Fuel-saving options for your daily drive.
In a time when fuel prices are constantly rising, finding a car with the best mpg (miles per gallon) becomes crucial to maximizing fuel efficiency and going further between fill-ups. If you're searching for a fuel-efficient vehicle with exceptional gas mileage, we've compiled a list of the top contenders.
These cars deliver impressive mpg and unique benefits, like satisfying performance, roominess, and standard features, making them the best choices for those seeking the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. You'll also notice that all vehicles on our list are 2019 models. When we crunched the numbers, this model year came up as the largest sample size in our inventory for the vehicle category.
We compiled a list of the 10 most popular cars at CarMax and ranked them by their EPA-estimated combined fuel economy. Learn more about how our lists work.
Best High-MPG Used Cars for 2023
1. Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
52 MPG Combined
The 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE takes the top spot on our list of the best high mpg cars for 2023 shoppers, thanks to its winning combination of gas mileage, performance, and interior space.
The 2019 Camry Hybrid LE's 2.5L four-cylinder, electric motor, and front-wheel drive return an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 53 mpg highway (52 mpg combined), allowing you to go farther between fills.
Inside the sedan is a spacious and comfortable cabin ideal for commuters who carpool, with 38 inches of adult-friendly rear legroom. Additionally, the generous cargo area holds 15.1 cu-ft of volume to carry everything your family needs for a road trip.
Research the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE.
2. Honda Accord Hybrid
48 MPG Combined
The 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid is a strong contender for the best mpg used cars with its 2.0L four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack that provides an EPA-estimated 48 mpg in both city and highway driving (48 mpg combined).
The 2019 Accord Hybrid also features a modern cabin that includes several standard driver aids to enhance your behind-the-wheel experience with added peace of mind and convenience. All 2019 models include automatic high beams to improve visibility while driving at night, while adaptive cruise control helps maintain your following distance from the vehicle ahead. The standard forward collision warning with automatic braking system also alerts you to potential frontal collisions and can apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision. Finally, standard lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance help to prevent unintentional lane drift on busy roadways.
Research the Honda Accord Hybrid.
3. Honda Civic
36 MPG Combined
Next on our list of the best used high mpg cars is the 2019 Honda Civic with the turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder, which is standard in all Civic hatchback models, EX, EX-L, and Touring sedans, and EX and Touring coupes.
This turbo engine combines fuel-sipping gas mileage and excellent power delivery while achieving an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway (36 mpg combined).
Like the Accord, all 2019 models come with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking for extra confidence. The five-seater cabin is also roomy for taller folks, with 39.3 inches of front-seat headroom and 37.1 inches in the rear. You'll even be able to carpool to work and comfortably accommodate adults in the back seat with 37.4 inches of legroom.
Research the Honda Civic.
4. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
36 MPG Combined
If you're looking for a fun-to-drive hatch that's easy on gas, consider the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. This model is available in two trims (SE and XSE) and comes standard with a 168-hp 2.0L four-cylinder with 155 lb-ft of torque that comes alive when you step on the accelerator. Opting for the SE with the continuously variable transmission prioritizes fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway (36 mpg combined), while the XSE has an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined.
Additionally, the 2019 Corolla Hatchback is well-equipped from the base level with an Entune™ infotainment system, an eight-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system with two USB ports, and Apple CarPlay® capabilities. All models also include 60/40 split fold-down rear seats when you need more than the 17.8 cu-ft of cargo volume behind the back row.
Research the Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
5. Hyundai Elantra
35 MPG Combined
As you continue your search for the best gas-mileage used cars, you'll want to give the 2019 Hyundai Elantra a closer look. As the sedan's name suggests, the 2019 Elantra Eco comes with a thrifty turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission that achieves an impressive EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (35 mpg combined).
The 2019 Elantra features a practical interior with everything you need within reach, including the vehicle's controls, buttons, and knobs that are easy to access and use. The Eco trim also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ smartphone integration and Bluetooth® connectivity for your convenience. Anchoring the dash is a user-friendly seven-inch touchscreen display, plus you get dual USB ports to keep your devices charged – very handy for longer trips.
Research the Hyundai Elantra.
6. Kia Forte FE
35 MPG Combined
Next on our list of the best mpg cars is the 2019 Kia Forte FE. The "FE" stands for "Fuel Efficiency," and this particular trim of the Forte is designed with fuel economy in mind. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and continuously variable automatic transmission achieves excellent gas mileage with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway (35 mpg combined).
A used 2019 Forte FE offers many features for the money. The FE trim includes standard conveniences, such as an eight-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capabilities. For the comfort of you and your passengers, this model also has dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents so everyone stays at the right temperature.
Finally, the 2019 Kia Forte provides many driver aids, even at the base level. With the FE, a rearview camera simplifies reverse parking maneuvers while forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking adds peace of mind when driving on congested roadways. You'll also enjoy lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance with this model. Whether for yourself or a young driver in your family, the 2019 Forte FE has a lot to offer beyond good gas mileage.
Research the Kia Forte FE.
7. Volkswagen Jetta
34 MPG Combined
If you're searching for a high miles-per-gallon car with the strappings of a luxury compact sedan, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta deserves your attention. All models come standard with a 147-hp turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic that returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (34 mpg combined) with either transmission.
For 2019, VW released a new trim for the Jetta – the SEL Premium. With this model, you gain many creature comforts, including a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats for those chilly mornings. Riding on larger 17-inch wheels and equipped with a sporty rear valance, the 2019 Jetta SEL Premium's interior boasts leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, and a navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen display and voice recognition.
Research the Volkswagen Jetta.
8. Nissan Sentra
32 MPG Combined
Another popular pick on our list of used cars with the best gas mileage is the Nissan Sentra compact sedan. The 2019 model comes standard with a 1.8L four-cylinder with 124 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 37 mpg highway (32 mpg combined) with the continuously variable automatic transmission.
The 2019 Sentra is surprisingly spacious inside the cabin, with room for five occupants. Boasting 42.5 inches of front seat and 37.4 inches of rear-seat legroom, you and your passengers will enjoy ample stretch-out space. The 2019 Sentra also has a 15.1-cu-ft trunk to carry groceries, luggage, and other belongings.
Research the Nissan Sentra.
9. Nissan Altima
32 MPG Combined
Do you like the Sentra but want something with more power under the hood without compromising fuel economy? The 2019 Nissan Altima is it. Anchoring the 2019 model is a 188-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission that returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (32 mpg combined).
The interior of the 2019 Altima comes very nicely outfitted with Nissan Zero Gravity seats that provide support and reduce fatigue on longer drives. The suspension also ensures ride comfort by smoothing rough roads and uneven surfaces.
As for technology, the Altima impresses with its standard infotainment features and driver aids. All 2019 models include Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a NissanConnect® eight-inch touchscreen display with a rearview monitor. You'll also find forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking at the base level, as well as vehicle dynamic control and traction control systems for extra confidence on busy roads.
Research the Nissan Altima.
10. Dodge Charger
23 MPG Combined
Rounding out our list of the best fuel-efficient cars is the Dodge Charger – the only one on our list with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive. 2019 models with the base 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission get an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (23 mpg combined), which is impressive gas mileage for a sedan of this caliber.
Speaking of practicality, the Charger is well-suited for family duty and road trips, with comfortable seating for five passengers. The Uconnect® infotainment system is also worth writing home about, with a seven-inch touchscreen, which is standard from the base level. All models of the 2019 Charger also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, providing seamless integration to your smartphone. In addition, standard Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity allow you to take calls and queue up your favorite tunes while two USB ports charge devices.
Research the Dodge Charger.
This list is a great place to start your search when finding a car with the best mpg figures. Whether you prioritize a hybrid powertrain, compact design, or advanced technology features, these fuel-efficient cars deliver exceptional gas mileage without compromising what matters to you most. From the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE and the Hyundai Elantra to the Dodge Charger, each vehicle brings something unique to the table. Best of all, you can enjoy your drive knowing you made a sensible choice that helps you go further on each tank.
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Who We Are
At CarMax, we've been buying and selling cars since 1993, and we've made it our business to pay close attention to which cars customers like—and buy—the most. As the largest used car auto retailer in the United States, our overall sample size is large and reflective of the variety of years, makes, and models that we sell.
How We Rank Our Lists
To create this list of CarMax's most popular cars with the best gas mileage, our analysts looked at CarMax's vehicle and sales data over a six-month period—December 2022 through May 2023—to determine the 10 top-selling cars. From there, we ranked these results by their trims with the highest EPA-estimated combined MPG. Looking back over a six-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Specifically, this list includes only 2019 models, as this was our largest sample size for this category.
Michelle Bogle started her career in the car industry nearly two decades ago as a writer for an American multinational automobile manufacturer. Since then, she has expanded her expertise as an automotive journalist, covering vehicle reviews, news, and buying advice to help consumers feel informed and excited about the car-buying process.
