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Buy this Ford vs Ferrari GT40 Movie CarThe Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2022
When it comes to stretching a gallon of gas, the vehicles on this list of most fuel-efficient cars 2022 do it best.
Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2022
A couple of interesting observations have come to light on the subject of Most Fuel-Efficient Cars 2022. For one, there aren’t all that many, cars that is. Most automakers’ offerings are dominated by the consumer-favorite SUV. Others, like Ford, have completely abandoned the car segment – Mustang excepted – to focus solely on SUVs and the like.
When it comes to ranking the most fuel-efficient cars 2022 by Combined MPG rating, you’ll find only one offering from the Big Three on here. It’s one of only two cars that Chevy makes anymore. Dodge and Chrysler do still make a version of the same car, however they’re the definition of long-in-the-tooth and are definitely not aiming for any MPG awards.
Today’s article is all about traditional internal combustion, but if you’re looking to stretch a gallon of dinosaur fuel even further, check out this list of Best Hybrid SUVs along with this explainer article on the differences between hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-electric vehicles.
Another hot new automotive efficiency topic centers around so-called “syn-fuels”, something we dive into here. It’s an interesting approach to bridging the gap between our oil-dominated present and electric-powered future. Until we get to that future, there are still plenty of gas-powered vehicles to choose from, so without further ado, let’s see which new cars are the most fuel efficient, as ranked by Combined MPG.
Mitsubishi Mirage ES/LE/SE/BE – 39 mpg combined
The phrases hat-trick, three-peat, and even trifecta come to mind when the Mitsubishi Mirage lands atop a “Best Of” list. Not only does this odd little hatchback take the cake on highest combined MPG, it has the fewest cylinders under hood – three; the tiniest tires – 14 inchers; and the peewee-est of power – 76 horses. So wait, it’s actually a quad-fecta! Little wonder this little sedan earned a spot on this list of inexpensive automotive efficiency. Note – to achieve the 36/43/39 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, you must choose the hatchback over the sedan and *dang it* skip the manual transmission as these days they actually hurt fuel economy.
Hyundai Elantra SE – 37 mpg combined
Nearly doubling the output of a Mitsubishi Mirage, the 147-hosepower Hyundai Elantra SE can also hit 60 mph in less than 10 seconds, all while giving up only 2 combined mpg to the Mirage. Granted, it is about $4,000 more expensive, but it does boast a rating of 33 mpg in city driving and 42 on the open road. All these reasons helped the Elantra land on last year’s rundown of most fuel-efficient rides. Plus, there’s that famous Hyundai powertrain warranty that runs for 100,000 miles.
Hyundai Accent SE/SEL/Limited – 36 mpg combined
Strangely, a Hyundai Accent comes in slightly lower than its larger Elantra stablemate on the Combined MPG front, even though its lighter in weight and power. Sporting a 1.6L inline-4 making 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque, it positively trounces the Mirage with which it directly competes and starts $145 cheaper. Plus, you can spring for the top-spec Limited trim, that adds a 7” touchscreen display and 17” alloys, while maintaining efficiency ratings of 33 mpg in city driving and 41 on the highway.
Kia Rio LX/S – 36 mpg combined
Another of the tiny, dirt-cheap hatchback competitors is the Kia Rio that shares a motor with the Hyundai Accent and achieves all the same fuel economy metrics. It may not be as freshly styled as the Hyundai product, but it does come in hatchback form – which you’ll need to hit these MPG ratings – and is the cheapest vehicle on this list at $16,450 to start. For only an additional $640, the top-dog S trim packs an 8” touchscreen with wireless connection for Apple and Android devices. Now that’s a bargain!
Honda Civic Sedan EX – 36 mpg combined
One of the all-time great compacts, a new Honda Civic sedan – in EX trim – packs a 158-horse four cylinder that is rated for 33 mpg in city driving, 42 on the highway, and 36 combined. On top of that, it’s draped in fresh sheet metal for 2022 that lends the Civic a notably more elegant, upscale appearance. As a midpack model, the EX features blind-spot monitoring, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, and dual-zone automatic climate control all for about $26,000.
Nissan Versa S/SR – 35 mpg combined
Though the cheapest Nissan Versa starts at less than $16,000, that is for a 5-speed manual transmission model. While this would allow for more engaging driving and less cash outlay, you’ll need the CVT-equipped Versa to achieve its highest fuel efficiency ratings of 32/40/35 mpg in city/highway/combined driving. And it’s not a mild swing between the two; opt for the stick and watch those figures drop by 5 mpg in each of the three categories.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE – 35 mpg combined
Hooray for the hatchback! As a lifelong hatch-fan, it pleases the soul to see all these squared-off sedans taking the spotlight. Like others here, the Corolla hatchback boasts better fuel efficiency than its sedan brethren and a solid motor to boot. The 2.0L inline-four makes a healthy 168 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque with a sticker that starts at just $22,265. Plus, every new Toyota comes with two years of complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance.
Kia Forte – 35 mpg combined
Any time a gas-powered car can run on the highway at a rate of more than 40 mpg, it’s a cause for celebration. Ok, the Forte’s rate is 41 but that’s pretty solid, especially in combination a city rating of 31 mpg to go with it’s 35 mpg combined rating. The Forte also comes standard with automated emergency braking, driver attention warning, and a lane-keeping system all for an entry price of under $20,000.
Nissan Sentra S/SV – 33 mpg combined
When it comes to basic A-to-B transportation, the Nissan Sentra has been doing the job as well as any small car for the last several decades. These days, it packs a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-four making 149 horsepower that combines with a CVT for ratings for 29 mpg around town and 39 on the highway. Step up to the SV model for adaptive cruise control, a digital gauge cluster and the same solid fuel economy.
Chevy Spark LS/1LT/2LT – 33 mpg combined
Like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Chevy’s Spark trades in small power – 98 horses – and small size – three doors – to achieve big-time fuel efficiency. The only car from a domestic automaker that makes this list, it’s also incredibly cheap at $15,695 or even less for a manually-shifted model. But as you might expect, that drops efficiency. Rated for 30 mpg in city driving and 38 on the highway, the Spark shares another metric with the Mirage; a tiny gas tank. Capable of holding a minuscule nine gallons, that translates to a highway range of just 342 miles.
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