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Looking for a fuel-efficient car? Here's what to consider

Woman on phone pumping gas into car
Woman on phone pumping gas into car
Author Jason Lam
Associate Director of Data Analytics – Dairyland
January 28, 2025|

0 min. read

When it comes to saving money at the pump, finding the right fuel-efficient car is key—but there’s a lot more to it than just the miles-per-gallon (MPG). Factors like your driving habits, the car’s weight, and even its features all play a role in how far you can stretch a tank of gas. In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes a car fuel-efficient, share tips for picking the right energy-efficient vehicle, and highlight some of the new and used models with the best gas mileage.

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What makes a car fuel-efficient?

The first thing to acknowledge when we’re talking about fuel efficiency is that a car’s advertised fuel efficiency number—measured in miles per gallon (MPG)—reflects a brand-new vehicle’s performance in a controlled environment. Once you consider terrain, driving habits, and other environmental factors, you likely won’t achieve that number.

When advertised as a single number, the MPG is also likely a composite of the city and highway economy numbers. So, it’s important to consider your location and where you’ll travel most often.

A vehicle’s weight and engine size are the two most reliable metrics affecting fuel efficiency. That’s why cars get significantly better gas mileage than trucks. A heavier vehicle takes more energy to move, and a larger engine uses more fuel to function.

Other factors like aerodynamics, tire pressure, and effective engine lubrication can cause small changes in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Regular upkeep and being aware of your driving habits can help you improve your car’s gas mileage.

Checklist for buying a fuel-efficient vehicle

When shopping for your ideal vehicle, keep these fuel efficiency tips in mind:

  • Choose the smallest vehicle that meets your everyday needs.

  • Opt for a front-wheel-drive car for better fuel efficiency. If you need extra traction, consider a drivetrain that activates four-wheel drive only when necessary.

  • Select an engine with lower horsepower for improved fuel economy.

  • Ask about powertrain and CVT transmission options to maximize efficiency.

  • Skip unnecessary extras. Features like remote starters can lead to longer idling times, while power seats and windows add weight, increasing fuel consumption.

  • Look for fuel-saving features such as cruise control and lightweight aluminum wheels.

  • Remove permanent roof racks when not in use, as they create drag and reduce your vehicle's aerodynamics.

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Gas-powered cars that save at the pump

Electric and hybrid vehicles are great for saving money on fuel, but the upfront costs for infrastructure and the cars themselves can be prohibitive. Your city may not yet have an adequate network of public charging stations. And installing a home charging station can involve pricy electrical upgrades, not to mention the base cost of the hardware.

Online resources can be extremely helpful when shopping for cars, such as the EPA guide that offers side-by-side fuel efficiency comparisons. Here are some affordable all-gas options that will still allow you to get your bang for your buck at the gas pump.

Top fuel-efficient used cars by make, model, and year

If you're in the market for a used vehicle, Kelley Blue Book suggests these picks between $10,000 and $15,000:

The list continues with fuel-efficient cars under $5,000:

Affordable fuel-efficient new car options

Here are some top options according to Edmunds based on their fuel economy and starting price. While this is only one site's list, it is a good starting point, as it lists many of the best gas mileage cars on the market.

  1. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage (39 MPG) - Base MSRP: $17,840

  2. 2025 Honda Civic (36 MPG) - Base MSRP: $23,345

  3. 2025 Hyundai Elantra (36 MPG) - Base MSRP: $23,025

  4. 2025 Toyota Corolla (35 MPG) - Base MSRP: $23,310

  5. 2025 Nissan Versa (35 MPG) - Base MSRP: $20,130

  6. 2024 Volkswagen Jetta (34 MPG) - Base MSRP: $22,660

  7. 2025 Nissan Sentra (34 MPG) - Base MSRP: $22,730

Looking for affordable car insurance?

While the cheapest car insurance isn’t always the best option—just like the cheapest car isn’t always the best option—it’s a good idea to regularly review pricing and coverages to make sure you’re not overpaying for insurance. Talk with one of our experienced agents and get a free car insurance quote today.

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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.

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Looking to buy a used car? Buying from a private seller can be complicated, but with practical knowledge—and a little patience—you could save money. We’ll take you through the process, step by step.

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