Although cars are essential part of modern life — especially if you live in an area with little to no public transit — they can be incredibly expensive. And that doesn’t factor in the ever-increasing cost of buying gas to fuel a car. With budgets being squeezed, many are looking at fuel economy when determining which car is worth their hard-earned cash.
The good news is that there are some affordable vehicles that get great mileage currently available. They’re only a quick online search away. However, if you need some examples to kickstart your search, here are some of the most affordable cars with great fuel economy currently on the market.
Vladyslav Starozhylov / Shutterstock2022 Honda Civic Sedan
Price: Starting at $22,550
MPG: 31 in the city and 40 on the highway
In honor of the Civic’s 50th anniversary, Honda has given the sedan a slick new redesign. As such, the 2022 Civic is decked from top-to-bottom with the best in technology and performance.
The 2022 model offers a 180-hp turbocharged engine with really solid fuel efficiency, allowing you to enjoy your commute without worrying about frequent trips to the gas station. Furthermore, every Civic Sedan comes with LED headlights to light the road in the dark of night. Plus, the Civic’s spacious interior lets you pile in all your gear and hit the road without feeling cramped or uncomfortable.1
2022 Hyundai Accent
Price: Starting at $16,645
MPG: 33 in the city and 41 on the highway
Awarded the best value in America from Vincentric three years in a row, the Hyundai Accent is a great option for those of you looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient car. Even at its affordable price point, the 2022 model comes packed to the brim with features, including:
- 120-hp Smartstream 1.6L four-cylinder engine;
- Five- to seven-inch color touchscreen;
- Rear view monitor;
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance;
- Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto;
- Hands-free trunk release, and;
- Heated front seats.2
2023 Hyundai Elantra
Price: Starting at $20,500
MPG: 33 in the city and 42 on the highway
While the Accent is the more budget-friendly option, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra is built for those that want more style from their car without breaking the bank. As such, the 2023 Elantra comes with an incredible suite of high-end features, including bling-spot and pedestrian detection, a wireless charging station, and the ability to open the car doors with your phone.3
If you want even more saving at the pump, consider the 2023 Elantra Hybrid. For just $24,400, or $3,900 more than the base model, you get a vehicle with a spectacular fuel efficiency of 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway.4
2022 Kia Rio
Price: Starting at $16,450
MPG: 33 in the city and 41 on the highway5
Undercutting the 2022 Accent by a mere $195, the 2022 Kia Rio is one of the most affordable cars on the market while still providing great fuel efficiency. It’s a small sedan that’s sleek, economical, and perfect for families. Plus, you can feel confident tackling every problem that may come the car’s way with Kia’s best-in-class 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.6
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
Price: Starting at $14,645
MPG: 36 in the city and 43 on the highway7
The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is not only one of the most affordable cars on the market — it’s certainly the most affordable on this list — but it also offers the best fuel efficiency. Thanks to its versatile cargo space, you will have much more room for passengers and luggage than you might expect. Better yet, the Mirage has a high 15.1 ft turning radius and Active Stability Control to keep you safe no matter the terrain or weather.8
2022 Nissan Versa
Price: Starting at $15,580
MPG: 32 in the city and 40 on the highway
In a crowded and competitive market, it can be tough to get people’s attention. However, Nissan does a good job of keeping attention on them, thanks to affordable prices, high performance ratings, and quality features.
Even at its low price point, the 2022 Nissan Versa can produce 122 hp, has respectable fuel economy, and offers a generous amount of cargo space. The biggest selling point for this sedan is the Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard on every trim, this highly touted safety feature monitors all sides of the Versa to keep you out of trouble.9
Better yet, active or retired members of the military receive significant savings on all Nissan vehicles, including the Versa. If you qualify, save between $500 and $1,000 on the Nissan vehicle of your choice.10
2022 Toyota Corolla
Price: Starting at $20,425
MPG: 31 in the city and 40 on the highway
On top of its affordable price and good fuel economy, the 2022 Toyota Corolla rates high when it comes to safety. In fact, the 2022 Corolla received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.11
Similar to the Elantra, the 2022 Corolla offers a hybrid model. Costing $24,050 — just $3,625 more than the base model — the Corolla Hybrid has highly impressive fuel economy of 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway.12
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
Price: Starting at $20,365
MPG: 29 in the city and 43 on the highway
If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient car, one option you might want to consider is the Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta was once just a low-cost, entry-level car but it has become so much more. The 2022 Jetta offers great performance, state-of-the-art technology, enhanced safety features, and fuel efficiency on par with some of its luxury competitors.13
