Save Money in More Ways Than One
Fuel-efficient cars can save you hundreds of dollars at the pump each year. To help you find a wallet-friendly car, we ranked 2021 non-hybrid models based upon their fuel efficiency and starting prices .
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The models we feature range from subcompact cars to sedans and hatchbacks. All of the raw models we ’ ve included have starting prices less than $ 20,000. You will find many older models priced significantly less in our Used Car Listings .
besides, because some of these cars are the cheapest out there, they don ’ t have as comfortable a ride, or all the bells-and-whistles that some more expensive cars do ; in many cases it may be better to look for a use, better-equipped car than to spend your money on a new subcompact one.
Reading: 10 Cheap Cars With Good Gas Mileage
The cars in this list are available used so make sure you check the Carfax Vehicle History Report carefully to see if an person vehicle was well-maintained. Vehicles that have had regular alimony and constant manage are more likely to retain their efficiency .
How We Ranked These Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs
This list focuses on the shave level with the best fuel economy ratings. These cars are ranked according to annual fuel cost estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ). The EPA calculates the cost based on drivers logging 15,000 miles annually. It besides uses a different wear price for regular gasoline, premium gasoline and diesel fuels. This fuel economy comparison allows an apple-to-apple analysis .
After annual fuel monetary value, we sort the tilt by the EPA ’ randomness combined fuel economy ratings, then city and highway fuel economy. In cases where there ’ s a bind, the model that has the lower start price is given preference ( since part of the entreaty of buying a fuel-efficient SUV is saving money ) .
We ’ ve besides indicated the most effective powertrain, noting if the SUV has front-wheel drive ( which is normally more effective than the heavier all-wheel-drive system ) and the recommend fuels .
1. 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
- 39/36/43 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $14,295
- Most efficient powertrain: 2-liter 3-cylinder engine with automatic transmission (hatchback), front-wheel-drive (FWD), regular gas
The Mitsubishi Mirage features one of the lowest starting prices on the marketplace today and one of the highest fuel efficiency figures. It ’ s not the fastest cable car on the road nowadays, but it will get you from Point A to B. The Mirage ’ s hatchback version achieves slightly better fuel economy – an extra 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. The car ’ s roomy department of the interior includes a user-friendly documentary arrangement and a 7-inch touch screen .
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Shopping for a Used Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage has been around since 2014. The G4 sedan model arrived for the 2017 model year, and the hatchback was refreshed for 2021. Buying used will save you money, but make certain the used model has the features you need .
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2. 2021 Hyundai Accent
- 36/33/41 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $15,395
- Most efficient powertrain: 6-liter 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), FWD, regular gas
The Hyundai Accent is powered by a 120-horsepower four-cylinder engine that delivers decent accelerator mileage. Opt for the Accent ’ s CVT and you ’ ll achieve 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The subcompact car features a broad and attractive cabin with comfortable seating for five passengers. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 7-inch touch screen are available .
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Shopping for a Used Hyundai Accent
The Accent has been around for years, though the stream genesis dates back to 2018. not much has changed since then, so you can save money by buying used .
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3. 2021 Kia Rio
- 36/33/41 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $16,050
- Most efficient powertrain: 6-liter 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, FWD, regular gas
The Kia Rio subcompact cable car has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that provides ample baron and decent accelerator mileage. It is available as a sedan or hatchback. All models come with Bluetooth, a USB port, an 8-inch touch blind, and radio Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kia Rio has besides received decent marks for condom .
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Shopping for a Used Kia Rio
Kia redesigned the Rio for the 2018 model year. however, features have changed over the years, therefore make sure you check each used model ’ south features before you make a share .
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4. 2020 Honda Fit
- 36/33/40 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $16,190
- Most efficient powertrain: 5-liter 4-cylinder engine with CVT, FWD, regular gas
The Honda Fit subcompact car is propelled by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers decent gas mileage. For maximum fuel efficiency, go with the CVT. The Fit features an upscale cabin with comfortable seat and batch of room for passengers and cargo. All models come with Bluetooth, a USB port and a 5-inch documentary screen. The Honda Sensing suite of driver aid base hit features is only optional .
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Shopping for a Used Honda Fit
The Fit was discontinued following the 2020 model year, so a use model may be your only option. The latest generation goes back to the 2015 exemplary year. You can save bribe used, but check to make certain it has the features you want .
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5. 2021 Nissan Versa
- 35/32/40 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $14,930
- Most efficient powertrain: 6-liter 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, FWD, regular gas
The Nissan Versa subcompact car can be slowly to accelerate, but its 122-horsepower four-cylinder locomotive pumps out enough power to get you from A to B. Redesigned for 2020 and largely unaltered for 2021, the Versa ’ s well-appointed cabin features cloth upholstery and smooth-surface materials. All models come with Bluetooth, three USB ports and a 7-inch touch blind. The Versa is equipped with a long list of standard safety features including ahead collision warn and automatic rifle high-beam headlights.
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Shopping for a Used Nissan Versa
Nissan completely redesigned the Versa for 2020, and it arrives unchanged for 2021. A practice 2020 model will have the like style and features .
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6. 2020 Toyota Yaris
- 35/32/40 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $15,650
- Most efficient powertrain: 5-liter 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, FWD, regular gas
The Toyota Yaris subcompact cable car features responsive handle, decent fuel economy and adequate exponent via a 106-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Its acceleration can feel sluggish, specially when cruising up to highway speeds. The Yaris ’ s roommate cabin boasts comfortable seat and a blend of easy plastics. All models come with Bluetooth, smartphone integration and a 7-inch touch screen .
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Shopping for a Used Toyota Yaris
2020 was the concluding model year for the Yaris. The latest Yaris came to marketplace for the 2016 model year, though a hatchback model arrived for 2020, along with batch of updates. You can save money buying a used version, but be sure to check its features .
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7. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
- 34/30/40 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $18,995
- Most efficient powertrain: 4-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine with automatic transmission, FWD, regular gas
The Volkswagen Jetta boasts one of the highest al-qaeda prices on this list. Powered by a 147-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, the Jetta accelerates promptly and delivers a polish tease. Its cabin showcases comfortable seating on fabric upholstery, batch of passenger space and a long number of technology features including an easy-to-use documentary system with a 6.5-inch touch screen .
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Shopping for a Used Volkswagen Jetta
today ’ mho Jetta comes from a genesis that started with the 2019 model. You can save money buying a use adaptation with the like style, but it may have fewer features .
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8. 2021 Nissan Kicks
- 33/31/36 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $19,500
- Most efficient powertrain: 6-liter 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, FWD, regular gas
The Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV boasts a low base monetary value and ranks near the top of its class in efficiency. The Kicks ’ cabin is well-appointed and features supportive seating for up to five passengers. All models come with Bluetooth, three USB ports, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This subcompact SUV is packed with driver aid technologies including ahead collision warn, automatic emergency brake, and rear cross-traffic alert .
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Shopping for a Used Nissan Kicks
The Kicks was an all-new subcompact crossover voter for the 2018 model year. Nissan refreshed its style for 2021. Shopping for a secondhand model is a good way to save money, just make surely it has the features you need .
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9. 2021 Chevrolet Spark
- 33/30/38 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $13,400
- Most efficient powertrain: 4-liter 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, FWD, regular gas
With its depleted originate price and hearty fuel efficiency, the Chevrolet Spark is a budget-friendly subcompact cable car. Compared with rivals in its class, the Spark ’ south weaker engine is good suited for unretentive trips driving about town. The Spark ’ s cabin features clean design and ample room. Each model is equipped with a Wi-Fi hot spot, smartphone integration, and a 7-inch contact screen. A master of ceremonies of driver aid technologies are available as options .
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Shopping for a Used Chevrolet Spark
The Spark has been around since 2013, though it was redesigned in 2016 and refreshed in 2019. A use exemplar will save you money, but it may not have all the features you want .
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10. 2021 Ford EcoSport
- 28/27/29 mpg combined/city/hwy
- Starting MSRP: $19,995
- Most efficient powertrain: 1-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine, FWD, regular gas
The Ford EcoSport subcompact SUV is made for city drive. Its small footprint makes it slowly to park and maneuver in mean spots on herd streets. The cabin is attractive and roomier than its price might indicate. Each 2021 model comes with a Wi-Fi hot descry, a well as a pair of USB ports. The EcoSport comes with the Ford MyKey system, which promotes safe driving habits for teens by allowing parents to set limits on travel rapidly and audio book, and adds seat-belt reminders .
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Shopping for a Used Ford EcoSport
The EcoSport was a new crossover for the 2018 exemplar year, and it got an exterior refresh for 2021. You can save money shopping for a use model, but be sure to check its features carefully .
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