuel economy estimates of 35 mpg combined, 32 mpg in the city, and 41 mpg on the highway. Avoid the bigger wheels of higher trims, though, as the fuel economy figures on those models' window stickers are slightly worse than those of lower-level Corollas. All gas-only Corollas that forgo the GR badge share the same 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that mates to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with a fixed first gear.

• Base price: $23,145
• EPA combined/city/highway: 35/32/41 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOYOTA COROLLA

The Kia Forte sits below the K5 in the Korean brand's lineup. It's front-wheel drive and comes standard with a 147-hp inline-four. Though Kia offers a six-speed manual with the thirstier turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder of the GT trim, the brand equips all naturally aspirated Fortes with a sensible CVT. The Forte is far from the best or most exciting vehicle in its segment, but it does offer a long standard features list, reasonable pricing, and impressive fuel economy with its base powertrain.

• Base price: $20,915
• EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/41 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KIA FORTE

The Nissan Sentra proves that affordable and efficient cars don't have to look dorky. It's powered by a 149-hp 2.0-liter inline-four and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). When gas prices soar, the Sentra's small fuel tank can make filling up less heartbreaking than larger cars with even bigger ones.

• Base price: $21,745
• EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/40 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NISSAN SENTRA

The Volkswagen Jetta is reasonably fun to drive and offers far more space than you might expect. The available eight-speed automatic transmission nets the best fuel efficiency from this compact sedan's 158-hp turbo four. That said, we'd probably take the small hit to efficiency and pick a Jetta with the six-speed manual.

• Base price: $22,585
• EPA combined/city/highway: 34/30/41 mpg

MORE ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Like Integras past, the 2024 Acura Integra is essentially a glitzy Honda Civic. That's no bad thing, though, as Honda's compact sedan is among the best in its segment (and a 10Best winner). Whereas the Civic is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the Integra is a hatchback-only affair. If you want to snag the most fuel-efficient variant of this entry-level luxury car, then you'll need to stick to the base model and its smaller rolling stock. Though it may lack the racy bits of higher-end trims, the standard Integra retains those models' 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Alas, the car's available six-speed manual is not offered in its entry-level guise.

• Base price: $32,695
• EPA combined/city/highway: 33/30/37 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACURA INTEGRA

With 122 horsepower from its wheezy four-cylinder engine, the Nissan Kicks isn't especially quick. But it is reasonably fuel efficient. Offered exclusively with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), Nissan's subcompact SUV returns a combined 33 mpg according to the EPA. Its small fuel tank, however, means you'll still need to stop at the gas station relatively frequently.

• Base price: $22,155
• EPA combined/city/highway: 33/31/36 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NISSAN KICKS

Looking for the most fuel-efficient gas-only compact crossover SUV? Then look no further than the Nissan Rogue. With its turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, the 201-hp Rogue returns an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined in front-drive form. Opt for all-wheel drive and the Rogue's EPA figures fall by 2 mpg all around.

• Base price: $30,240
• EPA combined/city/highway: 33/30/37 mpg

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NISSAN ROGUE

• Mitsubishi Mirage: 39 mpg
• Honda Civic: 36 mpg
• Hyundai Elantra: 36 mpg
• Nissan Versa: 35 mpg
• Toyota Corolla: 35 mpg
• Kia Forte: 34 mpg
• Nissan Sentra: 34 mpg
• Volkswagen Jetta: 34 mpg
• Acura Integra: 33 mpg
• Nissan Kicks: 33 mpg
• Nissan Rogue: 33 mpg