Finding a pre-owned car with impressive fuel economy used to mean settling for a compact or subcompact hatchback and nothing else. But thanks to major advances in powertrain technology and vehicle engineering over the past decade or so, fuel-efficient used cars can now be found across virtually every segment — meaning you don't have to sacrifice your must-haves in the pursuit of better gas mileage, and you won't need to wander over to the new car side of the lot to find one.
To help soften the blow of today's gas prices, read on to discover our picks for the top used cars with outstanding fuel economy — every vehicle on our list delivers more than 30 mpg.
Our 10 top picks represent used cars we'd genuinely recommend to anyone prioritizing great gas mileage. They appear in no particular order, and we made an effort to cover a range of market segments. One segment we deliberately left out, however, was electric vehicles — Teslas and their counterparts don't burn gasoline at all, so they belong in a different conversation.
The Top Used Cars With the Best Gas Mileage
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2023-Present Toyota Prius
Any conversation about exceptional fuel economy rankings has to include the Toyota Prius. While it wasn't the first hybrid to hit the market, it's unquestionably the most iconic and best-selling hybrid of all time. That popularity means there's a healthy supply of used Priuses to browse, but we point shoppers toward the latest generation, which debuted for the 2023 model year and sits at the top of our list for fuel efficiency.
The 2023-and-newer Prius turns heads with its bold styling and delivers more power than the model it succeeded. Yet despite the performance upgrade, this Prius actually squeezes out better efficiency than its predecessor, posting a combined EPA rating of 57 mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 54 mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD) — compared to 52 and 49 mpg, respectively, for the outgoing generation.
2019-22 Honda Insight
Rather than offering a Civic Hybrid from 2019 to 2022, Honda leaned on the third-generation Insight to cover that role in its lineup — and for good reason, since the two cars are essentially the same vehicle underneath. The Insight shared the Honda Civic's platform, its well-crafted interior, and its enjoyable driving character. The two models were even assembled side by side at the same plant in Indiana.
Honda's engineers also managed to package the Insight's battery pack beneath the floor without eating into cargo space, so it offers the same luggage capacity as the standard gas-powered Civic. Of course, the Insight's headline attraction is its remarkable fuel economy: a combined rating of 52 mpg.
2017-24 Toyota Camry and Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry has earned its place in driveways across the country for decades, and it continues to rank among the best options in the midsize sedan segment. The previous generation, on sale from 2017 through 2024, earns our recommendation for its winning combination of value, features, comfort, and strong fuel economy.
The hybrid variant of the Camry delivers an impressive 52 mpg in mixed driving, while the conventional gas model is capable of up to 32 mpg combined. You can also find this Camry with AWD for added confidence in inclement weather, and there's a performance-oriented TRD trim that packs a potent V6 and a more spirited driving experience. That said, the TRD isn't the right call if efficiency is your priority — it manages just 25 mpg in combined driving. If you'd prefer something in a slightly smaller package, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is well worth considering.
2021-2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Kia Sorento Hybrid occupies an interesting sweet spot between compact and midsize crossover territory, making it a natural fit for families who want the flexibility of an available third row without committing to a full-size SUV. The electric motor assistance helps the Sorento Hybrid achieve genuinely impressive fuel economy: 37 mpg combined for the FWD model and 35 mpg for the AWD version. We favor the current generation, which arrived for 2026 and comes generously equipped with safety technology even at the base trim level. If you can get by with a bit less interior space, the subcompact Kia Niro SUV is another strong contender worth exploring.
2017-22 Honda Accord Hybrid
Going up against the Toyota Camry in the midsize sedan arena, the Honda Accord Hybrid earns its spot on this list through a combination of engaging driving dynamics and genuinely impressive fuel efficiency. Our sweet spot is the Accord Hybrid produced from 2017 through 2022, which offers a modern feature set at an attractive price point. Examples with typical mileage can regularly be found in the mid-$20,000 range. The Accord Hybrid's combined rating of 47 mpg translates to a cruising range exceeding 600 miles on a full tank — roughly the distance from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C.
2021-24 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Shoppers on the hunt for an eco-conscious compact car should put the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid near the top of their list. Launched for the 2021 model year, the Elantra Hybrid makes an exceptional daily driver thanks to its smooth, refined ride quality, and its bold, forward-thinking design helps it stand apart in a crowded small sedan segment. Unfortunately, the sleeker Elantra coupe was discontinued before a hybrid variant could ever be developed.
Hyundai offered the Elantra Hybrid across several trim levels, with the efficiency crown going to the Blue trim. It earns an EPA combined rating of 54 mpg.
2021-24 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The current-generation RAV4 Prime, which arrived as a 2021 model, stands out as one of the only plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) available in the compact crossover class. Toyota has masterfully balanced fuel efficiency with brisk performance, pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a combined output of 302 horsepower. The sprint to 60 mph takes around 5.5 seconds — a significant improvement over the gas-only RAV4's time of just over eight seconds.
Running on battery power alone, the AWD-only RAV4 Prime can travel up to 42 miles and achieve 94 MPGe in combined driving. When the gasoline engine takes over, it returns 38 mpg.
2017-22 Honda CR-V Hybrid
For shoppers who want a compact SUV without the need to plug in, the fifth-generation Honda CR-V crossover — offered in hybrid form for the 2020 through 2022 model years — is a highly practical choice. It brings generous cargo space and a well-finished cabin to the table, and standard AWD comes as part of the package. The CR-V Hybrid also delivers more power than its gas-only counterpart while still achieving 38 mpg in combined driving, placing it among the most fuel-efficient options in its class.
2022-Present Ford Maverick Hybrid
Introduced for the 2022 model year, the Ford Maverick Hybrid makes a compelling case that pickup trucks don't have to be gas-guzzlers. The FWD version of this compact hauler returns 37 mpg in combined driving, making it the most fuel-efficient used pickup truck you can buy today — and it's not particularly close.
It's no slouch in the capability department either, with a tow rating of 2,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds — not far behind what the larger and considerably thirstier Ford Ranger can manage. The Maverick's bed clocks in at 4.5 feet in length, which is enough room to fit a standard 40-by-48-inch pallet. A range of bed accessories is also available, including an extender that adds two more feet of usable cargo space when you need it.
2019-2023 Volkswagen Jetta
If your tastes run upscale but your budget tells a different story, the Volkswagen Jetta is worth a serious look. It consistently punches above its price point with a composed, near-luxury ride quality and an interior that feels refined and thoughtfully laid out, complete with a user-friendly infotainment system. Most critically for this list, it's an excellent performer at the pump, delivering a combined 35 mpg — the same EPA rating as the much smaller and far less powerful Nissan Versa subcompact.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Fuel-Efficient Used Car
Many elements influence a vehicle's overall fuel economy, but the powertrain is the most critical factor — particularly when it comes to hybrid models. It is, after all, the system responsible for actually burning fuel to move the car.
Where engines are concerned, size plays a significant role; as a general rule, a larger engine tends to produce lower fuel economy. But how do you gauge engine size as a shopper? It's actually quite straightforward. Engine displacement — the volume of air the engine moves — is almost always listed in a vehicle's powertrain specifications and expressed in liters, making direct comparisons simple. There are exceptions, of course, but you can generally expect a car with a 2.0-liter engine to be more fuel-efficient than a comparable vehicle powered by a 3.0-liter unit.
What Makes a Car More Fuel-Efficient?
A large share of today's vehicles rely on forced-induction technology — typically a turbocharger or supercharger — to boost fuel efficiency. Turbos are by far the more common of the two. They harness exhaust gases to force additional air into the engine, enabling it to generate more power from a smaller displacement. Originally the domain of high-performance cars, turbochargers have become standard equipment in everyday vehicles, effectively substituting for displacement. A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, for example, can match the output of a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter while consuming less fuel in the process.
Cylinder count is another relevant factor. If fuel economy is a top priority, you'll most likely be looking at cars with four-cylinder engines. The inline-four — four cylinders arranged in a single row — is the most widely used engine configuration in the U.S. and generally strikes a solid balance between performance and efficiency. If you want a bit more passing power, a V6 or V8 engine can deliver it, but you'll typically trade some fuel economy to get there.
Are Manual or Automatic Cars More Fuel-Efficient?
The transmission — the system that channels the engine's torque to the drive wheels — also has a meaningful impact on fuel efficiency. Most modern vehicles come with a single transmission option, so you may not have a choice to make. But if you do find yourself deciding, it's worth knowing that a modern automatic, especially one with eight or more speeds, can actually outperform a manual gearbox in terms of efficiency. In recent years, automakers have also been gravitating toward the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which offers an infinite range of gear ratios and can therefore keep the engine operating at peak efficiency regardless of speed. CVTs are particularly common in hybrid vehicles, though plenty of gas-only models use them as well.
Finally, a vehicle's weight and aerodynamic profile are worth factoring in. While it's not an exact science, it's reasonable to assume that a large, boxy vehicle will consume more fuel than something compact and streamlined. That said, few modern vehicles are truly lightweight, and automakers have become increasingly clever at engineering aerodynamic efficiency into even the bulkiest SUV shapes.
Tips for Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
The single most effective way to improve your vehicle's real-world fuel economy is to change how you drive. Smooth, measured inputs — avoiding hard acceleration and late, heavy braking — can make a noticeable difference in how far each gallon takes you.
Staying on top of routine maintenance is equally important. Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, and replace your engine's air filter at the intervals specified in your owner's manual. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which drags down efficiency, while a dirty air filter can hamper engine performance and fuel economy alike.
Finally, think about what you're carrying and how your car is configured. Extra weight is the enemy of efficiency, so clearing out unnecessary items from your trunk can translate to real savings at the pump. Similarly, leaving a rooftop cargo box in place when you don't need it creates additional aerodynamic drag — and that drag steadily chips away at your fuel economy every mile you drive.
The Top Used Cars With the Best Gas Mileage FAQs
What is the most fuel-efficient used car you can buy?
The 2023-and-newer Toyota Prius leads the pack, delivering a combined EPA rating of 57 mpg with front-wheel drive and 54 mpg with all-wheel drive. Despite being more powerful than its predecessor, it actually achieves better efficiency — making it the clear standout for shoppers who want to stretch every gallon as far as possible.
Are there fuel-efficient used cars beyond sedans and hatchbacks?
Yes — advances in hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology have made it possible to find great gas mileage across a wide range of vehicle types. The Kia Sorento Hybrid delivers up to 37 mpg combined in a family-sized crossover, the Toyota RAV4 Prime offers 38 mpg in a compact SUV, and the Ford Maverick Hybrid achieves 37 mpg combined in a pickup truck — the most fuel-efficient used truck on the market today.
Does the type of transmission affect a used car's fuel economy?
It can, and the answer may surprise you: a modern automatic transmission with eight or more speeds can actually outperform a manual gearbox in real-world efficiency. Continuously variable transmissions, or CVTs, take it a step further by offering an infinite range of gear ratios that keep the engine running at peak efficiency — which is why they're especially common in hybrid vehicles.
What can I do to get better gas mileage out of a used car I already own?
The biggest gains come from how you drive — smooth acceleration and avoiding heavy braking can make a meaningful difference in your real-world fuel economy. You should also keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, replace your air filter on schedule, and remove unnecessary cargo from your trunk, since extra weight and aerodynamic drag both chip away at efficiency over time.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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