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Best Gas Mileage Cars
Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for 2020
January 13th, 2020
Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020
While buyer trends have shifted toward larger SUVs over the last decade, demand for fuel-efficient cars has remained strong. Even as cars have become heavier, advancements in powertrain technologies mean that today's cars are more efficient than yesteryear's. Edmunds has compiled a list of the most fuel-efficient cars — including those with traditional and plug-in hybrid powertrains — across a variety of body styles to help interested shoppers save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans
- Starting price (including destination fee and required floor mats):
- $16,135 (manual transmission)
- Fuel economy (manual):
- 35 mpg combined (33 city/40 highway)
- Fuel economy (CVT automatic):
- 37 mpg combined (35 city/41 highway)
- EPA range:
- 322 miles (manual) - 340 miles (CVT)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,050 (CVT) - $1,100 (manual)
2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
The 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 will primarily appeal to shoppers looking to spend the bare minimum on a new sedan. The manual-equipped Mirage G4 starts around $16,000, and even the top SE trim comes in under $19,000. But this car is an excellent example of the… old "you get what you pay for" adage. Its anemic three-cylinder engine, uncomfortable ride quality and overwhelming ambient noise are just a few reasons for keeping it off your shopping list. Other similarly priced sedans on our list are significantly more refined and nearly as efficient.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $16,125 (manual transmission)
- Fuel economy (manual):
- 33 mpg combined (29 city/39 highway)
- Fuel economy (CVT automatic):
- 36 mpg combined (33 city/41 highway)
- EPA range:
- 393 miles (manual) - 428 miles (CVT)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,100 (CVT) - $1,150 (manual)
2020 Hyundai Accent
Though slightly thirstier than the Mirage G4, the 2020 Hyundai Accent remains one of the most fuel-efficient cars out there. The budget-friendly SE kicks things off with basic features that include a height-adjustable driver's seat and Bluetooth. The SEL… ($18,480) comes with additional comfort and convenience features -- such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -- while the top-trim Limited includes heated seats and advanced driving aids. The Accent is a good choice in the subcompact segment thanks to its relatively roomy back seat, nimble handling and an excellent warranty.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $24,630 (EX)
- Fuel economy:
- 36 mpg combined (32 city/42 highway)
- EPA range:
- 446 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,100
2020 Honda Civic
The 2020 Honda Civic continues to dominate the small sedan class. Highlights include a terrifically roomy cabin and a well-tuned suspension that expertly balances comfort and sportiness. Six trims are available, starting with the LX, which is basic but… includes a full suite of advanced safety features. The midlevel EX trim is where things really start to get interesting. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is replaced by a turbocharged 1.5-liter that is both more powerful and fuel-efficient. Given the vast fuel economy gulf between the two powertrains, we're only considering the 1.5-liter engine in this list. Note that the Touring, with its larger wheels and tires, is thirstier by 2-4 mpg all around.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $25,250 (L)
- Fuel economy (L):
- 34 mpg combined (29 city/41 highway)
- EPA range:
- 537 miles (L)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,150 (L)
2020 Toyota Camry
One of the most popular nameplates in automotive history is also one of the most efficient. The EPA estimates the 2020 Toyota Camry will achieve 34 miles per gallon in combined driving, but there's a catch -- that lofty goal only applies to the base L model.… Upper trims ride on larger wheels and tires and are rated separately, with other four-cylinder models earning 1-3 mpg less. Even if you go with one of these trims, the Camry sips fuel at a lower rate than most competitors, and its 2.5-liter engine puts the power down when you need it to. A large trunk, airy cabin, and generous list of available features are among its many strengths.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $24,800 (LX)
- Fuel economy (LX):
- 33 mpg combined (30 city/38 highway)
- EPA range:
- 488 miles (LX)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,150 (LX)
2020 Honda Accord
This Honda Accord generation debuted with a bang two years ago, quickly catapulting to the top of our rankings of the best midsize sedans. The car hasn't changed much in the intervening years, yet the 2020 Honda Accord remains one of the best buys in the… segment. Part of its all-around excellence is its standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, which is both fuel-efficient and powerful. Four trims are available with this engine, from the well-equipped LX to the luxe EX-L. Note that you'll get the best fuel economy in the LX trim. Others come with larger tires and wheels that reduce estimates by 1-3 mpg.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $25,025
- Fuel economy:
- 32 mpg combined (28 city/39 highway)
- EPA range:
- 518 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,200
2020 Nissan Altima
Coming off a redesign just last year, the 2020 Nissan Altima is one of the freshest faces in the midsize segment. It does all the typical sedan stuff well and also comes with an impressive suite of driver assistance systems. Dubbed ProPilot Assist, it bundles… adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist with other safety features for a semi-automated driving experience. Most rivals have these features, but the Altima's feel more natural and less jerky than others. Fuel economy for most trim levels is impressive at 32 mpg combined. Prices are competitive with the rest of the class, though you'll have to step up to the SV model if you want ProPilot Assist.Compare Fuel-Efficient Sedans
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Most Fuel-Efficient Coupes
- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $24,430 (EX)
- Fuel economy:
- 35 mpg combined (31 city/40 highway)
- EPA range:
- 434 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,100
2020 Honda Civic
With a combined EPA rating of up to 35 mpg, the 2020 Honda Civic is by far the most fuel-efficient coupe on sale today. As with the sedan, the best gas mileage comes from the 1.5-liter/CVT automatic combo, which comes standard starting at the EX trim level.… Buyers looking at a lower trim level -- whether you want to save some money or desire a manual transmission -- will get the slightly thirstier 2.0-liter engine instead. The Civic also boasts a roomy back seat and a smooth ride. As with the Civic sedan, the figures below represent the coupe's fuel economy with the 1.5-liter engine.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $45,945
- Fuel economy (manual):
- 25 mpg combined (21 city/33 highway)
- Fuel economy (automatic):
- 27 mpg combined (23 city/34 highway)
- EPA range:
- 395 miles (manual) - 427 miles (automatic)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,800 (automatic) - $1,950 (manual)
2020 BMW 4 Series
It might seem unusual to see a luxury car on a list of fuel-efficient coupes, but such is the wonder of the 2.0-liter engine in the 2020 BMW 4 Series. Standard on the 430i trim level, this turbocharged four-cylinder is good for a 0-60 mph time of just 6.2… seconds. It's also capable of delivering an impressive 27 mpg in the combined cycle. To get the best gas mileage, you'll want to match it to the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, though buyers willing to take a mild hit to fuel economy can opt for a six-speed manual. Performance enthusiasts can likewise upgrade to the turbocharged six-cylinder of the 440i. Unlike most other vehicles detailed here, premium fuel is recommended.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $29,745 (manual transmission)
- Fuel economy (manual):
- 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway)
- Fuel economy (automatic):
- 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway)
- EPA range:
- 317 miles (manual) - 356 miles (automatic)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,800 (automatic) - $2,050 (manual)
2020 Subaru BRZ
The 2020 Subaru BRZ is a back-to-basics sport coupe that's light on frills but tremendously fun to drive. Think of a slightly larger and more powerful Mazda Miata, and you get the idea. The 2.0-liter engine underhood doesn't make an excess of power, but the… BRZ's featherweight chassis gives it competitive performance numbers. The optional six-speed automatic gives the BRZ the best fuel economy, but models equipped with the manual transmission -- which is less efficient by about 3-4 mpg -- are more engaging to drive.Compare Fuel-Efficient Coupes
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Most Fuel-Efficient Hatchbacks
- Starting price (including destination fee and required tonneau cover and floor mats):
- $15,265 (manual transmission)
- Fuel economy (manual):
- 36 mpg combined (33 city/41 highway)
- Fuel economy (CVT automatic):
- 39 mpg combined (36 city/43 highway)
- EPA range:
- 331 miles (manual) - 359 miles (CVT)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,000 (CVT) - $1,100 (manual)
2020 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid on the market as well as one of the least expensive. Buyers whose only requirements in a new car are Bluetooth, a decently sized cargo area and a low monthly payment will find all of these in the… Mirage. But like its Mirage G4 sedan sibling, the Mirage hatchback suffers from a noisy and underpowered engine, uncomfortable seats, and cheap-looking and -feeling interior materials.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $17,615
- Fuel economy:
- 36 mpg combined (33 city/41 highway)
- EPA range:
- 428 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,100
2020 Kia Rio
Available in a single trim, the 2020 Kia Rio hatchback brings refinement to the subcompact class. Plastics abound but don't feel cut-rate, and the ride is quiet and comfortable. There's a healthy list of standard features, and the available Technology package… adds a few desirable options for a very reasonable price. For 2020, the Rio's engine is slightly less powerful than last year's, and the transmission changes from a traditional automatic to a CVT automatic. The benefit is an uptick in fuel economy, 4-5 mpg better than the 2019 model.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $17,120 (manual transmission)
- Fuel economy (manual):
- 31 mpg combined (29 city/36 highway)
- Fuel economy (CVT automatic):
- 36 mpg combined (33 city/40 highway)
- EPA range:
- 329 miles (manual) - 382 miles (CVT)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,100 (CVT) - $1,250 (manual)
2019 Honda Fit
Thanks to smart packaging, the 2019 Honda Fit feels much larger inside than its exterior dimensions suggest. There's plenty of room up front, and only tall rear passengers will notice the pinch of the downward-sloping roofline. The Fit also features a variety… of ways to store cargo. You can lift the rear seat bottoms to store tall items or fold the passenger-side front and rear seats to load long cargo, for instance. The Fit's usefulness is matched by its nimble handling and high-tech safety systems. Note that to get the best gas mileage you'll have to stick with the base LX model with the CVT automatic. Upper trims add larger wheels that mildly reduce fuel economy, and any Fit with the manual transmission will be less efficient than its CVT automatic counterpart.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $21,245 (manual transmission)
- Fuel economy (manual):
- 31 mpg combined (28 city/37 highway)
- Fuel economy (CVT automatic):
- 35 mpg combined (32 city/41 highway)
- EPA range:
- 409 miles (manual) - 462 miles (CVT)
- Annual fuel cost:
- $1,100 (CVT) - $1,250 (manual)
2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Coming off a redesign last year, the 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback is one of the more appealing models in its class. Not only is its 2.0-liter four-cylinder both efficient and relatively powerful, but the car is surprisingly agile. The interior design is also… vastly improved, with a more intuitive layout and upscale materials. Buyers looking to save the most on fuel costs should go with the base SE model with the CVT automatic. The XSE introduces larger wheels that lower fuel economy by 2-3 mpg. Manual-equipped models are even thirstier.Compare Fuel-Efficient Hatchbacks
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Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrids
- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $23,330 (Blue)
- Fuel economy:
- 58 mpg combined (57 city/59 highway)
- EPA range:
- 690 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $650
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Maximizing fuel economy doesn't get much easier than with the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. This is especially true of the Blue trim, whose 58 mpg combined rating makes it the most efficient car on the market that isn't a plug-in hybrid. It's also one of the few… hybrids utilizing an automatic transmission -- albeit a dual-clutch -- rather than a CVT automatic. However, that same transmission produces one of the Ioniq's drawbacks: harsh, slow and unpredictable shifts.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $25,155 (L Eco)
- Fuel economy:
- 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway)
- EPA range:
- 633 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $700
2020 Toyota Prius
The Ioniq might beat it in the fuel efficiency arms race, but we think the 2020 Toyota Prius is more well-rounded. It features a comfortable ride, roomy cabin and cavernous cargo area. Improvements made over the last couple of years have softened the… controversial exterior and cabin design, plus added niceties such as Apple CarPlay. Riding on 15-inch wheels shod in ultra low-rolling-resistance tires, the base L Eco is the thriftiest of the bunch. Other trims, which span from the nicely equipped LE to the range-topping Limited, carry lower EPA ratings, but real-life cost savings aren't significant. The Prius is notable for being one of the only hybrid cars with available all-wheel drive.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $23,860
- Fuel economy:
- 52 mpg combined (55 city/49 highway)
- EPA range:
- 551 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $750
2020 Honda Insight
While the above hybrids post strong numbers on paper, these lofty targets are only achieved on specific eco-minded trims. Most models are closer to the 2020 Honda Insight, a hybrid that we believe is the best of the bunch. Highlights include its spacious… cabin, luxurious materials, sprightly acceleration, and intuitive infotainment system. Though the base LX is very affordable, the slightly more expensive EX offers the most bang for your buck. The LX and EX trims achieve the same fuel economy estimates, while the Touring's larger wheels and extra equipment reduce fuel economy by 4 mpg in all areas.Compare Fuel-Efficient Hybrids
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Most Fuel-Efficient Plug-In Hybrids
- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $28,705
- Electric-only range:
- 25 miles
- Fuel economy:
- 54 mpg combined
- EPA range:
- 640 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $600
2020 Toyota Prius Prime
At its core, the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime is a Prius with the ability to plug in for up to 25 miles of all-electric driving. The Prius Prime's gas-only fuel economy is rated at 54 mpg combined, which slots between estimates for the Prius LE Eco and other less… efficient trims. The Prius Prime might actually be less expensive than a comparable Prius once you factor in applicable state and federal rebates. Buyers will have to give up some usability, however, since the battery pack's location at the rear raises the cargo floor and reduces carrying capacity.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $27,230
- Electric-only range:
- 29 miles
- Fuel economy:
- 52 mpg combined
- EPA range:
- 630 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $650
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
As its name suggests, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is based on the more traditional Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. According to the EPA, it delivers up to 29 miles of electric-only driving before the gas engine kicks in. You'll undoubtedly save at the pump… with the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, but it shares many of its foibles with the standard Ioniq Hybrid, including a sluggish dual-clutch transmission and odd brake feel.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $29,545
- Electric-only range:
- 26 miles
- Fuel economy:
- 46 mpg combined
- EPA range:
- 560 miles
- Annual fuel cost:
- $700
2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Though marketed as an SUV, the 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is much closer to its Ioniq sibling than a true crossover. Ground clearance is only marginally better than most hatchbacks, and all-wheel drive is not available. Moreover, the Niro's cargo area… measures smaller than the Ioniq's, it offers less all-electric range (29 miles versus 26), gas-only fuel economy is worse, and the Kia costs more. In short, there's not much reason to consider the Niro Plug-In over the Ioniq, but it still gets good gas mileage overall.Compare Fuel-Efficient Plug-In Hybrids
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Next Steps
From plug-in hybrids to traditional gas-only vehicles, there's a wide variety of fuel-efficient cars suitable for any budget. The smallest and lightest are generally the most efficient, and even though they're more expensive initially, automatic transmissions help save on fuel costs in the long run. Use this guide, along with other shopping tools on Edmunds, to help you find a fuel-sipping car to fit your lifestyle.
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