Table of Contents
Want to buy a fuel-efficient car but don’t know how to choose the best one? No worries! We are here to help you find out which car is more fuel-efficient on the market for 2021.
In this article, you will find the list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars, a detailed review of each car model, and a final comparison of the top 10 best MPG cars for 2021. Can’t wait to find out more? Start reading already!
Our experts compared hundreds of models and collected all needed data to make the final list. Finally, they selected the top 10 fuel-efficient cars considering combined MPG data, EPA class, specifications, cost, pros, and cons.
Here is the list of the best MPG cars in 2021:
We will review the top ten MPG cars starting from the last position in our rating — the Chevrolet Spark model.
1 Chevrolet Spark
Combined MPG
Chevrolet’s Spark is one of the best MPG cars for the money. The regular gasoline is super fuel-efficient with 33 city/highway average miles per gallon, 29 for the city, and 38 highways at an average of 3.0 gallons per 100 miles.
EPA Class
The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact-sized car with five seats and has a width of 62.8, a wheelbase of 93.9, and 143.1 in length. The combined autonomy range is 7.2 liters per 100km.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Standard MPG29/38 | Engine: 4-Cyl 1.4 Liter | Horsepower98@6,200 |
| Torque94@4,400 | Transmission, 5 Speed Manual (MR7) | DrivetrainFWD |
| Turning Circle (ft. / m):33.8 / 10.3 | Fuel tank capacity 9 gals. / 34 liters | Seating4/4 |
| Front Legroom41.7 | Rear Legroom33.0 | Height58.4 |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Exciting ride | No fast charging options |
| Enough rear space seats | Not so stylish exterior as rivals |
| Generous standard features for the low starting price | Not enough power |
| Easy parking | Not best for the highway |
Cost
$13,400 – $17,900
The starting price for the Chevrolet Spark 2021 is one of the lowest on the market for fuel-efficient cars. The standard trim starts at $13,400, and the extended trim starts at $17,900.
2 Honda Accord
Combined MPG
The Honda Accord has one of the best MPGs, with 33 combined city/highway MPG. The 29 MPG for the city and 38 for the highway with 3 gallons per 100 miles autonomy range.
EPA Class
It is a number one mid-size sedan by rating, with length 196.1, width 73.3, and wheelbase 111.4. The Honda Accord can have up to five passengers.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Continuously Variable Automatic Mode Select | Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 1.5 Liter | Max Power (bhp@rpm) 271.3bhp@6200rpm |
| Front Legroom42.3 | Max Torque (nm@rpm) 339Nm@5000rpm | Standard MPG30/38 |
| Fuel Capacity14.8 | Engine Size1.5 | Curb Weight3,150 |
| Rear Legroom40.4 | Seating5/5 | Cargo Capacity16.7 |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| One of the best fuel economy cars | A noisy powertrain |
| Spacious cabin | Low seat positioning |
| Smartphone app integration | Luck of rear headspace |
| Friendly to use infotainment system |
Cost
$24,770 – $36,700
The Honda Accord 2021 cost for the basic trim starts at $24,770 and goes up to $36,700 for the higher trim models. For more info, please visit Honda’s official website.
3 Volkswagen Golf
Combined MPG
Volkswagen Golf is one of the best fuel economy cars with an energy capacity of 35.8 kWh. For the city and highway, Volkswagen Golf has an average mpg for cars of 31. The autonomy range is 3.2 gals/100 miles.
EPA Class
Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback with a width of 70.8, wheelbase of 103.8, length of 167.6, and EPA headspace of 38.4. The cabin can have up to 5 passengers with rear legroom of 35.6.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 Liter | Horsepower:147@5,000 | Fuel Economy:28 / 36 mpg |
| Cargo Capacity22.8/53.7 | Seating5/5 | Torque184@1,400 |
| Wheelbase103.8 | Transmission Speeds6 | Transmission, 6 Speed Manual |
| Front Legroom41.2 | Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size13.2 | DrivetrainFWD |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Comfortable ride | Uncomfortable steering wheel |
| Good versatility in a compact body | Lacks the latest tech features |
| Zippy and fuel-efficient engine | Only one trim level |
| Nimble, agile handling | Design not for everyone |
Cost
$23,195 – $23,995
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 has a retail price of $23,195 and goes up to $23,995 for a few additional features.
4 Volkswagen Jetta
Combined MPG
The Volkswagen Jetta has one of the best mpg among compact sedans. The fuel consumption is 34 combined city/highway for the regular trim, with 30 city mpg and 41 highway with an autonomy range of 2.9 gals/100 miles.
EPA Class
Number five in compact sedans, Volkswagen Jetta, has a width of 70, length of 183.43, and wheelbase of 104.25. It is one of the best affordable compact sedans with a five-passenger seating capacity.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Horsepower147@5,000 | Fuel Economy:30 / 40 mpg | Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 Liter |
| Length185.1 | Transmission, 6 Speed Manual | Torque184@1,400 |
| DrivetrainFWD | Cargo Capacity14.1 | Seating5/5 |
| Height57.4 | Front Legroom41.1 | Fuel Capacity13.2 |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Excellent vehicle for its price | Only FWD available |
| Fun to drive | Not perfect road handling |
| Great family car | Not so spacious front seats |
| Improved safety features | The not best standard trim level |
Cost
$18,995 – $31,545
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 prices start at $18,995, which is below average for a compact car. However, Volkswagen Jetta has various trims, and the cost can go up to $31,545.
5 Kia Forte
Combined MPG
Kia Forte’s regular trim has a combined MPG of 31, with the 27mpg for the city and 37 for the highway. In addition, road autonomy for this car reaches 100 miles with 3.2 gallons or 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
EPA Class
Rated sixth in compact sedans, Kia Forte 2021 has a width of 70.9, length of 182.7, and a wheelbase of 106.3. The five passenger seats and roomy cargo space allow Kia Forte to rank higher among rivals.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine: 4-Cyl 2.0 Liter Nu 2.0 GDI | Horsepower:147@6,200 | Fuel Efficiency:27 / 37 mpg |
| DrivetrainFWD | Transmission, Sportmatic 6 Speed Manual | Width70.9 |
| Fuel Capacity14.0 | Rear Legroom35.7 | Front Legroom42.2 |
| Seating5/5 | Curb Weight2,989 | Engine TypeGas |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Great price-value ratio | Poor CVT tuning |
| Highest fuel-efficient | Harsh ride quality |
| An accessible infotainment system | Lacks standard driver aids offered by competitors |
| Attractive styling, inside and out | Not perfect front-seat space |
Cost
$17,890 – $23,290
The starting price for a Kia Forte 2021 vehicle is $17,890 and can go up to $23,290, depending on the trim you choose. More information about prices you can find here.
6 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Combined MPG
The regular gasoline Toyota’s Corolla Hatchback vehicle has a 35 combined city and highway MPG, with 32 in the city and 41 highway. In addition, it is one of the most reliable, cheap cars with an autonomy of 100 miles per 2.9 gallons.
EPA Class
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a compact sedan with a width of 70.1, wheelbase of 106.3, and length of 182.3. This compact and affordable car has specious five passenger seats, making it the best car for the family.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine: 4-Cyl 1.8 Liter | Horsepower:139@6,100 | Fuel Economy:30 / 38 mpg |
| Continuously variable-speed automatic | Wheelbase106.3 | Torque126@3,900 |
| Total Seating 5/5 | Basic Warranty 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | Average MPG 35 |
| Range In Miles (Cty/Hwy) 422.4/541.2 mi. | Fuel Tank Capacity 13.2 gal. | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| One of the best economical cars | Cheap materials |
| One of the most affordable compact sedans | Noisy cabin due to the underpowered base engine |
| Great price and value ratio | Rivals offer more cabin and cargo space |
| Enjoyable handling | Tiny rear legroom |
Cost
$23,926 – $26,647
The standard trim cost starts from $23,926 for the Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2021 and goes up to $26,647 for the XSE trim. As a result, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is one of the cheapest models among compact sedans.
7 Nissan Versa
Combined MPG
Nissan Versa is one of the world’s best fuel-efficient cars. Regular gasoline engine provides 30 combined city plus highway MPG. The MPG for the city is 27 and 36 for the highway. The autonomy of the world’s best mpg Nissan Versa is 3.3 gallons per 100 miles.
EPA Class
Rated number three in subcompact sedans, the Nissan Versa has plenty of space for up to five people. The car width is 68.5, length 177.0, and 103.01 wheelbases.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Fuel Economy:27 / 35 mpg | Horsepower:122@6,300 | Engine: 4-Cyl 1.6 Liter |
| Basic Warranty 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | DrivetrainFWD | Transmission 5 Speed Manual |
| Fuel Capacity10.8 | Torque114@4,000 | Seating5/5 |
| Front Legroom44.5 | Engine TypeGas | Rear Legroom31.0 |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Roomy cargo space | No onboard navigation |
| Safest among rivals | Slow acceleration |
| One of the highest fuel economy | Low ride quality among rivals |
| Comfortable front seats | Lack of item storage space and tiny rear legroom |
Cost
$14,930 – $18,340
The affordable Nissan Versa 2021 price starts at $14,930 and goes up to $18,340 for the top-trim SR. For more details, please visit the official website.
8 Hyundai Accent
Combined MPG
Hyundai Accent is a good MPG car with a 33 combined city/highway and 29 city MPG, 39 highway mpg. As for the driving autonomy, the Hyundai Accent is 3.0 gals per 100 miles. Therefore, it’s one of the best MPG cars in the world for 2021.
EPA Class
It is a number two subcompact sedan in 2021 with space for five passengers. The width of the Hyundai Accent is 68.1 inches, the length is 172.6, and the wheelbase is 101.6.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Seating5/5 | Horsepower120@6,300 | Engine: 4-Cyl 1.6 Liter Smartstream |
| Transmission, 6 Speed Manual (M6CF1) | DrivetrainFWD | Torque113@4,500 |
| Fuel Capacity11.9 | Engine TypeGas | Curb Weight2,502 |
| Basic Warranty 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | Combined MPG 36 | Range In Miles (Cty/Hwy) 392.7/487.9 mi. |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Best quality and value | Slow acceleration |
| One of the best mpg | Limited cargo room |
| Great exterior styling | Underpowered engine |
| Spacious cabin | Unstable ride over rough pavement |
Cost
$15,395 – $19,500
The base trim starting cost for the Hyundai Accent 2021 is $15,395 and goes up to $19,500 for the top-line Limited trim.
9 Honda Civic
Combined MPG
The Honda Civic is a car with one of the best-combined MPG of 34 for the city and highway. In addition, the combined autonomy range is 7.4 liters per 100km.
EPA Class
The Honda Civic is number two in compact sedans with a five-passenger seat capacity. The width of the Honda Civic is 70.9 inches, length 182.7, and wheelbase is 106.3
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Standard MPG30/38 | Horsepower158@6,500 | Engine: 4-Cyl 2.0 Liter |
| Cargo Capacity15.1 | Seating5/5 | Torque138@4,200 |
| DrivetrainFWD | Curb Weight2,771 | Rear Legroom37.4 |
| Continuously Variable Automatic Mode Select | Engine TypeGas | Fuel Capacity12.4 |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Impressive fuel economy car | Slow infotainment system |
| Great driving experience | Lucks modern technologies implementation |
| Perfect trim Civic Type R | Over-styled hatchback exterior design |
Cost
$21,050 – $43,995
Slightly above average, the starting trim for the Honda Civic is $21,050 but is worth every penny. The more improved trim can cost up to $43,995.
10 Kia Rio
Combined MPG
Kia Rio is the best fuel-efficient car for the money. You can’t find a car better than Kia Rio in price and value competition, with the combined 36 MPG. The city mpg is 33, and the highway is 41, with an autonomy range of 2.8 gallons per 100 miles.
EPA Class
The Kia Rio is number one rated for the subcompact sedans with five passenger seats. The width of the Kia Rio is 67.9, the length 172.6, and the wheelbase is 101.6.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Horsepower120@6,300 | Engine: 4-Cyl 1.6 Liter Gamma 1.6 MPI | Transmission, IVT Continuously Variable Automatic |
| DrivetrainFWD | Seating5/5 | Torque112@4,500 |
| Fuel Capacity11.9 | Rear Legroom33.5 | Engine TypeGas |
| Cargo Capacity13.7 | Standard MPG33/41 | Curb Weight2,767 |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Excellent value per dollar | Underpowered engine |
| The best fuel economy car | Tiny second row |
| Not expensive without feeling cheap | Less cargo space than rivals |
| Extended basic warranty |
Cost
$16,050 – $ 16,990
The Kia Rio 2021 sedan cost starts at $16,050, which is typical for a subcompact car. However, not all car brands provide such an excellent value for this price. The top trim starts at $16,690 and goes up to $16,990.
11 MPG Vehicle Comparison
We compare the top 10 car models by fuel economy, price range, horsepower, and seating capacity as the ultimate step. We hope this overview will help you find the best economy car considering your requirements and price range!
| MPG Model Name | Price range | Fuel Economy | Engine | Horsepower | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Spark | $13,400 – $17,900 | 29 city / 38 highway | 4-Cyl 1.4 Liter | 120hp@6,300rpm | 4/4 |
| Honda Accord | $24,770 – $36,700 | 30 city / 38 highway | 4-Cyl Turbo 1.5 Liter | 271hp@6200rpm | 5/5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $23,195 – $23,995 | 28 city / 36 highway | 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 Liter | 147hp@5,000rpm | 5/5 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | $18,995 – $31,545 | 30 city / 40 highway | 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 Liter | 147hp@5,000rpm | 5/5 |
| Kia Forte | $17,890 – $23,290 | 27 city / 37 highway | 4-Cyl 2.0 Liter Nu 2.0 GDI | 147hp@6,200rpm | 5/5 |
| Toyota Corolla Hatchback | $23,926 – $26,647 | 30 city / 38 highway | 4-Cyl 1.8 Liter | 139hp@6,100rpm | 5/5 |
| Nissan Versa | $14,930 – $18,340 | 27 city / 35 highway | 4-Cyl 1.6 Liter | 122hp@6,300rpm | 5/5 |
| Hyundai Accent | $15,395 – $19,500 | 29 city / 39 highway | 4-Cyl 1.6 Liter Smartstream | 120hp@6,300rpm | 5/5 |
| Honda Civic | $21,050 – $43,995 | 30 city / 38 highway | 4-Cyl 2.0 Liter | 158hp@6,500rpm | 5/5 |
| Kia Rio | $16,050 – $ 16,990 | 33 city / 41 highway | 4-Cyl 1.6 Liter Gamma 1.6 MPI | 120hp@6,300rpm | 5/5 |
