Given that gas prices remain high and the climate is changing at an alarming rate, fuel economy is a top priority for those in the market for a new vehicle. While electric cars are an option, they come with a significant initial investment and practical considerations.
Many people are turning to hybrid vehicles, while some still prefer traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The good news is that fuel-efficient options are available across the board. To assist you in choosing the best vehicle, we have compiled a list of the most economical new vehicles you can purchase in 2024.
There are specific criteria for these annual lists, including the exclusion of plug-in hybrids from the overall rankings. This is due in part to the fact that some vehicles listed may have a plug-in hybrid version, which could skew the MPG ratings, particularly for those with short commutes who could primarily use it as an electric vehicle.
Additionally, it’s important to note that this list only includes vehicles from the 2024 model year, and the most economical car you can buy is still last year’s Hyundai Ioniq. Nothing released in 2024 has managed to surpass it in terms of low emissions.
15. Nissan Versa
“Affordable, fuel-efficient subcompact cars are becoming increasingly rare, which is unfortunate. While beloved models like the Mitsubishi Mirage are disappearing, Nissan is continuing to offer its subcompact option. The 2024 Versa remains incredibly economical despite not having a hybrid powertrain.
It achieves around 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway, with a combined efficiency of 35 MPG. Its highway efficiency is particularly impressive, placing it high on the list for best-case scenario MPG. Although environmental concerns are important, many people are also interested in fuel economy for financial reasons.
Therefore, the Versa’s MSRP of just over $16,000 makes it one of the most affordable vehicles in its category. While some other models may have slightly better fuel economy, it would take a long time for the difference to pay for itself. If you’re okay with a small car, the Versa is a solid choice.”
14. VW Jetta
The Jetta has been one of Volkswagen’s more popular vehicles for a while now. It first hit the road in the late ’70s and has retained the same core concepts ever since. It’s reasonably sized, reliable, and won’t financially cripple you at the gas pump.
While it’s not a large car, it’s not exactly a sub-compact either. It shares a platform with the Audi A4, which is one of the better options when it comes to small sedans.
The VW Jetta is joint 13th on our list, with a combined fuel economy rating of 35 MPG. It isn’t outlandishly economical in the city, coming in at 29 MPG, but it more than makes up for that on the highway. Take this out on the open road, and you can cruise along at 42 MPG all day long.
It’s a solid showing for a “full-sized” car without a hybrid powertrain and an obvious choice for someone who wants a more traditional method of transport while saving as much cash as possible when it comes to refueling.
13. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Sometimes, a crossover just won’t meet your needs, and you require a mid-sized three-row SUV. You can still find one without compromising too much on fuel economy, but your options are limited. One such option is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Despite its larger size, the Highlander Hybrid achieves a respectable 35 MPG combined.
While this may be significantly less than some of the ultra-efficient hybrids higher up on our list, it’s impressive when compared to most vehicles in general. Yes, the hybrid powertrain means it’s not a direct comparison, but 35 MPG makes many regular sedans and even some compacts look like gas guzzlers in comparison. Additionally, it offers three rows of seats.
As for downsides, like many other modern SUVs, the pricing seems to be leaning towards the premium side. The non-hybrid basic version starts at over $43,000, and you could end up paying around $60,000 if you opt for all the features and add a destination fee on top. Nevertheless, this is quite possibly the largest and most practical vehicle on the list.
12. Honda Civic
Despite ditching its hybrid variant a while ago, the Honda Civic is still a shockingly economical car. The Japanese compact gets an impressive 36 MPG combined, which breaks down into a very economical 42 MPG on a motorway and a still impressive 33 MPG in the city.
This all seems even more shocking when you consider that the vehicle isn’t powered by some one-liter hairdryer, but has a two-liter engine capable of churning out 158 horsepower under its hood instead.
This time next year, you may see the Honda Civic a lot further up the list. The Japanese manufacturer has announced that it will be bringing back the hybrid version of the Civic for the 2025 model year.
Those vehicles will start to roll out late in 2024, and we should have estimates on just how economical they are within the next few months. As things stand, however, it’s all one for the future.
11. Mitsubishi Mirage
At 39 MPG combined, the Mitsubishi Mirage just misses out on a top-10 spot in our list of economical vehicles. The small Japanese car, which performed well in the 2023 and 2022 rankings, achieves a very respectable 36 MPG in city driving and can stretch out to 43 MPG on the highway.
This makes it a leader in fuel economy and places it well ahead of the popular Kia Rio. However, this achievement isn’t enough to save the small Japanese hatchback.
While it often performs well in our fuel economy rankings, the Mirage is expected to be discontinued in 2025, at least in North America. Mitsubishi has decided to stop producing this economical car in a region where compact cars have never been big sellers. So, in a way, you’d be acquiring a piece of history if you purchase a 2024 Mirage.
It’s also another sign that the 2025 rankings will feature more hybrids and very few traditional combustion-engine cars, as more companies choose to incorporate electric elements and smaller, more efficient combustion engines continue to decline in popularity.
10. Toyota Crown
Recently, the Toyota Crown has made a comeback in the United States and has established itself as a solid choice for those who want a larger vehicle with some SUV-like features, but prefer not to go for a truck or traditional SUV. The Crown is considered to be one of the best hybrids on the market, offering a combination of luxury and practicality.
In terms of fuel economy, it achieves 41 MPG on the highway and 42 MPG in the city, with a combined total of 42 MPG, although this may vary depending on the model. The “Platinum” model, known for its more powerful engine, sacrifices fuel economy.
For those waiting for the Crown to become a full crossover, the Toyota Crown Signia is set to launch next year, providing another option for those seeking a premium hybrid crossover.
9. 2024 Lexus ES 300h
Consider a Lexus if you want a touch of luxury in your life but are worried about fuel costs. In our 2024 list of economical vehicles, Lexus has outperformed other luxury brands with its hybrid sedan, the 2024 Lexus ES. It achieves 44 MPG combined, which is also its performance in the city and on the highway.
On the highway, it can reach up to 44 MPG according to the EPA, while in the city it gets an estimated 43 MPG. If you want consistent fuel efficiency along with luxury, the ES 300h is the way to go.
It’s important to note that non-hybrid versions of the ES have significantly lower fuel economy, so opting for the hybrid is the best choice if you’re concerned about gas prices.
8. Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda has ambitious electrification plans in their EV roadmap that are expected to materialize in the next few years. However, they are not completely moving away from gasoline just yet. Some vehicles in Honda’s lineup demonstrate that you can still be environmentally friendly without going fully electric, and one such vehicle is the Honda Accord Hybrid.
This hybrid version of the popular sedan can achieve an impressive 48 mpg combined according to the EPA, which means that even during times of high gas prices, your wallet won’t take a big hit.
The MPG estimates are 51 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. This means that regardless of where you drive the Accord, you should get a good amount of mileage from your tank. However, the Accord Hybrid is notably more suitable for urban driving than for highway driving.
Like many other hybrids, there is a significant drop in fuel efficiency when opting for a non-hybrid trim, leading to noticeable annual savings on gas. While choosing the Accord’s hybrid powertrain may result in a higher initial cost at the dealership, there’s a good chance you’ll save money over time, especially when it comes to selling the car.
7. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla has been around for decades, and the 2024 hybrid version is well-equipped, affordable, and incredibly economical. It achieves 50 MPG in combined fuel efficiency, which is supported by its 53 MPG average when driving in the city.
The highway fuel efficiency may not be as impressive, coming in at 46 MPG, so the Corolla hybrid may be more suitable for urban driving. Fuel economy has also improved slightly since last year, when the Corolla hybrid achieved 47 MPG in combined fuel efficiency.
Although it may not be as advanced as the Prius and other vehicles higher up in Toyota’s range, it is still a very reliable hybrid from a company that has dominated the hybrid market for over 20 years.
Drawbacks include limited space in the back and a somewhat underwhelming appearance. However, it could still be the right choice for you if its strengths align with your needs. In terms of fuel economy, it falls in the middle of our range.
6. Suzuki Swift
If you’re into subcompacts, you’ll find it hard to beat the 2024 Suzuki Swift. This small Japanese car is equipped with a 1.3-liter, three-cylinder engine, which is available as a mild hybrid. This setup can significantly improve the fuel economy of the small, aerodynamic vehicle, achieving an impressive 50 MPG.
The 2024 Swift was revealed in Japan in late 2023, with an early 2024 release date announced at the same time. It’s important to note that the Swift is primarily targeted towards the European market rather than the U.S. market, so you may not come across one in the U.S. The price typically hovers around $20,000.
Despite its small size, don’t expect much from its tiny engine. Reported 0-60 times range up to 13.2 seconds, which wasn’t impressive in the past and seems quite ordinary now that electric vehicles have revolutionized acceleration.
5. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has dropped a couple of spots from its bronze position in our 2023 list, but it remains a great choice for anyone in need of an economical family sedan. It has an average fuel economy of 52 MPG, with 50 MPG in the city and an impressive 54 MPG on the highway. It’s worth noting that these fuel economy estimates are the same as the 2023 model, so if fuel efficiency is your main concern, opting for a slightly older model at a discounted price won’t affect that at all.
In terms of reasons to consider it over some of the more economical sedans on our list, the 2024 Sonata has undergone a redesign and is currently one of the more stylish sedans in its price range. Its revamped looks, both inside and out, bring it closer to Hyundai’s Ioniq line of EVs in terms of appearance.
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid
Tied for fourth place with the Hyundai Sontana is the 2024 Toyota Camry, specifically the hybrid version. This year’s Camry features an impressive fuel economy of 51 miles per gallon in the city and 53 on the highway. However, the fuel efficiency can vary based on the trim. Opting for the non-hybrid version could result in significantly lower fuel economy, with some models achieving as low as 25 miles per gallon.
While the non-hybrid Camry is less fuel-efficient, it remains an option for 2024. However, Toyota will exclusively offer hybrid versions of the Camry in 2025. Based on this year’s and previous models, the Camry is likely to remain a competitive choice, although its exact ranking for next year is still uncertain.
3. Kia Niro
Kia is increasingly focusing on electric vehicles, but it’s important to note that the Korean company still produces the most economical hybrid crossover on the market with the Niro FE. The Kia Niro achieves 53 MPG combined, with 53 MPG in the city and 54 MPG on the highway.
The Niro is also relatively affordable for a new vehicle, with the LE trim priced just under $27,000. Conveniently, the basic trim is also the most fuel-efficient. On the other hand, the SX Touring version is priced at $35,340, making it one of the more affordable crossovers with its most expensive package.
It’s impressive to see a crossover rank so highly in fuel efficiency, and it may be worth considering for the increased space and other benefits it offers. However, if fuel economy is your top priority, keep reading.
2. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid ranks second on our list with a combined MPG of 54. The 2024 Elantra’s fuel economy varies across its trims, and the Hybrid Blue model offers 51 MPG in the city and 58 on the highway.
Although the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue is second overall, it stands out as the most fuel-efficient vehicle on our list for highway driving. If you frequently travel long distances between cities and less in urban areas, this fuel-friendly sedan is a great choice for you.
However, the difference in fuel efficiency between the top vehicles on our list is minimal, with just a few miles per gallon separating each option. Your driving style and the weight you carry will likely have as significant an impact on your fuel economy as the small differences between the vehicles on this list.
1. Toyota Prius
“Having been a strong contender for the past few years, the Toyota Prius has finally claimed the top spot on our annual list of most fuel-efficient cars. According to fueleconomy.gov, one variant of the Prius can achieve an impressive 57 MPH in the city, with highway driving not far behind at 56 MPG. This adds up to a combined rating of 57 MPG, although actual results may vary based on individual use and driving style.
The most significant improvement in recent years is the highway mileage, which has increased by three MPG since the 2022 model was introduced. Many hybrids tend to have lower efficiency on highways as their batteries do not benefit from features like regenerative braking when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed.
For those looking for an even more extreme option, a PHEV version is available in the form of the Toyota Prius Prime, priced at just under $33,000. The basic Prius, with its 57 MPG fuel economy, is available from $27,950.”
How we compiled this list
To compile this list, we used the EPA’s estimates of the vehicle’s combined miles per gallon (MPG) rating. This rating represents an average of a vehicle’s MPG in a city and on the highway, so some vehicles on the list may perform better in one of those categories than cars higher up. The statistics used were either obtained from the manufacturer’s website or The U.S. Department of Energy’s fuel economy website.
It’s important to note that the figures, while official, are only estimates based on a series of standardized tests conducted by the EPA. Actual fuel economy can vary based on several factors, including driving style, average speed, amount of weight the vehicle is carrying, and even things like altitude. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids were excluded for several reasons, including the fact that the EPA tests and rates them separately from ICE cars and regular hybrids.
