Automobile fuel efficiency is affected by various factors, including engine size, weight, type of transmission, and aerodynamics.
Even with the development of electric and hybrid cars, internal combustion engines are still widely used.
The most efficient gas-only versions for 2024 are predicted by the EPA, however these figures are unreliable in practical use.
We use a 200-mile out-and-back loop along Michigan’s I-94 to produce a more realistic mpg figure.
Out of almost 400 cars examined from the 2017 or 2018 model years, 13 nonhybrid cars achieved an excellent and occasionally unexpected 40 mpg.
Let us take a look at the Most Fuel-Efficient Non-Hybrid Cars of All Time
Mitsubishi Mirage:
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a low priced, fuel-efficient non-hybrid car with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and an automated CVT (continuously variable transmission).
It can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 11 seconds, and the EPA estimates that it will get 39 miles per gallon.
Although the inside is simple, it does come equipped with standard features including 17 cubic feet of cargo space.
It also has a touch-screen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and autonomous emergency braking.
The model with the highest combined EPA mileage rating, the Mirage G4, is also the thirstiest.
With an EPA combined fuel efficiency rating of 39 mpg, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage outperforms other fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Versa.
Honda Civic:
The Honda Civic is a reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient sedan with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
It has a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds and a CVT transmission for efficient driving.
The Civic has a tank capacity of 12.4 gallons, offering a high range and standard features like adaptive cruise control.
The 2024 Honda Civic has the best highway efficiency of any Civic since 1999, with a base MSRP of $23,950.
It also offers excellent fuel economy, making it a top choice for those looking for a reliable car with 200,000 miles.
The Civic is available in various trims, including the 1999 Civic HX, which has a special lean-burn system and a higher fuel economy rating.
Kia Rio:
The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine of the Kia Rio, a compact, fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicle, generates 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque.
It boasts an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane departure warning, automated emergency braking, and lane keep assist, and it starts at $17,875.
The front wheels of the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are powered by the same 1.6L four-cylinder engine and CVT.
The fuel efficiency of both versions is the same—33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the interstate.
The workmanlike engine of the revamped 2012 Kia Rio wins it a spot in the 40 mpg high club.
Hyundai Elantra:
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra’s roomy cabin, affordable model options, and base 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine help it rank as the second-best compact car in our Ultimate Rankings.
With 33/42 mpg city/highway, it scores good EPA fuel efficiency numbers.
Although the Elantra N offers higher performance, it should be chosen by individuals who desire more gasoline.
On the interstate, the Elantra Limited got 42 mpg and the Elantra Eco 43 mpg. The basic sedan is among the more appealing vehicles on our list because of its striking windswept look.
Toyota Corolla:
The Toyota Corolla is a fashionable sedan with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 169 horsepower and gets between 32 and 41 miles per gallon on average.
Along with basic driver-support features including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, front collision warning, road sign assistance, and automatic high lights, it has a sophisticated cabin.
For non-hybrid cars, the Corolla is a well-liked option, and the 2015 LE Eco model is renowned for its fuel efficiency.
It uses about the same amount of petrol as the Mitsubishi Mirage.
Nissan Versa:
With a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, the Nissan Versa is a non-hybrid vehicle.
It can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 10 seconds, with an average fuel economy of 35 mpg.
The Versa comes equipped with standard features like front and rear automated emergency braking as well as an automatic CVT transmission.
Adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring are optional extras. With a gas-only drivetrain, the Versa is among the most fuel-efficient cars in America.
With an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 36 mpg, its base MSRP is $16,130.
The Versa lacks Apple CarPlay out of the box, is slow, and has a noisy cabin when traveling at high speeds.
Volkswagen Jetta:
The Volkswagen Jetta, a compact sedan with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
It comes standard with a manual six-speed transmission, but an eight-speed automatic is recommended for optimal fuel efficiency.
The car is front-wheel drive and has a 0-60 time of seven seconds.
The Jetta features a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a mobile hotspot, and wireless phone charging capabilities.
The interior exudes a luxurious feel with traditional knobs for the radio and HVAC controls.
The Jetta is one of the best affordable compact sedans available today, offering agile handling and a range of features.
Acura Integra:
The Acura Integra returns in 2024, sharing the same mechanicals and body as the Honda Civic.
It is more luxurious, comfortable, and longer, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
However, the Integra averages 3.0 MPG lower than the Civic, but is still one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles.
The 2024 Integra has a unique look and a more premium cabin, with a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder standard and a 320-hp Type S model available.
It offers a pleasant, playful, and well-balanced ride.
Toyota Yaris:
The Toyota Yaris iA sedan, with a starting MSRP of $15,950, offers a low-cost, efficient vehicle with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.
It has 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, and is based on the Mazda2, which is no longer available in America.
The iA is a “monospec” vehicle with only one trim level and no option packages.
The Yaris is a fantastic option for individuals searching for a dependable car because of its fuel efficiency and compact, urban-friendly design.
The Corolla is a popular choice for non-hybrid vehicles, and the 2015 LE Eco model is well known for its fuel efficiency.
