24) 2018 Toyota Yaris iA (Tie)
$15,950 | 32/40/35 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The Toyota Yaris iA has one of the lowest prices on this list, and it has one the best estimated fuel economy ratings for a car powered by gasoline alone – and no turbocharger.
You’ll get the best mileage with the automatic transmission, which also has a Sport mode to liven things up a little.
The interior is nicer than the starting price might suggest, and there’s plenty of tech on board, including a 7-inch touch screen and low-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
24) 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco (Tie)
$20,500 | 32/40/35 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
The Hyundai Elantra ranks very highly in the competitive compact car class. It scores well for its abundant cargo space, available features, and, of course, great fuel economy. Its fuel economy is especially good when equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Opting for this engine means a few upgrades come along, like hands-free trunk release, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. That’s in addition to a suite of driver assistance technologies and a 7-inch touch screen, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
21) 2018 Jaguar XE 20d (Tie)
$35,725 | 32/42/36 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The Jaguar XE equipped with a 180-horsepower turbodiesel engine provides a surprising combination of affordability, luxury, and fuel economy. Handling is sporty, while the interior is quiet and with a low-key style.
The XE trim achieves the best fuel economy of the lineup, and it comes with synthetic leather seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an 8-inch touch screen.
21) 2018 Honda Civic (Tie)
$18,840 | 32/42/36 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
The Honda Civic can be configured with several trims, body styles, and engines. To maximize your fuel economy, you’ll want to choose the sedan with the 174-horsepower turbocharged engine and automatic transmission.
The Civic sits near the top of our compact car rankings thanks to its high-quality cabin and ample passenger and cargo space. Sporty handling perks up the daily drive.
21) 2018 Honda Fit (Tie)
$16,190 | 33/40/36 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
The Honda Fit is not only one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market; it’s also the U.S. News 2018 Best Subcompact Car for the Money.
Considering its small size, it has lots of room for people and their stuff. Honda’s Magic Seat creates even more space for large or awkward items.
The Fit has sharp handling and a quieter cabin for 2018, plus an upgraded infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
20) 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
$23,795 | 30/52/37 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
When the Chevy Cruze is equipped with the available turbodiesel engine and the six-speed manual transmission, it turns in hybrid-like fuel economy numbers on the highway. (Picking the automatic transmission drops the highway number to 47 mpg.)
The interior is spacious and nicely appointed, and it has a standard 7-inch touch screen, plus smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Chevy MyLink infotainment system.
19) 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage
$13,395 | 37/43/39 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 5.6/10
Several Mitsubishi Mirage models get great gas mileage, but the base hatchback model with the three-cylinder engine is the thriftiest.
The Mirage has the lowest starting price on the list by far, which is reflected in its sluggish performance, plain-Jane interior, and poor U.S. News score. But the Mirage has lots of cargo space, and it got a big tech upgrade for 2018, including a standard 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera.
17) 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid (Tie)
$37,500 | 40/39/40 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
If you’re looking for a large car that doesn’t drink gas like it’s water, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid is the vehicle for you. It's the largest hybrid on the market, and it has some of the best fuel economy in its class.
The interior has a near-luxury feel to it, with standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation, and voice commands.
17) 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (Tie)
$35,445 | 41/38/40 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 7.5/10
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is one of the most upscale vehicles on this list, and it’s inexpensive for a luxury car. Surprisingly, the hybrid powertrain is available at no extra cost.
Any way you slice it, the MKZ is a comfortable cruiser with a smooth ride. The SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch display is standard, as is smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
16) 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid
$24,120 | 42/38/40 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
There’s plenty of headroom and legroom in the Ford C-Max Hybrid, plus a high seating position for the driver. The hybrid powertrain is zippy, and the handling is assured.
The fuel economy falls into a middle ground – it’s great for a wagon, but it’s only so-so for a hybrid. It’s high enough, however, to land it on this list of vehicles with the best EPA-estimated mileage overall, with 40 mpg combined in city and highway driving.
It’s worth noting, too, that the C-Max Energi, a plug-in hybrid, has been discontinued for the 2018 model year.
15) 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
$25,995 | 39/46/42 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The Kia Optima Hybrid’s fuel economy isn’t as great as that of its rivals in the hybrid midsize sedan class, but it’s still far better than any non-hybrid midsize sedans’.
The comfortable interior is well built, though not particularly stylish, and you’ll find the Optima Hybrid has a smooth, quiet ride. The UVO infotainment system has a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluetooth and a rearview camera.
13) 2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Hybrid (Tie)
$26,000 | 40/46/42 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
All trim levels of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid get great mileage, but the Sonata Hybrid SE has the best EPA-estimated fuel economy.
The Sonata Hybrid has a spacious, well-appointed interior and a large trunk, plus a quiet six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata Hybrid also sees some tech upgrades this year, like a 7-inch touch screen and standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HD Radio.
13) 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid (Tie)
$25,390 | 43/41/42 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
In addition to its excellent fuel economy, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is also one of the most fun hybrids to drive. Its handling is tuned for a sportier feel than most hybrid sedans’.
The Fusion Hybrid also has one of the nicest interiors in the class, plus the SYNC infotainment system with smartphone integration.
12) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
$27,920 | 49/43/46 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
There’s only one trim level for the Chevy Malibu Hybrid, but it has a lot of standard features, and you can customize it with several packages. It also has better fuel economy than other hybrid sedans in its class, getting nearly 50 mpg when driving around town.
There’s plenty of space for passengers, even in the rear seat, and Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system has a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
11) 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
$29,605 | 49/47/48 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The Honda Accord Hybrid has a higher price than many of its hybrid rivals, but you’ll find a lot of features included in it that you might not find in the others. The roomy interior has dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and heated mirrors. There’s also plenty of advanced safety tech, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Honda’s LaneWatch camera mounted on the right mirror.
10) 2018 Kia Niro FE
$23,240 | 52/49/50 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10
The Kia Niro was introduced to offer hybrid efficiency in an affordable subcompact SUV, and it accomplished its mission. The base Niro FE is among the most efficient vehicles on the market, with other Niro trims not far behind. The FE has a high-quality interior with plenty of cargo space, plus Kia’s easy-to-use UVO infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
9) 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
$27,800 | 51/53/52 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 9.0/10
The Toyota Camry Hybrid was fully redesigned for 2018, and now it’s even more fuel efficient. The best mileage comes from the base LE trim, though the XLE and SE trims are also very efficient.
The gasoline-electric powertrain puts out a combined 208 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hybrids available.
Toyota Safety Sense, which includes forward collision warning and pedestrian detection, is standard, along with a rearview camera.
8) 2018 Toyota Prius Eco
$25,165 | 58/53/56 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
There’s a Prius flavor for just about everyone. The Toyota Prius Eco has the best fuel economy of any Prius that doesn’t plug into the wall. (The base Prius and Prius c also rate highly.)
The Prius Eco also has Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver assistance and safety technologies, which contributes to its excellent safety score.
7) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Blue
$22,200 | 57/59/58 mpg city/hwy/comb | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Blue has one of the highest EPA fuel economy ratings of any vehicle without a plug, getting nearly 60 miles per gallon from its hybrid powertrain. It also has one of the lowest starting prices of any electrified vehicle. It’s comfortable, well-designed, and has lots of cargo space, plus a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
6) 2018 Kia Optima PHEV
$35,210 | 103 mpg-e/40 mpg comb | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The Kia Optima plug-in hybrid can travel 29 miles using its electric motors before getting any assistance from the 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which is typical for PHEVs. It has a high-quality, comfortable cabin with leather seats and an 8-inch touch screen. Standard equipment also includes a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
5) 2018 Kia Niro PHEV
$27,900 | 105 mpg-e/46 mpg comb | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10
The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is new for 2018, adding another model to the growing electrified segment. The interior is solidly built with a dash of panache, and the crossover body style allows for more cargo room than many other hybrids.
The PHEV version will be available later this year, with an estimated 26 miles of all-electric range. It also has Kia’s UVO eco infotainment system, which allows you to set up charging during off-peak rate windows and heat the steering wheel via the app.
4) 2018 Chevrolet Volt
$33,220 | 106 mpg-e/42 mpg comb | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
The Chevy Volt was one of the earliest entries into the plug-in hybrid market, and it’s still going strong in 2018 with new features and a perfect 10 out of 10 safety score.
The Volt can run 53 miles on electricity alone, which is more than many of its PHEV competitors.
It’s also packed with standard technology, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Chevy’s Teen Driver system.
3) 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
$33,400 | 110 mpg-e/42 mpg comb | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
The Honda Clarity brand has expanded to include several powertrains in one body style. The Clarity plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can drive a respectable 47 miles using only electricity before the 212-horsepower gasoline engine kicks in. (All-electric and hydrogen fuel cell variants are available, but sales will be limited.)
Many advanced safety features are standard on the Clarity, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and Honda’s LaneWatch camera in the right mirror for monitoring the lane next to you.
2) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
$24,950 | 119 mpg-e/52 mpg comb | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The Hyundai Ioniq plug-in hybrid is a new addition to the Ioniq lineup, alongside the all-electric and “traditional” hybrid models. The Ioniq’s interior is more upscale and eco-friendly than you might expect, and its hatchback styling gives it more cargo space than most rivals. It can travel 29 miles on electricity alone, which is in line with many PHEVs on the market.
1) 2018 Toyota Prius Prime
$27,100 | 133 mpg-e/54 mpg comb | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid that can run on just the power from its two electric motors for up to 25 miles. Thanks to the miserly 1.8-liter gasoline engine, the hybrid powertrain delivers a range of of 640 miles between charges and fill-ups.
There are also high-tech ways to maximize range, like the ability to adjust the climate control via the Entune Prime App before unplugging the car and leaving the garage.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News and World Report
If any of these vehicles piques your interest, you can research them further using our reviews and rankings. You can even compare vehicles directly.
When you’re ready to buy, try our Best Price Program to save at the dealership as well as at the gas station.
25 Cars With the Best Gas Mileage in 2018
24) 2018 Toyota Yaris iA (Tie): 32/40/35 mpg city/hwy/comb
24) 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco (Tie): 32/40/35 mpg city/hwy/comb
21) 2018 Jaguar XE (Tie): 32/42/36 mpg city/hwy/comb
21) 2018 Honda Civic (Tie): 32/42/36 mpg city/hwy/comb
21) 2018 Honda Fit (Tie): 33/40/36 mpg city/hwy/comb
20) 2018 Chevy Cruze: 30/52/37 mpg city/hwy/comb
19) 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage: 37/43/39 mpg city/hwy/comb
17) 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid (Tie): 40/39/40 mpg city/hwy/comb
17) 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (Tie): 41/38/40 mpg city/hwy/comb
16) 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid: 42/38/40 mpg city/hwy/comb
15) 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid: 39/46/42 mpg city/hwy/comb
13) 2018 Hyundai Sonata SE Hybrid (Tie): 40/46/42 mpg city/hwy/comb
13) 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid (Tie): 43/41/42 mpg city/hwy/comb
12) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid: 49/43/46 mpg city/hwy/comb
11) 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: 49/47/48 mpg city/hwy/comb
10) 2018 Kia Niro FE: 52/49/50 mpg city/hwy/comb
9) 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE: 51/53/52 mpg city/hwy/comb
8) 2018 Toyota Prius Eco: 58/53/56 mpg city/hwy/comb
7) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Blue: 57/59/58 mpg city/hwy/comb
6) 2018 Kia Optima PHEV: 103 mpg-e/40 mpg comb
5) 2018 Kia Niro PHEV: 105 mpg-e/46 mpg comb
4) 2018 Chevrolet Volt: 106 mpg-e/42 mpg comb
3) 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV: 110 mpg-e/42 mpg comb
2) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV: 119 mpg-e/52 mpg comb
1) 2018 Toyota Prius Prime: 133 mpg-e/54 mpg comb
15 Best Cars for Tall People in 2020
Best Car Lease Deals This April
15 SUVs With The Most Cargo Space in 2020
Best Used Luxury SUVs
14 Best SUVs for Towing 2020
15 Best Subcompact SUVs for the Money in 2020
15 Roomiest Sedans in 2020
2020 Best Cars for the Money
Best Cars for Families
Looking to Save Money on Gas? Look no Further
Whether you’re trying to save a buck or save the earth, fuel economy is a big factor for many car shoppers. Cars with great mileage used to have a reputation for being underpowered and small, but the latest technologies, from plug-in hybrids to weight-saving measures, mean nearly any kind of vehicle can be efficient without compromising space, comfort, or fun.
This list of more than two dozen vehicles includes luxury vehicles like the 2018 Jaguar XE diesel and large cars like the 2018 Toyota Avalon. The popular crossover SUV segment is represented here by the 2018 Kia Niro.
Some of these vehicles run on small, simple gasoline engines, like the 2018 Toyota Yaris iA and 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage. However, the vehicles at the top of the fuel economy food chain are, unsurprisingly, plug-in hybrids that can run on electricity alone, like the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime and 2018 Hyundai Ioniq.
We based our list on the EPA’s estimated fuel economy ratings. If more than one trim level of the same model made the top 25, we listed the most efficient trim and included those other trims in the description. We did not count vehicles that run on electricity only, but plug-in hybrids are included, as well as “traditional” hybrids that don’t recharge by plugging into the wall. When models had different powertrains, such as a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, we listed them separately. We also capped the base price for cars on this list at $40,000, which excluded a few luxury and high-performance vehicles from contention.
We mention the U.S. News score for each vehicle on this list, but keep in mind that these scores might change as we receive new expert review, safety, and reliability data.
Read on to see which vehicles offer the best fuel economy on the market.