With 2022 shaping up to be a year of record-high gas prices, getting the most from a tank of fuel is more important than ever. Hybrid vehicles are the champions of fuel mileage, and full-on EVs cut gas out of the equation entirely. But not everyone is keen on prolific battery power in their daily driver.
If you want frugal internal-combustion power without an electric assist, this list is for you. There are still plenty of fuel-sipping vehicles available – all but one on this list of 10 has an official EPA highway rating over 40 mpg. You'll have to give up your desires for an SUV or pickup truck, but neither will you have to settle for a tiny, no-frills econobox.
Here's a quick rundown of the most fuel-efficient new cars for 2022 that are powered only by gasoline, listed from worst to first according to combined mileage ratings. All MPG statistics come straight from the EPA.
2022 Chevrolet Spark
MPG: 33 Combined / 30 City / 38 Highway
With a starting price of $14,595, the Chevrolet Spark is the cheapest new car you can buy in the United States. Its 1.4-liter four-cylinder is also easy on gas, but if you want one, better act fast. 2022 will be the final year for this small hatchback.
Get pricing on the 2022 Chevrolet Spark.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
MPG: 35 Combined / 31 City / 41 Highway
Volkswagen's stalwart small sedan starts at $21,990 for the S trim with an automatic transmission. Connected to the 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it's the combo listed by the EPA as offering the best mileage ratings.
Get pricing on the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta.
2022 Kia Forte
MPG: 35 Combined / 31 City / 41 Highway
Kia's small sedan gets a sharp visual upgrade for 2022. Starting at $20,115 in FE trim, it features a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, turning the front wheels through a CVT.
Get Pricing on the 2022 Kia Forte.
2022 Nissan Versa
MPG: 35 Combined / 32 City / 40 Highway
The entry-level Nissan Versa S Xtronic starts at $17,875. A less-expensive Versa S with a manual transmission is available, but the best EPA mileage ratings apply to the CVT-equipped automatic model. With just 122 horsepower from a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, it's certainly not the fastest car here. But it does manage 40 mpg on the highway.
Get pricing on the 2022 Nissan Versa.
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
MPG: 35 Combined / 32 City / 41 Highway
The smartly styled Toyota Corolla Hatchback with an automatic CVT starts at $23,040. That price gets you a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine making 168 horsepower, standard-issue aluminum wheels, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, among other things.
Get pricing on the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
2022 Kia Rio
MPG: 36 Combined / 33 City / 41 Highway
Kia's second fuel-efficient vehicle on this list is also the company's least expensive, starting at $17,275 for the LX model. The subcompact sedan features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine good for only 120 horsepower, connected to a CVT. It's light on power, but it does offer a modest list of standard equipment that includes an 8-inch touchscreen with a rear camera.
Get pricing on the 2022 Kia Rio.
2022 Hyundai Accent
MPG: 36 Combined / 33 City / 41 Highway
If the Kia Rio's styling doesn't appeal to you, the Accent is its twin from Hyundai. Featuring the same 1.6-liter engine with a CVT, it offers identical fuel mileage ratings at a starting price of $17,690.
Get pricing on the 2022 Hyundai Accent.
2022 Honda Civic
MPG: 36 Combined / 33 City / 42 Highway
The 11th-generation Civic launched in 2021 with modest exterior looks and a handsome interior. The standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the EPA rates the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower slightly higher for fuel mileage. That requires stepping up to the more luxurious Civic EX with a starting price of $26,365.
Get pricing on the 2022 Honda Civic.
2022 Hyundai Elantra
MPG: 37 Combined / 33 City / 43 Highway
The Elantra offers distinctive styling with impressive interior space and a host of standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen, all while dishing up impressive fuel economy. a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides power, turning the front wheels through a CVT. In base SE trim, prices start at $20,995.
Get pricing on the 2022 Hyundai Elantra.
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
MPG: 39 Combined / 36 City / 43 Highway
The reigning fuel mileage champion for pure internal-combustion power is the plucky Mitsubishi Mirage. The figurative price for such frugality is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making just 78 horsepower. As with other vehicles here, the highest EPA ratings are found with the CVT automatic as opposed to the standard-issue five-speed manual transmission. As a result, the literal price starts at $16,990 for an ES model without any options.
Get pricing on the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage.
