Which Cars Are Good on Gas? Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai Lead the Pack

When shopping for a new vehicle, three factors consistently rank at the top of most buyers’ priorities: fuel economy, safety, and reliability. If you’re looking for cars that are good on gas, you’re making a smart investment in both your wallet and the environment. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, selecting a vehicle with strong fuel efficiency can dramatically reduce your annual transportation costs while minimizing your carbon footprint.

The key metric to understand is miles per gallon (mpg). According to industry data, buyers should target vehicles that achieve 35 mpg or higher for meaningful savings. But not all brands perform equally. Three manufacturers consistently stand out for delivering excellent fuel economy without compromising on quality or durability: Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai.

Toyota: Leading the Charge in Fuel-Conscious Vehicles

Toyota has built its reputation on reliability, with numerous models surpassing 250,000 miles in lifespan, according to iSeeCars. But beyond durability, Toyota dominates the segment of cars that are good on gas. Rob Dillan, an automotive expert and founder of EVhype, notes that “Toyota Prius offers up to 57 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles available.”

The brand’s commitment to hybrid technology extends across its entire lineup. The Corolla Hybrid delivers 50 mpg combined, while the Camry Hybrid achieves 51 mpg—both exceptional figures for midsize vehicles. For those preferring traditional gas-powered options, Toyota still delivers impressive efficiency:

• 2025 Corolla: Starting at $22,175 with 32 city/41 highway mpg
• 2025 Corolla Hatchback: Starting at $23,630 with 32 city/41 highway mpg
• 2024 Toyota Venza: Starting at $35,070 with 40 city/37 highway mpg

These vehicles prove that fuel efficiency doesn’t require sacrificing affordability or features.

Honda: Efficiency Meets Engineering

Honda shares Toyota’s reputation for long-lasting vehicles and competitive fuel economy. The brand’s lineup includes numerous models engineered specifically for drivers seeking cars that are good on gas.

According to Dillan, “The Honda Insight EX with e-CVT achieves up to 55 city mpg and 49 highway mpg, competing closely with hybrid leaders.” The Accord Hybrid rounds out Honda’s efficiency portfolio at 51 mpg combined. For conventional engines, Honda’s offerings include:

• 2024 Honda Civic: Starting at $23,950 with 35 mpg combined
• 2024 Honda Accord: Starting at $27,895 with 29 city/37 highway mpg
• 2025 Honda CR-V: Starting at $31,450 with 28 city/34 highway mpg

Honda demonstrates that fuel efficiency spans multiple vehicle categories, from compact cars to SUVs.

Hyundai: Affordable Efficiency

Hyundai has emerged as a strong contender for budget-conscious shoppers seeking cars that are good on gas. The brand delivers well-designed, quality vehicles backed by generous warranty options, all while maintaining competitive fuel economy figures.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid stands out with an impressive 59 mpg combined rating, among the highest available. The Elantra Hybrid contributes to Hyundai’s strong showing at 54 mpg combined. For gasoline-only models, Hyundai offers:

• Hyundai Elantra: Starting at $22,775 with 28 city/36 highway mpg
• Hyundai Sonata: Starting at $26,650 with 28 city/38 highway mpg

Hyundai proves that excellent fuel efficiency doesn’t require premium pricing.

Making Your Decision: Long-Term Value of Good Gas Mileage

Selecting vehicles that are good on gas represents more than an immediate cost savings at the pump. Over a vehicle’s lifetime, the difference between a 25 mpg car and a 50 mpg car can amount to thousands in fuel expenses. Consider a driver traveling 12,000 miles annually: at $3 per gallon, the mpg difference translates to $1,440 in annual fuel costs.

When evaluating potential purchases, focus on your typical driving patterns. Highway commuters might prioritize highway mpg ratings, while urban drivers should weight city performance more heavily. Across all scenarios, Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai have proven their capability to deliver both efficiency and reliability.

The environmental benefit adds another layer of appeal. Lower fuel consumption directly correlates with reduced emissions, meaning every mile driven in an efficient vehicle contributes to environmental sustainability.

Editor’s note: Vehicle specifications were sourced from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, CarFax.com, and directly from manufacturers.