Ta-da! A buyer’s guide for what many of you really care about in 2024: getting the most out of your vehicle for less. How about the most fuel-efficient cars, eh?
Vehicle range and fuel economy play a major role in owners’ lives everywhere. From how much money we spend on gasoline or charging to how often we have to make time to refuel and where MPG and MPGe are significant stat, many look at them when it comes to their vehicle purchasing decision.
Consumers have known traditional gasoline-powered engines for years, and for many, they are still within our comfort zone. While they may not offer the same fuel economy as electric vehicles or hybrids, we get to skip out on the range anxiety and charging waits. No matter what type of vehicle you prefer, here are the most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2024 across each segment.
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The gas-only corner!
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
MPG: 39 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- With a starting price of just under $17,000, this is one of the most affordable new cars on the market
- Base model comes equipped with all of the standard safety and tech features you’d expect from a new 2024 model
What’s not?
- Painfully underpowered, offering less than 100 not-so-buff ponies
- An oversimplified interior looks modestly dated, which isn’t bad if you’re not looking for something with a lot of tech or luxury
The Mitsubishi Mirage hasn’t changed much over the years, sticking to its simple design and putting affordability first. With a modest entry price and a record of reliability, this 2024 Mirage is a great option for many buyers looking to get the most out of a new car warranty without breaking the bank.
2024 Honda Civic
MPG: 37 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- Trim levels and body style options give buyers a variety of choices, but overall, body lines look sporty and modern
- Interior cabin space and cargo capacity exceed expectations
What’s not?
- Road noise is bothersome inside the vehicle
- There have been no noticeable changes since the 2023 model year, meaning the only additional benefit is a newer warranty
The Honda Civic is a tried and true car for many consumers, with a long history of reliability that gives buyers comfort and confidence, and the 2024 model year is no different. If you’re looking for a car that kind of does it all, this sedan is probably at the top of your list, melding together some sporty acceleration and handling with comfort, space, and tech as one of the most affordable cars on the market with a starting price of $23,950.
2024 Hyundai Elantra
MPG: 37 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- Above-average standard features
- Refreshed styling to the front and rear bumpers make this sedan look more aggressive and modern
What’s not?
- Unenthusiastic acceleration with the base model and handling could be better
- Interior materials look and feel cheap with lots of plastic
The newly updated Hyundai Elantra looks better than ever while still providing buyers with top-notch fuel economy. As an overall package, the Elantra is one of the best compact sedans on the market today, with a starting price of $21,625. It boasts a surprising amount of standard safety and tech features for such a modest purchase price, and if the acceleration and handling are a concern for drivers this top trim level, the N Line, which provides better handling and more responsive throttle, is also available with only a slight increase in price to $28,465.
Cough, don’t forget about Elantra N if you’re really feeling frisky.
The hybrid corner!
2024 Toyota Prius
MPG: 57 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- New updates leave the Prius’s ugly duckling status in the past for what has been its best design yet
- Strong record of reliability
What’s not?
- With no changes to the 2024 model from the previous year, the only additional benefit of buying new is a fresher warranty and lower mileage
- Sleeker roof lines reduce rear visibility, rear head room, and cargo
The Toyota Prius has a bad rap for being frumpy and underpowered, but it has been a favorite among consumers for years, regardless. Just ask one of our editors who tested one. The latest generation of the Prius ups the ante with better styling, newer tech, and features that buyers want, combined with years of production that have proved the car to be reliable — a great selling point for those concerned with high-voltage battery systems and hybrid vehicle ownership. The 2024 Toyota Prius dips its tires into the world of gasoline and electric for a modest entry price and does a great job of bridging the gap for consumers.
2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
MPG: 54 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- As expected, better fuel economy over the standard gasoline model
- Updated designs and options increase overall appearance and quality
What’s not?
- The drivetrain achieves better fuel economy by sacrificing acceleration
- Only available with two trim level options
Notable mention for hitting this list twice as a gasoline-only and hybrid vehicle, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid doesn’t differ much from the ICE version of this model. If you’ve been considering the Elantra, the hybrid options offer everything that the standard model does and more, with some major updates from safety features like the rear side airbags and haptic feedback for driver’s assists to cosmetic options like exterior and interior colors.
2024 Kia Niro Hybrid
MPG: 53 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- Unique design is modern with a distinct front end and day-running lights
- Ample space for cargo and passengers without the mass and road presence of a large SUV
What’s not?
- The base model hybrid is noticeably slower and offers underwhelming power
- All-wheel drive is not available
Eat your heart out, Corolla Cross Hybrid. The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid is a great solution for buyers who are looking to maximize their fuel economy without minimizing their space. As a compact crossover, the Niro Hybrid offers an impressive amount of interior space for both cargo and passengers, making it the perfect option for families or city dwellers.
The EV corner!
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
MPGe: 140 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- Modern designs inside and out give the car a sleek appearance and high-tech feel
- As a small, well-balanced sedan, the IONIQ 6 offers nimble handling and engaging acceleration
What’s not?
- The sleek roofline gives the car a sporty appearance but minimizes rear head space and trunk space as a result
- Best range only on RWD models
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a newer car on the scene, combining a surprising amount of luxury and technology for a brand-new EV starting at $37,500. The additional option of all-wheel drive gives this car an additional edge over competitors, but the standard model’s rear-wheel drive train offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience for a sedan.
2024 BMW i4
MPGe: 120 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- Besides the blue trim, this sedan otherwise looks like a regular gasoline-powered engine which may be attractive to some buyers
- Same styling and quality consumers expect from BMW for a modestly priced luxury EV
What’s not?
- While the acceleration performance of the i4 is competitive, the steering and handling are reportedly lackluster
- The sportier M option enhances performance but at a steep sacrifice to range
The 2024 BMW i4 is unrecognizable as an electric vehicle which may be enticing to buyers who want the EV experience without the looks. Its performance and handling rival more popular cars from the brand, including the BMW M3, living up to the expectations set by the brand in previous years.
2024 Lucid Air Pure AWD
MPGe: 137 miles combined city/highway
What’s hot?
- Interior oozes luxury and high-end vibes with a variety of textiles
- Smooth driving experience with minimal road noise
What’s not?
- By far the most expensive vehicle option on this list, with a starting price of $82,400
- Kind of looks like a bar of soap, the body lines of this EV don’t have much to offer
The Lucid Air Pure is a true luxury car, and its price reflects it. Minimalistic styling inside and out is countered by a fine selection of materials and designs that make the Lucid unlike anything else on the market. Because this brand is also lesser known it gets bonus points for being uncommon.
