While hybrid cars often steal the spotlight for fuel efficiency, many conventional gasoline-powered vehicles achieve remarkable mileage without the complexities of electric motors. For car buyers seeking to maximize fuel savings without the higher price tag often associated with hybrids, especially in the compact car segment, numerous excellent non-hybrid options are available.
Let’s explore ten of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars currently on the market. These vehicles demonstrate that you can achieve impressive fuel economy comparable to hybrids, all while maintaining a more accessible MSRP.
1. 2010 smart fortwo – 35 mpg city / 41 mpg highway
The 2010 Smart fortwo tops our list due to its incredibly small size and lightweight design, making it the most diminutive passenger car available. This two-seater coupe, also offered as a convertible, provides basic cargo space suitable for groceries or small luggage.
Powering the fortwo is a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine producing 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. While these figures may seem modest, they are more than adequate for navigating city streets, the fortwo’s intended environment, thanks to its low curb weight. Equipped with a five-speed automated manual transmission, the Smart fortwo achieves an EPA-rated fuel economy of 35 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, making it a champion of fuel sipping in urban settings.
2. 2010 Volkswagen Golf / 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – 30 city / 42 highway
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf compact hatchback and the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan/wagon both offer a turbodiesel powertrain that excels in fuel efficiency without compromising interior space or practicality. These TDI models represent Volkswagen’s commitment to diesel technology as a fuel-saving solution.
Both the Jetta TDI and Golf TDI are equipped with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine generating 140 horsepower and a robust 236 lb-ft of torque. This torque figure provides both vehicles with strong low-end acceleration and overall responsive performance. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, with an optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission available. Both turbodiesel Volkswagens boast an impressive fuel economy of 30 mpg in city driving and 42 mpg on the highway, demonstrating diesel’s efficiency on longer drives.
3. 2011 Audi A3 TDI – 30 mpg city / 42 mpg highway
The 2011 Audi A3 TDI stands out as a premium compact hatchback that combines luxurious features with the fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine found in the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta TDI. This model caters to buyers seeking both luxury and economy in a smaller package.
Mirroring its Volkswagen counterparts, the 2011 Audi A3 TDI utilizes a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It offers both a six-speed manual transmission and Audi’s S tronic dual-clutch automatic. Uniquely, the A3 TDI adds quattro all-wheel drive to the diesel powertrain. Despite the typical fuel economy penalty associated with all-wheel drive, the Audi A3 TDI impressively matches the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen models, achieving 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.
4. 2011 Ford Fiesta SFE – 29 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
The 2011 Ford Fiesta SFE represents the most fuel-conscious variant of Ford’s subcompact sedan and hatchback, highlighting Ford’s focus on efficiency. The Fiesta SFE package is specifically designed to maximize mileage, incorporating aerodynamic enhancements, weight reduction, and low rolling resistance tires.
The Fiesta SFE retains the standard 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, delivering 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. Crucially, the SFE package mandates the inclusion of the optional six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, which is key to achieving its enhanced fuel economy. The result is an EPA rating of 29 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway, making the Fiesta SFE a top contender in its class for fuel efficiency.
5. 2011 MINI Cooper – 29 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
The 2011 MINI Cooper hatchback offers a blend of driving fun and fuel efficiency. Its responsive suspension and “wheel-at-each-corner” design contribute to a lively and engaging driving experience, setting it apart from other fuel-sipping small cars.
Under the hood, the 2011 MINI Cooper features a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, with the manual offering a slight edge in fuel economy. The MINI Cooper achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, proving that efficiency and driving enjoyment can coexist.
6. 2011 Toyota Yaris – 29 mpg city / 36 mpg highway
While the 2011 Toyota Yaris may not match the MINI Cooper’s sporty driving dynamics, it delivers nearly identical fuel economy at a more budget-friendly price point. The Yaris subcompact hatchback, also available as a sedan, prioritizes affordability and reliability along with fuel savings.
The 2011 Toyota Yaris utilizes a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the second smallest on this list, producing 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission and offers an optional four-speed automatic. The five-speed manual provides slightly better fuel economy, achieving 29 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, making the Yaris a practical and economical choice.
7. 2011 Mazda MAZDA2 – 29 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
The 2011 Mazda MAZDA2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta but is tuned for a sportier driving feel. However, without a dedicated fuel-efficiency trim like the Fiesta’s SFE, the MAZDA2 slightly lags behind in fuel economy. Available solely as a four-door hatchback, the MAZDA2 distinguishes itself with a different powertrain compared to the Fiesta.
Powering the Mazda MAZDA2 is a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 100 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission version achieves the best fuel economy, rated at 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
8. 2010 Honda Fit – 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
The 2010 Honda Fit compact hatchback balances practicality, comfort, and enjoyable driving characteristics. Like many vehicles on this list, the Fit relies on a small engine, compact size, and light weight to achieve impressive fuel economy. The Honda Fit is renowned for its versatile interior and “magic seat” configuration.
The 2010 Honda Fit is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 117 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or a specially programmed five-speed automatic transmission, with the automatic surprisingly offering slightly better fuel efficiency in certain configurations. Base models equipped with the automatic transmission are rated at 28 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway.
9. 2011 Kia Rio – 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
The 2011 Kia Rio subcompact sedan and its hatchback counterpart, the Kia Rio5, are value-oriented vehicles that prioritize fuel efficiency among their appealing features. The Rio offers an affordable entry point into the fuel-efficient car market.
Both sedan and hatchback versions of the 2011 Kia Rio are powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 110 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed manual transmission is the optimal choice for maximizing fuel economy, while a four-speed automatic is also available. The manual transmission Rio achieves an EPA rating of 28 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway.
10. 2011 Hyundai Accent – 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
The 2011 Hyundai Accent stands out for its exceptional affordability and competitive fuel economy, making it a strong contender in the subcompact segment. The Accent provides an economical option for budget-conscious buyers seeking fuel savings.
Available as both a sedan and hatchback, the 2011 Hyundai Accent shares its powertrain with the Kia Rio: a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. It produces 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. For the best city fuel economy, the base model with the standard five-speed manual transmission achieves 28 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. Interestingly, the automatic transmission version slightly improves highway mileage to 36 mpg, while city mileage remains at 27 mpg.
