Nearly all car manufacturers have made significant progress in enhancing fuel efficiency over time. However, although overall numbers are increasing, there are a few exceptional performers that surpass the rest.
No matter if you’re searching for a compact vehicle or a bigger one, this list provides a comprehensive overview of the most fuel-efficient cars available in various car classifications. It’s important to note that this list excludes crossovers and SUVs, although don’t fret, we’ll also have a list for them soon. As of now, let’s explore the most eco-friendly sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes currently obtainable.
Mitsubishi
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
The Optimal Subcompact Car for Gas Mileage
Fuel Efficiency: 35 mpg within the city, 41 mpg on highways, 37 mpg combined
As expected, the most efficient subcompact car remains to be the most efficient non-hybrid in the batch! Although the Mitsubishi Mirage may not receive any accolades for its design or riding experience, it is undoubtedly the ideal option for those seeking a new vehicle accompanied by a warranty and substantial fuel efficiency.
The Mirage lineup is powered by a small 1.2-liter I3 gasoline engine generating 76 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, which is paired with a continuously variable transmission and sends power to the front wheels. While the base model comes with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, it doesn’t offer the same level of efficiency.
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2021 Mitsubishi Mirage pricing revealed
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2021 Hyundai Elantra
The top-performing small car in terms of fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency: 33 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, 37 mpg combined
It may be surprising to know that not all of these vehicles are hybrids, and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is proof of that. This compact sedan with its streamlined design and powerful yet efficient engine is all you need to save big on gas.
The 2.0-liter I4 gasoline engine of the top-performing nonhybrid Elantra generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Similar to other compact cars in this category, it comes exclusively with a CVT transmission. It provides noticeably better acceleration compared to the Mirage.
Check out our review of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, which boasts a plethora of style and technology features. Visit TrueCar to learn more.
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2021 Mini Cooper Hardtop
The Ultimate Coupe for Fuel Efficiency
Gas mileage: 28 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, 31 mpg combined
The BMW Group’s Mini brand, known for their trendy and youthful appeal, surprisingly offers commendable fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the fuel economy figures apply not only to the Mini Cooper Hardtop but also to the Mini Cooper Convertible. As they say, variety is the spice of life!
To achieve these impressive numbers, Mini employs a 1.5-liter turbocharged I3 gasoline engine that produces 136 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. The power is directed to the front wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox, although a manual transmission is also offered, albeit with a minor decrease in fuel efficiency.
Check out the 2022 refreshed Mini Cooper Hardtop JCW on TrueCar.
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Mitsubishi
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
The Top Hatchback for Fuel Efficiency
Gas Mileage: 36 mpg (city), 43 mpg (highway), 39 mpg (combined)
Once again, we turn to Mitsubishi! As previously mentioned, the Mirage G4 sedan is essentially identical to the Mirage hatchback, save for the different back end. Therefore, it is not surprising that this car is also recognized as the hatchback with the best fuel efficiency available.
While the bodies may exhibit minor variances, fundamentally the car beneath all that metal is identical. The 1.2-liter I3 engine of the Mirage G4 remains intact in the hatchback, generating an equivalent 76 hp and 74 lb.-ft. Notably, the CVT still surpasses the five-speed manual in efficiency. Additionally, it is somewhat more productive than the G4, albeit marginally.
Check out the new look of Mitsubishi Mirage on TrueCar.
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2021 Honda Accord
The most fuel-efficient midsize sedan
Gas mileage: 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, 33 mpg combined.
For numerous years, the midsize sedan was the go-to family car in the USA. Although crossovers have now assumed that position, sedans still have their unique benefits, particularly with respect to fuel efficiency, as seen in the 2021 Honda Accord.
The 2021 Honda Accord is highly efficient even without the available hybrid powertrain. Equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 gasoline engine, it delivers a satisfying output of 192 hp and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. Similar to several other cars in its class, this power is transmitted to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
Check out our review of the 2021 Honda Accord Sedan and take a look at the stylish Sonic Gray Honda Accord Sport 2.0T on TrueCar.
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Toyota
2021 Toyota Avalon
The top gas mileage full-size sedan
Fuel consumption: 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined
The Toyota Avalon is an impressive and spacious vehicle and it is among the limited remaining full-size sedans that are still being sold today. Even without a hybrid engine, this large Toyota is impressively fuel-efficient.
Naturally, to attain these numbers, you will need to forgo the 301-horsepower V6. Rather, you will have to settle for a 2.5-liter I4 gasoline engine that produces 205 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, unlike the majority of vehicles discussed on this list, all-wheel drive comes as a standard feature, adding a pleasant bonus.
Check out our review of the 2021 Toyota Avalon, which includes a surprising performance from the TRD model. Find it on TrueCar.
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2021 Toyota Corolla Apex
The most fuel-efficient compact sports sedan
Mileage: 31 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, 34 mpg combined
Whether you agree or not, the Corolla Apex’s rigid suspension system is designed for pushing corners, making it eligible for this category.
To achieve efficiency in a sporty sedan, the key is to utilize the same engine found in its less sporty counterparts. The Apex utilizes a 2.0-liter I4 gasoline engine that generates 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Although a six-speed manual transmission is an option, Toyota’s continuously variable transmissions are highly efficient, meaning choosing the manual option might negatively impact fuel economy. In terms of cost, the Apex is quite reasonable, with a price slightly over $26,000 including destination.
Check out our preview of the 2021 Toyota Corolla and visit TrueCar for more details. The 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex may have an impressive appearance, but it falls short in performance.
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Kia
2021 Kia Stinger
The most fuel-efficient midsize sports sedan
Gas mileage: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined
As we progress down the list, we come across cars that are slightly less efficient. Nonetheless, the midsize Kia Stinger is still impressively economic, with a highway figure just under 30 mpg.
The Stinger’s powertrain options have been revised by Kia for the 2022 model year, making the 2021 edition the final opportunity to obtain a Stinger with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 that generates 255 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. The sole method of channeling this power to the rear wheels is via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is a dependable choice.
Check out TrueCar
2021 Kia Stinger: Add more luxury without sacrificing speed
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Dodge
2021 Dodge Charger
The most fuel-efficient full-size performance sedan
Mileage: 19 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
Is the Dodge Charger considered a performance sedan? I would say yes. It may not be designed for nimbleness, but with a high output engine, you can easily leave tire marks across long distances, making it a contender in the category.
The 2021 Dodge Charger is all about versatility. Its most fuel-efficient model features a V6 engine that generates 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. For a little extra, you can upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 that delivers a solid fuel economy while still producing 370 horsepower. However, once you step up to the Scat Packs and Hellcats, your finances may take a hit.
Check out the 2021 Dodge Charger Redeye with its impressive power and wide stance on TrueCar.
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2021 Mercedes-Benz A220: The Top Small Luxury Car in Fuel Efficiency
With a fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has proven to be the best in its class in terms of gas mileage. Despite its less curvaceous appearance compared to the CLA-Class, the regular sedan model outperforms its more streamlined counterpart in fuel efficiency.
The A220 utilizes a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 engine that generates 188 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. Regardless of choosing front or all-wheel drive, the power is transmitted through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. For those seeking a more energetic driving experience, there is a pricier (yet more powerful) AMG version available as well.
Check out TrueCar to view the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class which sets a new standard for entry-level vehicles.
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2021 Lexus ES 250: The Most Fuel-Efficient Midsize Luxury Car
Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway, 28 mpg Combined
Even though it belongs to a larger car class, the 2021 Lexus ES 250 is almost as efficient as the preceding car on the list. Impressive.
The Lexus ES 250 is equipped with a 2.5-liter I4 gasoline engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard, which is noteworthy given its high efficiency on the highway.
Check out TrueCar for the 2021 Lexus ES 250, the perfect choice for an extraordinary road trip.
2021 BMW 740i
This is the most fuel-efficient full-size luxury car.
Fuel efficiency: 22 miles per gallon in the city, 29 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 25 miles per gallon.
Surprisingly, the luxury car segment has many efficient vehicles. The Lexus ES, a midsize car, was found to be incredibly economical. However, the well-known BMW 7 Series won’t let the Lexus take all the attention.
Despite being a large car, the 2021 BMW 740i achieves almost 30 mpg on the highway with the help of an efficient 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 engine that delivers 335 horsepower and 331 lb.-ft of torque. While rear-wheel drive is the default option, all-wheel drive is available for those who don’t mind sacrificing a bit of fuel efficiency. Regardless of the drivetrain configuration, the BMW 740i remains an incredibly comfortable car to drive.
Check out TrueCar for the 2020 BMW Alpina B7, a spacious and opulent vehicle.
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Hyundai
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Blue
The most efficient compact hybrid for fuel consumption
Mileage: 58 mpg in city, 60 mpg on highway, 59 mpg combined
No, this isn’t a mistake. This hybrid compact car delivers 60 miles per gallon. For those who truly want to conserve fuel, the Hyundai Ioniq Blue is an exceptional choice.
So, what’s the secret? It all begins with the hybrid-electric powertrain comprising a 1.6-liter I4 gas engine generating 104 horsepower and an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 139 horsepower. Furthermore, to achieve maximum efficiency, the Blue variant of the car has foregone several luxurious features present in higher trims, thereby highlighting its impressive performance.
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2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Efficient and Practical.
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2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The finest midsize hybrid with remarkable fuel efficiency
MPG: 51 in the city, 53 on the highway, 52 combined
It’s incredible how 200 horsepower can deliver such great results in 2021. With the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid, you can expect to achieve over 50 mpg in almost any circumstance.
Ever since its debut, the Camry Hybrid has been known as one of the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans and Toyota has only further improved upon its already successful formula. Boasting 208 net horsepower, of which 176 is generated by its 2.5-liter I4 gas engine, it delivers a smooth and responsive driving performance. As a Camry, the interior of the vehicle provides ample space and it offers a greater number of standard safety features than most other competitors in its class.
Check out our preview of the 2021 Toyota Camry, and take a look at it on TrueCar. The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid continues to remain a popular choice.
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2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
The top-rated hybrid in the full-size category for fuel efficiency.
Fuel economy: 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, 44 mpg combined.
Despite not matching the Camry Hybrid in fuel economy, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid holds its ground impressively well, considering its bigger size.
The Avalon Hybrid employs the identical 2.5-liter I4 gasoline engine as the Camry Hybrid, though the net output is slightly greater at 215 hp. Nevertheless, it is still economical and manages to achieve 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, even as a full-size sedan!
Check out our review of the 2021 Toyota Avalon.
View it on TrueCar.
The 2020 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid is spacious, elegant, and surprisingly enjoyable.
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Hyundai
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
The top-performing compact plug-in hybrid for gasoline efficiency
Fuel efficiency: 119 mpge, 52 mpg when running on gasoline
The Hyundai Ioniq is offered in three versions including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric, and each are impressively efficient, that is why they keep appearing on the list of best vehicles for fuel economy.
The Ioniq PHEV merges a 104-hp, 1.6-liter I4 gasoline engine with an electric motor and an 8.9-kWh battery to produce a total of 139 horsepower. Hyundai approximates a 29-mile range solely on the battery power, while combining all three power sources allows drivers to travel approximately 620 miles with a tank of gasoline. Charging the battery on a Level 2 charger takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Check out the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric crossover on TrueCar. It’s a roomy vehicle with a unique angular design.
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Toyota
2021 Toyota Prius Prime
The most fuel-efficient midsize plug-in hybrid
Fuel economy: 133 MPGe, 54 MPG on gasoline
Who would have thought the Prius would make the list of most efficient cars? Well, the midsize Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is the top performer in its class. Its electric motor works with a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle I4 engine to provide a combined output of 121 horsepower. The vehicle can run solely on electricity for up to 25 miles at speeds reaching up to 84 mph, thanks to its 8.8-kWh battery. Recharging the battery using a Level 2 charger takes just over 2 hours.
Check out at TrueCar website.
2017 Toyota Prius Prime: Enhanced style, eco-friendly mileage.
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Audi
2021 Audi A7 PHEV
This is the most fuel-efficient full-size plug-in hybrid car available, with a fuel economy of 68 MPGe and 29 MPG on gas alone. While it may be pricey compared to others on this list, the Audi A7 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid is definitely worth the investment.
As a sports sedan, it’s not unexpected that this vehicle produces significantly more power than the other PHEVs mentioned here, generating a net of 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine and electric motor. It also has a 24-mile electric-only driving range. However, when the gas engine is working harder, it’s not the most fuel-efficient option, so be sure to keep it fueled up.
Check out TrueCar for more information on the Audi A7 plug-in hybrid, which boasts an electric-only range of 25 miles.
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Mazda
2021 Mazda MX-5
The top-performing sports car in terms of fuel efficiency
Mileage: 26 mpg (city), 35 mpg (highway), and 30 mpg (combined)
When the conversation shifts to the Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, it’s always a great day.
The Mazda sports coupe, despite its small size, is impressively efficient as a gas-powered sports car, achieving 35 mpg on highways when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the standard transmission is a six-speed manual, which results in a 1 mpg decrease on highways, it’s still a worthwhile option. The car is powered by a 2.0-liter I4 engine that produces a respectable 181 horsepower, all of which is directed to the rear wheels, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.
Check out our review of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Visit TrueCar for more information.
As delightful to drive as always, the Mazda MX-5 Miata never fails to bring joy.
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Therefore, it’s somewhat uncertain. If you charge consistently and only drive short distances between your standard sites, the Pacifica Hybrid is expected to have higher fuel efficiency. Nonetheless, if your daily routine involves a little more diversity, the Sienna could be the optimal choice for you. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and circumstances, but you can’t make a wrong decision with either option.
Check out our review of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. View it on TrueCar.
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the most fashionable minivan around.
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Comparison of vehicles with the best gas mileage for 2021.
Category Name Base Engine Output Fuel Economy (mpg, city/hwy/combined) Base Price
Best subcompact 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 1.2-liter I3 76 hp / 74 lb.-ft. 35 / 41 / 37 $16,290
Best small car 2021 Hyundai Elantra 2.0-liter I4 147 hp / 132 lb.-ft. 33 / 43 / 37 $20,655
Best coupe 2021 Mini Cooper Hardtop 1.5-liter I3 136 hp / 162 lb.-ft. 28 / 37 / 31 $23,750
Best hatchback 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2-liter I3 76 hp / 74 lb.-ft. 36 / 43 / 39 $15,290
Best midsize sedan 2021 Honda Accord 1.5-liter I4 192 hp / 192 lb.-ft. 30 / 38 / 33 $25,965
Best full-size sedan 2021 Toyota Avalon 2.5-liter I4 205 hp / 185 lb.-ft. 25 / 34 / 28 $37,120
Best small sports sedan 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex 2.0-liter I4 169 hp / 151 lb.-ft. 31 / 38 / 34 $26,165
Best midsize sports sedan 2021 Kia Stinger 2.0-liter I4 255 hp / 260 lb.-ft. 22 / 29 / 25 $34,135
Best full-size sports sedan 2021 Dodge Charger 3.5-liter V6 292 hp / 260 lb.-ft. 19 / 30 / 23 $32,065
Best small luxury car 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 2.0-liter I4 188 hp / 221 lb.-ft. 25 / 36 / 29 $34,700
Best midsize luxury car 2021 Lexus ES 250 2.5-liter I4 203 hp / 184 lb.-ft. 25 / 34 / 28 $41,025
Best full-size luxury car 2021 BMW 740i 3.0-liter I6 335 hp / 331 lb.-ft. 22 / 29 / 25 $87,795
Best small hybrid 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Blue 1.6-liter I4 hybrid 139 hp (net) 58 / 60 / 59 $24,405
Best midsize hybrid 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid 2.5-liter I4 hybrid 208 hp (net) 51 / 53 / 52 $28,265
Best full-size hybrid 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2.5-liter I4 hybrid 215 hp (net) 43 / 44 / 44 $38,095
Best small PHEV 2021 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV 1.6-liter I4 PHEV 139 hp (net) 119 mpge (52 mpg gas) $27,495
Best midsize PHEV 2021 Toyota Prius Prime 1.8-liter I4 PHEV 121 hp (net) 133 mpge (54 mpg gas) $29,215
Best full-size PHEV 2021 Audi A7 PHEV 2.0-liter I4 PHEV 362 hp (net) 68 mpge (29 mpg gas) $75,945
Best sports car 2021 Mazda MX-5 2.0-liter I4 181 hp / 151 lb.-ft. 26 / 35 / 30 $27,825
Best minivan 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 3.5-liter V6 PHEV 260 hp (net) 82 mpge (30 mpg gas) $42,115
Our process of creating the list
Although our extensive combined driving experience can provide insights towards the top-performing car in a particular category, when it comes to fuel economy, things become more definitive. To produce this list, we went directly to the federal government’s fuel-economy website, which documents the efficiency of all available vehicles across the United States.
Naturally, and without intending any puns, the distance you can travel on a given amount of fuel may differ. Achieving higher fuel efficiency can be a breeze with certain vehicles, while it may pose a challenge with others. Additionally, it’s important to note that your preferred car in a particular category may not necessarily be the most economical, so taking multiple models for test drives is recommended before making a decision that aligns with your preferences and requirements. Moreover, the prices can also vary depending on the dealer.
Check out: Top cars for students heading back to school in 2021.
