No matter what the price of gas is, having a vehicle that’s more fuel-efficient will always save you money. Knowing the EPA-estimated gas mileage can be a deciding factor whether you’re in the market for a small commuter car or a family-friendly SUV. Today’s automotive market is filled with electrified vehicles such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and even fully electric vehicles, but if you’re looking for something more affordable and less complex, consider one these non-hybrid cars with the best gas mileage for 2022 according to FuelEconomy.gov. And don’t worry, if you’re looking for even better fuel economy, here are the best hybrid cars and best plug-in hybrid cars for 2022, as well.
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage – 39 mpg combined
With a combined fuel economy rating of 39 mpg, the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage has the best gas mileage among non-hybrid cars in the U.S. for 2022. In hatchback form with the automatic transmission, the subcompact Mirage returns EPA fuel economy estimates of 36 mpg in the city and 43 mph on the highway. In addition to that, the 2022 Mirage is the second most affordable new car (behind the Chevy Spark) with a starting MSRP of $14,645.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is available in two body styles (hatchback and sedan) and the choice between an automatic transmission or a five-speed manual, but all versions are powered by the same 1.2-liter three-cylinder inline engine. The Mirage is available in four trim levels (ES, LE, SE, and BE), and even the base trim models come standard with a seven-inch infotainment screen and forward collision mitigation system, not to mention a factory 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2022 Hyundai Elantra – 37 mpg combined
The Mitsubishi Mirage might be the overall leader when it comes to having the best gas mileage, but the 2022 Hyundai Elantra offers superior styling, comfort, and equipment while still delivering 37 mpg combined. The Elantra offers a total of four powertrain options with the most efficient being the base engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is rated at 33 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. For even better efficiency, the Elantra is also offered in a hybrid configuration that gets up to 54 mpg in combined driving!
Competing in the compact car market, the 2022 Elantra is available in a total of of seven trim levels with a starting price of $19,850. At this price, the Elantra is equipped with plenty of standard features including an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. If fuel economy isn’t your priority, the Elantra N is a sportier option with its 276-horsepower turbocharged engine. Bottom line, the 2022 Elantra lineup offers just about any option for new-car buyers in the market for something small, affordable, and stylish.
2022 Honda Civic sedan – 36 mpg combined
The redesigned 2022 Honda Civic sedan also competes in the compact segment, and it’s rated just behind the Elantra with its most-efficient model rated at 36 mpg in combined driving. Surprisingly, to get this max fuel economy from the new Civic sedan, you need to upgrade to the more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which returns EPA estimates of 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. That’s an improvement of 2 mpg in both city and highway driving compared to the base 2.0-liter engine. The best fuel economy from the Civic hatchback is 31 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
The eleventh-generation Honda Civic sedan is offered in five trim levels (LX, Sport, EX, Touring, and Si) with a starting price of $22,550. Even though it’s an affordable compact sedan, the Civic comes standard with plenty of features including high-tech safety items such as adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist, traffic sign recognition, and more. Even the sportier Civic Si sedan returns impressive fuel economy with a combined rating of 31 mpg.
2022 Hyundai Accent – 36 mpg combined
Although the subcompact 2022 Hyundai Accent is smaller than the Elantra, this model ranks slightly lower than its compact sibling with a combined fuel economy rating of 36 mpg. Unlike the Elantra, the Accent is only offered with a single powertrain configuration consisting of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an automatic transmission giving the small sedan ratings of 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
The 2022 Hyundai Accent is available in three trim levels (SE, SEL, and Limited) with a starting MSRP of $16,645. While the base model is definitely a budget-friendly option, the Accent can be upgraded with more amenities including heated leather front seats, dual USB charging ports, and a seven-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Accent will be discontinued after this year at which point the Venue SUV will be Hyundai’s lowest-priced vehicle.
2022 Kia Rio – 36 mpg combined
The 2022 Kia Rio isn’t the only car on this list that is available in sedan and hatchback body styles, but it’s the only one that delivers identical fuel economy in either form with a combined rating of 36 mpg. That means regardless of whether you choose the four-door sedan or the five-door hatchback, this affordable subcompact car will return 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Buyers can select from two trim levels (LX and S) for the Rio sedan starting at $16,450, but the hatchback is offered in just the S trim level starting at $17,390. All Rio models come with the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard across the entire lineup, as are the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, heated outside mirrors, and 15-inch wheels.
Buying a new car doesn’t have to break the bank, so if you’re looking for a new car on a budget, these non-hybrid cars with the best gas mileage will save you money both at the dealership and at the pump!
Lifelong automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for offroading. Wrencher turned writer, but I still love to tinker on just about anything with an engine. Dream car: tie between a ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda and a ’91 GMC Syclone. #GirlDad #SaveTheManuals
