Hybrid cars might save money at the pump, but the technology isn’t free. If you decided to purchase one it will cost you an extra $2,500 to $5,000 than if you were to buy a similarly equipped gas-only car.
However, you can still find fuel-efficient cars that aren’t hybrids. The following 10 cars deliver solid fuel economy with a traditional gasoline engine. These cars deliver at least an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined highway and city driving, and that’s with automatic transmission. As the aim was to keep the suggested retail price as low as possible, alternative-fuel vehicles such as natural gas, diesel, or plug-in electric were not considered. All these cars cost less than $23,000 before adding the factory delivery fee. Five of them cost less than $20,000. Furthermore, to make the list, the cars also had to have other standard features, such as power door locks, power windows, air conditioning, power outboard mirrors, and at least 6 air bags.
Fuel economy: 26 mpg city/38 highway/30 combined
Cruze gets its 30-combined mpg from a peppy 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed, driver shiftable automatic transmission. This 138-horsepower engine is energy efficient, and is surprisingly smooth and quiet. There is a more affordable LS version, but the 1.4-liter engine is only found in the 1LT, which also includes the must have power outboard mirrors. However, having said that, the LS still features such goodies such as Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted controls for the six-speaker system and a USB port for iPod interface.
Fuel economy: 27 mpg city/34 highway/30 combined
This Fiat may be small, but it can still fit in four passengers (at a pinch). This is the entry-level 500, but it is nicely equipped with the must-haves mentioned above, including steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a USB port for iPod interface. A 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission churns out 135 horsepower.
Price: $16,690
Fuel economy: 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined
This is an economy car that doesn’t look cheap due to its classy exterior styling and nicely finished cabin. The SE comes equipped with 7 air bags, a trip computer, Ford’s SYNC interface with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and a user-friendly capless fuel filler. The 120 horsepower is generated by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine and six-speed, driver-shiftable automatic transmission.
Fuel economy: 27 mpg/36 highway/31 combined
Yes, this car is pricier than some of the others on this list, but you get more passenger space and plenty of standard content such as an 8-inch touch screen, rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, USB audio interface and Bluetooth connectivity. This car might not be as well-suited to urban driving like some of the others on this list, but it is very comfortable and roomy and has a solid fuel economy from its 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Price: $19,250
Fuel economy: 27 mpg city/36 highway/30 combined
One of the sportier looking cars on the list, the three-door Veloster is better suited to carrying four passengers rather than four. However, the third door on the passenger side does make accessing the rear seat a lot easier. This car is nimble and is a blast to drive around the crowded streets in. A 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivers power to the front wheels via a six-speed, driver-shiftable automatic transmission. It comes equipped with automatic climate control, a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and an iPod interface.
Price: $17,490
Fuel economy: 26 mpg city/39 highway/31 combined
Kia makes this car in three body styles: two-door coupe, five-door hatchback, and a four-door sedan – all of which represent a lot of value. The most affordable of the three is the one which has been featured here. This is a smart looking car that comes equipped with a trip computer, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod interface, heated outboard mirrors, and hill-start assist. Forte gets it 31 mpg from its 145-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed, driver-shiftable automatic transmission.
Price: $17,995
Fuel economy: 30 mpg city/41 highway/34 combined
This car has the best highway and combined fuel economy of the cars on this list, and earns extra brownie points as it’s extremely fun to drive. The 3 makes the most of its SkyActiv engine technology, which not only gives it its terrific fuel economy, but 155-horsepower as well. There is a sportier-looking five-door version, but its fuel economy is not as good. It does not come equipped with as many features as some other cars on the list, but it still has keyless remote entry, push-button start, and a USB audio interface.
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Price: $22,560
Fuel economy: 27 mpg city/38 highway/31 combined
The Altima is a mid-sized car that squeezes out good fuel-economy numbers thanks to its 182-horsepower, 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine. It does not come equipped with many features, but it still has Bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless entry, and an auxiliary input jack. This is a solid performer and a great family car.
Fuel economy: 26 mpg/36 highway/30 combined
The 2.5i is the entry-level Legacy, but it’s still a well-equipped midsize sedan for its price point. It comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, USB and iPod interface, and a rear-view camera. Furthermore, it’s the only car on this list with standard all-wheel drive – and it’s still cheaper than some. Turning all four wheels is a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.
Price: $20,895
Fuel economy: 25 mpg city/37 highway/30 combined
Although fuel economy is now the aim of most car makers, Volkswagen also remain focused on the driving dynamics of its products, and the Jetta is no exception. That they manage to keep the Jetta’s fun-to-drive quality while achieving some decent fuel efficiency is a tribute to the engineers. A 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers power to the front wheels by way of a six-speed, driver-shiftable transmission. The car comes equipped with a rear-view camera, touch-screen audio system, heated front seats, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Source: bankrate
