What Cars Have The Best Fuel Economy in The USA

CheapVHR Team

2/4/2026

7 min read

Selecting a vehicle with excellent fuel economy is not only a smart choice but can also save you significant money. Whether you want to stretch every dollar, plan extensive road trips in the future, or commute every day, fuel efficiency is a must-have for most vehicle buyers.

After all, the constantly growing cost of gasoline is proof that owning a gas-guzzler can drain your wallet in just a few miles. But the good news is that people have enough affordable options now, including fuel-efficient cars.

What Impacts Gas Mileage?

It's important to understand the factors that affect a car's fuel economy before deciding which vehicles offer the best fuel economy. How an automobile is constructed, driven, and maintained affects its fuel efficiency, as does the model you select.

According to the EPA, average U.S. vehicle fuel economy has improved from about 13 mpg in 1975 to a record high of over 27 mpg in 2023, reflecting decades of efficiency gains.

Now, let's have a look at some of the important factors that will help you understand it even better:

1.Engine Type (Traditional Gas vs. Hybrid)

2.Car Weight and Size

3.Driving Habits and Situations

4.Maintenance and Inflation of Tires

Knowing all these factors can help you make better choices when you're driving and when you're purchasing your next car.

Top 5 Fuel-Efficient Cars Worth Buying in 2026

Buying a car that makes your trip enjoyable while also saving you money is like winning the lottery. NRDC research shows that improved fuel economy has helped American drivers save more than 2 trillion gallons of gasoline since 1975.

Are you also looking for a car that can help you get maximum miles with minimal pump pain? If that’s the case, here’s the list of the cheapest cars with the best gas mileage:

1.Chevrolet Malibu (Underrated Efficiency)

The Chevrolet Malibu, particularly the hybrid model introduced between 2016 and 2019, delivers strong performance with surprisingly low fuel consumption, despite being often overlooked in discussions of fuel efficiency.

Specs and Efficiency