How are the soaring gas prices affecting you? Do you look at your time behind the wheel differently? Does your gas-guzzling SUV no longer seem all that practical? There’s nothing quite like sky-high prices at the pump to force us to think about how we drive, where we drive, and what we drive.
With these thoughts permeating the minds of every American behind the wheel, many drivers are looking to upgrade their vehicles to more efficient options. While hybrids and electric vehicles are exceptional alternatives, not everyone is ready to make the switch. Fortunately, you don’t have to, as we’ve rounded up the most fuel-efficient gas models in the industry that will save you hundreds of dollars at the pump without making any sacrifices on affordability, capability, or modern conveniences.
#1 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage (43 MPG)
With gas prices climbing by the minute, it only makes sense to start with the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid sedan in the industry. The second most affordable vehicle in America, the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage, starts at $14,645 and is the hatchback version of the Mirage G4 sedan. Its 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine produces 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque, giving you just enough power for in-town driving. Power, however, isn’t its top priority, efficiency is, and the Mirage delivers with a combined fuel economy of 39 MPG. In addition, Mitsubishi adds even more value to the agile hatchback with a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty that gives you peace of mind on the road and confidence in your purchase.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: ES, LE, BE, and SE
- Horsepower / Torque: 76 hp / 74 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 7-inch display
- Cargo Space: 17.1 cubic feet
#2 2022 Hyundai Elantra (43 MPG)
Instantly recognizable by its bold styling, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is the complete package when it comes to an efficient, compact sedan. The 2022 Elantra starts at $19,950 and comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a continuously variable transmission to deliver 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. A big boost in power compared to the Mitsubishi Mirage, the Elantra is more than capable of handling itself whether cruising at highway speeds or navigating traffic in town. But, more importantly, it does so with efficiency, averaging 33 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: SE, SEL, and Limited
- Horsepower / Torque: 147 hp / 132 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 8-inch or 10.25-inch display
- Cargo Space: 14.2 cubic feet
#3 2022 Kia Rio (41 MPG)
The 2022 Kia Rio is full of surprises. Its starting MSRP of $16,250 doesn’t account for its sophisticated handling or its long list of standard features like smartphone integration that make it one of the best values on our list. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and intelligent variable automatic transmission work together to deliver 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque, ensuring you have plenty of power to accelerate and maneuver in and out of traffic. This power isn’t mutually exclusive with efficiency since the model averages 33 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on the highway, and 36 MPG combined.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: LX and S
- Horsepower / Torque: 120 hp / 112 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 8-inch display
- Cargo Space: 13.7 cubic feet
#4 2022 Honda Civic (42 MPG)
Efficient, practical, and versatile are the best way to describe the Honda lineup, and that’s precisely why the 2022 Honda Civic earns a coveted place on our list. What’s truly impressive is that, even though the Civic is efficient with a fuel economy rating of 42 MPG on the highway, it’s no slouch on the pavement. Honda makes sure of this with the Civic’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the Civic is quick to accelerate and fun to drive in any condition, giving you the confidence you need to navigate the road ahead without sacrificing power or spending a fortune on fuel.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: LX, Sport, EX, and Touring
- Horsepower / Torque: 180 hp / 177 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 7-inch or 9-inch display
- Cargo Space: 14.8 cubic feet
#5 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback (41 MPG)
Taking a cue from its namesake, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is stylish, innovative, safe, and efficient. Its starting price of $20,915 doesn’t match its sport-like design or its array of standard safety, driver-assist, and connectivity features; however, we’re not complaining. The affordable hatchback will put even more money in your wallet since it averages 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway. This efficiency must mean it lacks power, right? Not a chance, thanks to its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 168 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque for quick acceleration and smooth handling both in town and on the highway.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: SE and XSE
- Horsepower / Torque: 168 hp / 151 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 8-inch display
- Cargo Space: 17.8 cubic feet
#6 2022 Nissan Versa (40 MPG)
Laden with technology and conveniences to keep you comfortable in the driver’s seat, the 2022 Nissan Versa is one of the automaker’s best-kept secrets. Nissan is renowned for designing its vehicles to give drivers maximum comfort, and the Versa is no exception from its plush seating to its impressive ride quality. However, what makes driving the Versa even more enjoyable is knowing that you won’t spend a fortune on fuel. The Versa’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine guarantees as much and averages 40 MPG on the highway while delivering 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: S, SV, and SR
- Horsepower / Torque: 122 hp / 114 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 7-inch display
- Cargo Space: 14.7 cubic feet
#7 2022 Kia Forte (41 MPG)
The team over at Car and Driver describes the 2022 Kia Forte best as a compact sedan that offers “champagne taste on a beer budget.” The Forte’s starting price of $19,090 makes it one of the most affordable sedans in the industry, while its array of features like the standard Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Suite makes it an exceptional value. Sleek and sporty, the Forte’s design pairs well with its capability and handling with its 2.0-liter engine delivering 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque for plenty of power whether you’re driving in town or cruising at highway speeds. Along with the Forte’s affordable price, you’ll save even more money when you’re behind the wheel as the sedan averages 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 35 MPG.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT
- Horsepower / Torque: 147 hp / 132 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 8-inch or 10.25-inch display
- Cargo Space: 15.3 cubic feet
#8 2022 Chevy Spark (38 MPG)
Since we started our list with the most efficient non-hybrid sedan in the industry, it’s only fitting to end our list with the most affordable. The 2022 Chevy Spark takes this title with its starting price of $13,600. Small but mighty, the Spark’s price tag shouldn’t be mistaken for low quality or mediocrity. Quite the opposite is true as the cabin’s versatile design is practical and comfortable while an array of technology keeps you connected, informed, and safe in the driver’s seat. Because of its size, the Spark is also wildly efficient and averages 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway.
Highlights:
- Trim Options: LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT
- Horsepower / Torque: 98 hp / 94 lb-ft
- Infotainment System: 7-inch display
- Cargo Space: 27.2 cubic feet
Saving Money at the Pump
As we navigate the current fuel crisis and face rising gas prices, there are several things to consider. We’re forced to look at how we drive and whether our driving style maximizes efficiency or prioritizes performance. We’re also tasked with examining where we drive and what we drive as we navigate more efficient routes, whether we’re commuting to work or running errands in town. Fortunately, automakers like Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota eliminate some of the sting of filling up at the pump with efficient models that don’t force us to make many, if any, sacrifices when it comes to what we drive.
