By Nick Nelson
March 23, 2022
These Cars and SUVs Will Help You Save at the Pump
Gas prices seem to be rising higher and higher as more and more electric vehicles become available on the market. However, while you may want to save money on gas, the switch to fully electric might seem a bit premature. Luckily, if you’re looking to save at the pump, you have a lot of fuel-efficient options that are not fully electric, yet. As you might have noticed, in recent years, many automakers have started producing more fuel-efficient vehicles using technology such as smaller engines or hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
In this list, we will highlight the gasoline-powered vehicles with the highest fuel-economy ratings according to the EPA. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list but only the tip of the iceberg.
We regularly update our rankings as new data becomes available, so the scores you see here may not match those elsewhere on our site.
Keep reading to see the models with the best gas mileage.
2022 Toyota Venza
39 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 7.7/10
The 2022 Toyota Venza returned to Toyota’s lineup for the 2021 model year after a lengthy hiatus, and this hybrid crossover combines comfort and fuel efficiency impressively well. Gas mileage ranges from 40 mpg in the city to 37 mpg on the highway, which is respectable for a hybrid SUV.
Inside, the Venza features upscale accents with cushioned seating and good ride quality. Basic infotainment features include an 8-inch touch screen with smartphone integration and a six-speaker stereo.
The Toyota Venza is also equipped with a robust suite of advanced driver assistance aids like pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and even traffic sign recognition. It earned top safety scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
40 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid stacks up well against some tough competitors in the hybrid and electric SUV class. It is fuel-efficient, has a punchy engine, offers plenty of cargo space and features a surprisingly luxurious interior. The RAV4 Hybrid earns up to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, which are both excellent for the class.
Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid seats up to five passengers and has almost 40 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Basic infotainment features include a central touch screen with smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa. Power is generated by two electric motors and a 2.5-cylinder four-cylinder that together produce a total of 219 horsepower.
Overall, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great choice for those looking to save money at the pump but who also seek a roomy interior.
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
41 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: N/A
The 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid is another well-rounded hybrid and electric SUV that should appeal to a range of buyers. It rides smoothly, has intuitive tech features and excellent fuel economy ratings.
The Escape Hybrid gets up to 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A Plug-In Hybrid variant of the Escape is also available and offers the option to run on solely-electric power for up to 37 miles. Towing capacity is also decent for the Escape Hybrid, which tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The infotainment system is another factor that makes the Escape Hybrid shine. It includes an 8-inch touch screen with smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
2022 Lexus UX 250h
42 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 7.4/10
The 2022 Lexus UX Hybrid is part of the luxury hybrid and electric SUV class. It offers up to 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, which are among the highest figures for the segment, especially considering that all UX Hybrid trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
The interior of the Lexus UX Hybrid is on par with other luxury vehicles featuring upscale styling and synthetic leather upholstery. Several advanced driver assistance aids come standard as well.
The 2022 Lexus UX was picked as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
44 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10
The 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid was a finalist for our 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric Car for Families award. Despite its size, the Avalon Hybrid gets great gas mileage, earning 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, offering almost double the mileage of a similarly-sized non-hybrid vehicle.
Interior quality is quite posh and many critics have commented on its similarities to the Lexus brand. Standard infotainment options include a 9-inch touch screen with smartphone integration, an eight-speaker sound system and five USB ports.
On top of all that, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid earned a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100, which is considered Great.
If you like the Avalon Hybrid, now’s the time to act. Toyota is discontinuing the model after the 2022 year, and we may never see its like again.
2022 Lexus ES Hybrid
44 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10
The 2022 Lexus ES Hybrid is swanky and spacious, and it’s not too thirsty at the pump. Gas mileage for the ES Hybrid is 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. This Lexus can also hold up to five adult passengers comfortably with supportive and well-cushioned seats.
Along with its cushy seats, the ES Hybrid has plenty of head- and legroom in both rows, as well as a very-well insulated cabin to mute exterior noise.
Safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection and lane trace assist are all standard on the ES Hybrid. On top of that, this Lexus comes with loads of standard equipment in its base trim.
2022 Honda Accord Hybrid
47 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid has plenty of strengths and few weaknesses. It finishes at the top of its class, and we named the Accord Hybrid our 2022 Best Hybrid or Electric Car for Families.
The Accord Hybrid gets 48 mpg in city and 47 mpg on the highway, and its 212-horsepower four-cylinder hybrid system has plenty of power. This hybrid sedan acts much like its non-hybrid Accord sibling dashing from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.
The infotainment system is straightforward and includes an 8-inch touch screen with smartphone integration and two USB ports. Options like wireless charging and remote start are available as well.
2022 Kia Niro
49 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: N/A
The 2022 Kia Niro brings a lot to the table and doesn’t take much off of it. It features an intuitive infotainment system, a surprising amount of interior storage and great fuel economy. The Niro is rated for up to 51 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway, which is far above the average for similar-sized SUVs.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come standard in the Niro, as well as a straightforward 8-inch touch screen. Upgrades include a 10.25-inch touch screen and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
On the pavement, the Niro has steady handling as well as a smooth ride over most road imperfections. Overall, the 2022 Kia Niro holds its own against the competition. It may be small, but it is mighty.
2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
52 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
The midsize 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid merges utility with comfort. It gets great fuel economy, it’s a breeze to drive and it has excellent build quality. The Sonata Hybrid delivers 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway, which is just about average for the hybrid and electric cars class but is excellent when compared to non-hybrid models.
Thanks to its responsive steering, the Sonata Hybrid feels surefooted. With that said, there is a slight adjustment period to acclimate to the regenerative braking system.
The Sonata Hybrid also features a great predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100, which pairs well with its five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. There’s also a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and most of the hybrid components.
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
52 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of those all-time classic hybrids that continues to lead the pack in most aspects. Between price point, fuel efficiency, engine power and interior comfort, the Camry Hybrid is hard to beat.
This hybrid sedan earns 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. On top of this, the Camry Hybrid also doesn’t skimp on trunk space, with just over 15 cubic feet of room for your stuff.
Interior quality is high-end albeit a bit plain in lower trim levels. Smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa are standard on the central 7-inch touch screen. Upgrades include wireless device charging and a 9-inch touch screen.
2022 Honda Insight
52 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
The 2022 Honda Insightis another excellent eco-friendly commuter car. It offers great fuel economy, decent ride quality and a whole bundle of standard safety features.
Fuel economy estimates for this car are 55 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. The engine is a bit loud, but the acceleration is punchy.
Handling on the roads is confident thanks to the low center of gravity from the battery pack. Safety features include lane keep assist, forward collision warning and traffic sign recognition, among others.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
54 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is another affordable and efficient gas-powered sedan. The Elantra features a strong engine, outstanding fuel economy and a ton of standard features.
This sedan gets 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway. The powertrain is a combination of an electric motor and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. At 139 horsepower, this sedan scoots around just fine around town and at highway speeds. The only downside is that the engine can be a bit noisy.
Lane keep assist, land departure warning, driver attention monitoring, automatic emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert are just a few of the standard safety features.
2022 Toyota Prius
56 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10
As you might have expected, the 2022 Toyota Prius still rises above the majority of the competition for fuel efficiency, getting 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. This Toyota has a humongous cargo area along with a whole bundle of standard features.
The Prius’ hatchback body style allows for up to 50.7 cubic feet, which is actually more than a lot of small SUVs. You can also easily fit up to five passengers across two rows, so the Prius turns out to be a pretty decent people-hauler.
The standard infotainment system features a 7-inch touch-screen with smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq
59 MPG Combined | USN Overall Score: N/A
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq takes the cake for being the most fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicle on today’s market. The Ioniq is a bargain-buy hybrid that earns up to 58 mpg in the city and 60 mpg on the highway. To boot, the Hyundai features an easy-to-use infotainment system, a number of standard safety features and plenty of interior space.
Standard interior features include an 8-inch touch screen with wireless smartphone integration and a six-speaker stereo. The central screen can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch touch screen, though with this system, you must use a cord with your smartphone.
Highway acceleration is somewhat underwhelming in the Ioniq, but it should shuttle you around city streets just fine. Check the Ioniq out if you’re looking for an eco-friendly car at an affordable price.
