Top 10 Cars for High Mileage Per Gallon
By TODD RIDLEY, 11/26/2019
We won’t have all sedans with low revving, no-feature bland colors… we’re going to stretch here to include a mix of hybrid’s (not electric) and pure gasoline, body styles and class.
There are so many articles published about mileage these days it’s hard to keep count. And it’s expected that an article like this may be boring… let’s be clear, I’m thinking an article about this would be boring as I’m writing it.
So let’s mix it up a bit. We won’t have all sedans with low revving, no-feature bland colors… we’re going to stretch here to include a mix of hybrid’s (not electric) and pure gasoline, body styles and class.
Without further ado, let’s get cracking:
#10. Lexus RX 450h AWD
Base MSRP Range: $46,095
Lexus continues it’s angular design with the 2019 RX 450h AWD. And the fact that a fairly large crossover with awd is on our list for high MPG is a testament to Lexus and its engineering prowess.
The RX 45h pairs a strong yes economical V6 with a self-charging electric motor that delivers an astounding 308 horsepower. You can ride in luxury with room and space while still holding your head high amongst your green neighbors.
#9. Volvo V90 FWD
Base MSRP Range: $47,440
We’ve had the Volvo V90 wagon, in various forms, on our site, and in rankings quite a bit. We love this vehicle. Volvo has carried its Thor’s Hammer architecture over to this flagship vehicle and it just looks great. I drive a Cross Country version and have, for the past 6 months, received more praise from friends, family and even strangers than I have in my entire 30 years of driving.
That it’s available with a very fuel efficient powersource in the T5, FWD 2.0 L 4-cylinder model is amazing with 35 mpg for highway. You go Volvo!
The 2019 Volvo V90 has an amazing 53.9 CF of storage for a high-mileage car. Available luxury and tech features are amazing: Park Assist Pilot and visual park assist +360 degree camera, graphical heads-up display, active bending lights, and headlight pressure cleaning
#8. Fiat 124 Spider
Base MSRP Range: $25,190 - $29,220
Think being environmentally and budget conscious means boring, slow sedans? I hope our list thus far has proven that wrong. And that idea is definitely turned on its head with the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider.
This little firecracker comes with elegance and sportiness, and a base 160 horsepower engine that delivers an amazing 35mpg on the highway. Available in 4 trims (the Abarth adds 4 horsepower), the Spider has options in spades: 16-Inch Aluminum Wheels, a Six-Speed Manual Transmission with Short-Throw Shifter, ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera, FIAT® Connect 7.0 with 7-Inch Full-Color Touchscreen, AM/FM Radio, Four Speakers, an SD Card Reader and a Command Dial for starters.
#7. Mazda MX-5
Base MSRP Range: $25,730 - $34,995
Continuing with our sporty convertible phase, the award-winning Mazda Miata MX-5 has proven a benchmark in affordable fun. Now in its 4th generation, Mazda has added new design elements from its brand architecture that include a few angular lines to its iconic, bubbly look, and a higher engine cowl and rear pillar that to this editor looks Jaguar-esque.
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 (Miata) utilizes a small yet powerful 2 liter, 4-cylinder engineer that has an MPG rating of 35 highway. Named a Car & Driver 10 Best Cars for the 17th year in a row, the MX-5 is a great option for the gas and environmentally conscious. Options in tech and luxury include 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels in Metallic Black finish with P195/50 R16 high-performance tires , Daytime Running Lights, MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System, 7" full color touch screen, Multifunction Commander Control, Infotainment system voice command, HD Radio™, Aha™, Pandora®, Stitcher™ internet radio integration and SMS text message audio delivery and reply.
#6. Mini Cooper Convertible
Base MSRP Range: $27,400 - $34,900
The 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible is, as always, a crowd pleaser. Based on the original Mini design, Mini Cooper Convertibles are now in their 3rd generation of this latest iteration, and the iconic design is holding its own very well.
The Mini Cooper Convertible has a powerful little engine that has 28 city and 37 highway MPG. This amazing car comes with many options that include a Steptronic Sport™ automatic transmission, Apple Carplay™, a touchscreen navigation system, heads-up display (inspired by jet cockpits!!!), a rain warner on the Mini App (to alert you to close the roof), active driving assistant and beautiful LED headlamps.
#5. Chevy Spark
Base MSRP Range: $13,220 - $16,620
Notice how as we increase the MPG the cars get a little (just a little) less exciting? As fuel efficiency increases this generally means less style, less luxury and less technology. And this is true of the 2019 Chevrolet Spark.
With an impressive fuel MPG of 30 city and 38 highway, the Spark comings in 8 trims for the shopper. Chevrolet calls it the “Small Wonder.” And that’s true… it’s small. But the wonder stops at the fuel mileage. Options are limited for the Spark but include: Leatherette seat trim, Leather-wrapped steering wheel with 3-spoke silver accents, Keyless Open and Keyless start, Rear Park Assist with audible warning, Heated driver and front passenger seats, and Driver Information Center - Enhanced monochromatic display.
#4. Toyota Prius C
Base MSRP Range: $21,530 - $22,995
You knew Toyota would be on this list. Toyota, the epitome of high fuel efficiency, came to prominence in the 70’s during fuel crisis specifically because their cars outperformed huge American gas guzzlers.
The 2019 Toyota Prius C continues this vein with an attractive-enough sedan, now in its 4th generation. With an amazing 48 city and 43 highway MPG, this little hybrid delivers on tech and space: Available pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams (AHB) that do not blind other drivers - all part of Toyota’s Toyota Safety Sense™ system. The Prius C Hybrid also delivers a standard backup camera, smart key with push button start, and a digital energy monitor.
#3. Kia Niro FE
Base MSRP Range: $23,490
The 2019 Kia Niro FE has been on our lists here at Rydeshopper. It’s an intriguing, stylish little wagon that is a mix, in terms of style, appointment and comfort, of an Audi, Volvo and Subaru.
The base model of this hybrid bring in an astonishing 50 MPG combined in a great looking package. Tech and luxury options include UVO eServices w/ 8" Touch-Screen Display, Voice-Command Navigation System, SiriusXM® Traffic, and HD Radio™, Apple CarPlay™, optional Harman/Kardon® Premium Audio w/ Clari-Fi™, 8 Speakers, and Integrated Subwoofer, a Rear-Camera Display, and Front & Rear Parking Assist System (FRPAS)
#2. Toyota Prius Eco
Base MSRP Range: $23,770
The full 4-door sedan version of the Prius is offered in the Eco with an amazing 58 city and 53 highway MPG. The entry model, at only $23,770 is an outstanding value. And if you’re a fan of Toyota’s brand architecture, this car comes with it in spades! Sharp angles, blue “eco” badges… it’s all there.
The 2019 Prius Eco comes with a 1.8 gas/electric hybrid power system with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® system. It also comes with an impressive array of standard features that include Smart-Flow Climate Control System, 4.2-In. Color Dual Multi-Information Display With Customizable Screens, Color Head-Up Display (HUD), Smart Key System on Driver's Door With Push Button Start, and Smart Key System on Three Doors With Push Button Start. Available options include SofTex-Trimmed Heated Front Seats With 8-Way Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat With Power Lumbar Support, Intermittent Rear Window Wiper, and Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror With HomeLink.
#1. Hyundai Ioniq Blue
Base MSRP Range: $22,400
Hyundai Ioniq is this Korean manufacturer’s alternative to the popular Prius line… and it’s way more attractive, sporty and tech-filled than it’s rival.. Hence the first place “win.”
Blue is the entry level for the Ioniq line. Its comes with an impressive 59 MPG on the highway, and a huge, impressive list of standard features for a vehicle that is just over the $20,000 mark. These include alloy wheels, proximity key entry, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. Safety features are impressive, and include Driver's blind spot mirror, Rearview camera, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire pressure indicator, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Closing
High MPG vehicles are beginning to become non-standard as more and more all-electric vehicles take over. At some point in the future, we'll be talking about cost to charge and time to charge, and ranking vehicles in that order.
For the next several years however, high MPG for gas-powered vehicles will always be a must have, and we're proud to present our own list here.