These Used Cars Are Fuel Economy Champs
Whether you're hunting for a cost-effective commuter, a reliable road tripper, or just something that won’t chug your change, the used car market is full of surprising gas-sipping gems. These used cars deliver impressive MPG without sacrificing style or sanity!
Honda Fit (2015)
It’s small on the outside, but the Honda Fit has a big heart, and it’s huge on efficiency. The 2015 model gets up to 41 MPG on the highway and has cargo space that rivals small crossovers. It’s fun to drive, cheap to maintain, and surprisingly practical for such a pint-sized package.
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2013)
A midsize sedan with a hybrid twist, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid delivers up to 47 MPG city and combines efficiency with comfort. With a composed ride, sleek styling, and a roomy interior that won’t cramp your road trip style, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly daily driver with adult-sized back seats, it’s a real contender.
Toyota Prius C (2014)
While it won’t rock any socks, the Prius C variant is smaller than other models, cheaper, and still gets a jaw-dropping 46-53 MPG. Its nimble size makes it perfect for tight parking spots, and its cheerful design is high on practicality. If you want big savings in a compact footprint, this little hatch delivers.
Volkswagen Jetta TDI (2012)
VW’s had its controversies in recent years (hello, Dieselgate), but the Jetta TDI offers serious highway mileage - up to 42 MPG - and enough torque to make it feel more powerful than its specs suggest on paper. It’s ideal for long-distance commuters and fuel squeezers alike (provided it’s had its emissions recall). Just don’t expect to win many fans at eco rallies!
Hyundai Elantra (2016)
Affordable, reliable, and surprisingly thrifty, the 2016 Elantra delivers up to 38 MPG highway and offers solid features like Bluetooth, heated seats, and a smooth ride. It won’t be turning heads, but it’s easy to own and hard to beat for value, which makes it great for first-time buyers or no-nonsense commuters.
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel (2017)
Despite a diesel-based compact sedan sounding off the wall, the Cruze Diesel hits over 50 MPG on the highway and comes with punchy torque that helps in everyday driving. Inside, it feels more upscale than you’d expect, and the quiet cabin makes it ideal for long hauls. It’s an unexpected winner for thrift-conscious drivers.
Toyota Corolla LE Eco (2015)
Looking for a Corolla that sips even less fuel? Then the LE Eco trim might be your dream date! It tweaks the engine and aerodynamics to squeeze out 42 MPG highway, so it’s just as reliable and predictable as the regular model… but with an extra helping of frugality!
Lexus CT 200h (2013)
This hybrid hatchback is built on the Prius powertrain, but wears it in Lexus styling and comfort. With up to 43 MPG and a premium cabin, it’s an efficient commuter with a more refined edge. If you want hybrid savings without feeling like you're driving an appliance, the CT 200h ticks the right boxes.
Mazda3 Skyactiv (2014)
Mazda's Skyactiv tech makes this compact one of the most efficient non-hybrids out there. With up to 40 MPG highway, it’s fun to drive and looks great doing it, but the crisp handling, quality interior, and available hatchback practicality is what makes this ride truely stand out in the economy class.
Honda Civic HF (2012)
Built especially for high fuel economy, the Civic HF trim offers better aerodynamics, unique wheels, and special low-resistance tires to achieve up to 41 MPG. It’s still the Civic you know - reliable, comfortable, and easy to maintain - just with a little extra thrifty flair for long-haul commuters and savvy shoppers.
Kia Forte (2014)
You don’t have to spend big up front to get great MPG. The 2014 Kia Forte with its 1.8L engine delivers up to 39 MPG highway, but it also offers decent tech and surprisingly upscale styling. It punches above its weight and comes out a winner, especially against higher-mileage opponents.
Nissan Versa Note (2015)
This subcompact hatchback won’t wow you with speed, but it will impress you at the pump! The Versa Note offers up to 40 MPG highway travel and has more room than you’d expect. It’s basic, but it gets the job done cheaply.
Toyota Camry Hybrid (2013)
Combining fuel economy with family-car comfort, the Camry Hybrid hits the sweet spot for commuters. It delivers up to 43 MPG in the city, and has a reputation for workhorse reliability. It’s an underrated hybrid, and it’s aging like a fine wine!
Scion IA (Toyota Yaris IA, 2016)
Confusingly sold under the Scion badge briefly before becoming the Yaris iA, this little sedan is based on a Mazda2 and sips gas like a pro; up to 42 MPG on the highway! Add sharp handling and a well-built interior, and it’s a surprising hidden gem.
Ford Fiesta SFE (2012)
The Fiesta’s SFE (or Super Fuel Economy) package helped this zippy hatch hit up to 40 MPG highway. It’s fun to drive, easy to park, and incredibly cost-effective, so for budget-conscious commuters, it hits all the right targets.
Honda Insight (2013)
Often overshadowed by the Prius, the second-gen Insight is still a thrifty hybrid in its own right. It offers around 44 MPG combined, but it has the advantage of Honda’s usual reliability and a slightly sportier design than its rival.
Mitsubishi Mirage (2014)
Although it’s not flashy, fast, or even particularly refined, the Mirage delivers up to 44 MPG and has one of the lowest costs of ownership out there. For simple commutes and daily driver duty, it’s a masterclass in minimalism and smart money management.
Volkswagen Golf TDI (2015)
As you’d expect from a diesel engine the Golf TDI is cost-effective, but it also brings a European flair and hatchback practicality to the table. With up to 45 MPG highway, it’s fun to drive and holds its value better than most in the genre.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (2016)
If you’re looking for one of the most efficient non-plug-in hybrids ever made, you’ve found it; the Ioniq Hybrid boasts over 55 MPG combined. With a sleek design, solid tech, and a comfortable ride, it’s a Prius rival with its own unique allure.
Buick Verano (2013)
A compact Buick sounds like a contradiction in terms, but the Verano offers a cushy ride and up to 32 MPG highway. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s surprisingly refined, and a great value for used car shoppers who like quiet comfort.
Chevrolet Spark (2013)
The tiny Spark delivers big when it comes to fuel efficiency! With up to 38 MPG highway, it’s perfect for city dwellers or college students. Despite its size, it has clever storage, decent tech, and a low cost of ownership that makes it shine among the budget-friendly bunch.
Toyota Yaris (2016)
Toyota’s little subcompact doesn’t get much love from driving enthusiasts. However, it offers excellent gas mileage (up to 37 MPG on the highway) and rock-solid reliability. It’s easy to park, easy to maintain, and easier on your wallet than many rivals.
Honda Accord Hybrid (2015)
The Accord Hybrid’s a big sedan, small appetite! It combines full-size comfort with a hybrid powertrain that delivers up to 50 MPG city. It’s smooth, quiet, and loaded with features that make it feel far more premium than your typical econobox.
Scion XD (2013)
The xD is often forgotten in Toyota’s lineup, but it’s a thrifty and durable platform with fuel economy hovering around 35 MPG. It’s boxy, quirky, and surprisingly practical for its size - especially if you’re looking for hatchback utility on a budget.
Hyundai Accent (2017)
The Accent often flies under the radar, though this little sedan delivers up to 37 MPG on the highway. It’s simple, honest, and affordable, with plenty of room inside for a car its size (and a surprisingly refined ride quality).
Ford C-Max Hybrid (2015)
Ford saw the Prius and said “Hold my beer.” It offers a higher driving position and 40+ MPG combined. The C-Max Hybrid is often overlooked; however, it delivers solid economy, a spacious cabin, and a more engaging drive than you’d expect from a car built for efficiency.
Nissan Sentra FE+ S (2012)
The FE+ package added aerodynamic touches and low-rolling resistance tires to the Sentra, helping it squeeze out up to 40 MPG highway. If you want to save fuel without making a big parade out of it, it’s a sensible, understated choice.
Toyota Avalon Hybrid (2013)
Full-size luxury with compact car mileage? Yes, please! The Avalon Hybrid delivers up to 40 MPG and pampers passengers with upscale materials and a serene ride. It’s a great option for drivers who want space without sacrificing fuel economy.
Dodge Dart Aero (2016)
Dodge doesn’t always scream efficiency, but the Dart Aero trim uses turbocharged power and aerodynamic tweaks to achieve up to 41 MPG highway. So while it’s got a sporty styling and enough pep to keep things interesting on your commute, it sips fuel instead of acting like it’s at a kegger!
Subaru Impreza (2015)
AWD usually kills fuel economy, but the Impreza still delivers up to 36 MPG highway in a compact, all-weather-ready package. It’s great for those who live in snow-prone regions and don’t want to pay a premium at the pump.
Acura ILX Hybrid (2014)
A rare find, the ILX Hybrid offers Honda’s fuel-sipping hybrid tech wrapped in Acura refinement. With 38 MPG combined, it’s a smarter, slightly fancier take on economy driving - ideal for those who want a little luxury with their MPG.
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (2017)
This Malibu ditches the traditional four-cylinder for a hybrid setup that returns up to 49 MPG in the city. With sleek styling, spacious seating, and solid tech, it’s a big step forward for Chevy’s efficiency game.
Audi A3 TDI (2013)
Diesel power gives this compact Audi some serious highway legs: up to 43 MPG, to be exact! It’s sporty, premium, and surprisingly economical - just double-check that emissions work has been done before signing anything.
Toyota Prius (2016)
You knew this one was coming! The fourth-gen Prius delivers up to 58 MPG city, and by 2016, it finally looked a little more futuristic than frumpy. It’s reliable, efficient, and has proven itself as the poster child of green driving.
Honda CR-Z (2012)
A hybrid with a manual transmission, the CR-Z blends efficiency with fun, offering around 37 MPG and sporty coupe styling. It’s a bit of an oddball, but that just adds to its charm - especially for drivers who miss the old-school hot hatch vibe.
