Best Gas Mileage Cars For 2023 (2024)

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For some car buyers, the bottom line is all that matters. The Mitsubishi Mirage is designed for drivers who need a cheap and fuel-efficient mode of transportation, and scoff at the added weight and cost.

The Mirage is equipped with a conventional powertrain, meaning it’s not a hybrid, and in any other context, its 78-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder is a drawback. But for the budget-minded, its diminutive engine and size is its main appeal. The Mitsubishi Mirage returns 36 mpg city, 43 mpg highway and 39 mpg combined. Another benefit: At 151.4 inches, the pint-sized car can fit into any parking space, and in a pinch could even share a space. However, its anemic performance on the highway means that it’s best suited for city driving.

Drivers can expect to spend $1,550 per year in fuel with the automatic CVT transmission, and $1,700 with the slightly less expensive five-speed manual (if you can find one).

The Corolla built its reputation by offering thrifty reliable transportation and the hybrid version takes that ethos one step further. Introduced in the 2020 model year, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid returns 52 mpg combined, 53 city and 52 highway. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two motor/generators provides a combined system output of 121 horsepower and a constantly variable transmission (CVT) makes the most out of the available torque.

The hybrid vehicle’s MSRP is $3,175 more than the conventional gasoline-only powertrain, which would take 4.7 years to break even, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov calculator. After that, owners should save around $55 per month at the pump based on current gas prices. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and 10 airbags make sure it’s as safe as it is economical.

In the 20 years since the first Prius landed stateside, its enduring popularity—over 6 million units have been sold worldwide—helped it become a brand name of sorts for all hybrid vehicles. With a major redesign for 2023 the original hybrid is still one of the best: The base LE with front drive will deliver up to 57 mpg in combined city and highway driving (that’s 56 mpg city and 57 mpg highway). AWD drops the LE to 54 mpg in all categories. Other front-drive versions are heavier and come in at 52 mpg all around. AWD variants are Toyota-rated at 50 mpg highway, 49 city and 49 combined. Except for the LE, combined numbers are unchanged from the 2022 lineup.

To pay the least in fuel, buyers should opt for the Prius base model, which is estimated to cost $1,100 per year for gasoline. Higher trims won’t significantly change monthly budgets, and is expected to cost $1,150 annually to fuel it. Either way, drivers will save around $5,750 annually compared to the average vehicle.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra hybrid effortlessly incorporates a 140 horsepower hybrid powertrain with front-wheel drive into its popular compact sedan. Clearly no contender for the horsepower sweepstakes, it at least has enough power to keep up with traffic while saving on fuel costs. Hybrid models mark the sweet spot in features, economy and performance, starting with the $25,665 Hybrid Blue. The Blue can’t always reach its EPA-rated 54 combined mpg, but does return around 48 to 50, which is still outstanding.

The hybrid vehicle’s MSRP is $3,600 more than the base Elantra, but includes all the equipment of the SEL and a few electronic and mechanical upgrades. Buyers of the hybrid model are estimated to save $43.25 per month on gasoline (or $519 annually) compared to the standard powertrain.

Like the Ioniq, the most efficient Hyundai Sonata hybrid model is the least expensive. The hybrid Blue, EPA-rated for 52 mpg combined, starts at $27,350; the SEL starts at $30,100 and the highest trim Limited at $35,700, but the higher trim models suffer slightly on fuel economy, returning 47 mpg. (All prices don’t include a $1,045 destination fee.)

The MSRP for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue is $2,000 more than the conventional Sonata SE equipped with a 2.5-liter engine and returns 32 mpg in combined city and highway driving, but they’ll break even quickly. Hybrid drivers can expect to spend around $1,100 annually on fuel, which is $700 less each year than buyers of the standard model.

When it comes to family sedans, few competitors can deliver in the same way the Accord does. It’s got the looks and performance to be a reasonable sports sedan stand-in but the comfort and practicality that families need. Its hybrid models offer more fuel efficiency with very little tradeoff. The 2023 Accord Hybrid starts at $28,815, including a $1,095 destination fee, and delivers 47 mpg combined, 48 city and 47 highway. A new Accord Hybrid Sport and the top-trim Touring model return 43 mpg combined and 44 city, 41 highway in exchange for a skosh of performance and some creature comforts. All models are topped off by generous standard equipment and excellent safety scores.

Drivers can expect to spend $1,300 on fuel each year, which is around $45 less per month in fuel ($555 annually) by choosing the Hybrid over the conventional Accord. However, the upfront cost is $1,200 more than the standard model, which would take 2.2 years to break even.

Toyota has done enough with the Camry to make it a solid choice, and that includes the hybrid variants. The LE leads off with a 52 mpg rating and a $29,450 base MSRP including a $1,025 destination fee. The SE, XLE and XSE give up a few mpg and come in at 44 mpg combined. All trims get Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, and the SE Nightside sub-model adds all-wheel drive.

The hybrid vehicle’s MSRP is more than $2,000 more than the base conventional Camry. However, expect to spend $60 less per month, or $730 per year. It could take 2.9 years to break even. But no matter how you work the numbers, the Camry is hard to beat at its price point, even with a few added-cost options tacked on.