As gas prices start to ramp up for the summer due to consumer demand and refinery maintenance, considering a smaller car might be the best option if you’re looking for a new, affordable vehicle.
Compare: These 10 Used Cars Will Last Longer Than an Average New Vehicle
Earn Money: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy
While today’s SUVs and pickups are quickly becoming comparable to compacts in terms of gas mileage, compacts (hatchbacks or sedans that fall between midsize and subcompact models) are still generally cheaper and are more fuel efficient than midsize and larger vehicles and are often more economical to maintain.
How Much Can You Save Buying a Compact Car?
If you already own a car, be sure to practice the smart gas mileage tips that the American Safety Council’s First Time Driver blog suggests: driving more efficiently (avoiding speeding, idling and rapid acceleration and braking), using cruise control, removing unnecessary weight from your car, keeping up with maintenance and planning your trips.
However, if you’re looking to buy, and a compact car meets your and your family’s needs, you have an opportunity to save a significant amount of money.
Here are 12 compact hatchbacks and sedans that are easy on the wallet, both in fuel economy and sticker price. From lowest to highest miles per gallon, with starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Beware: 8 Hybrid Cars That Lose Their Value the Fastest
Learn: 7 Best Sports Cars That Are Worth Every Penny
Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.
12. Kia Forte
Discover: 7 EVs and Hybrid Cars That No Longer Qualify for a Tax Credit in 2024
11. Nissan Sentra
10. Volkswagen Jetta
9. Toyota Corolla (Hatchback)
I’m a Car Expert: Here are 3 Reasons I’d Never Buy a Used Car From a Dealership
8. Nissan Versa
7. Honda Civic
6. Mitsubishi Mirage
Read More: 7 Classic Cars Worth Buying for Those on a Budget in 2024
5. Hyundai Sonata
4. Toyota Corolla (Sedan)
3. Toyota Prius Prime
Find: 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now
2. Hyundai Elantra
1. Toyota Prius
Disclaimer: Photos are representational and don’t necessarily depict the current-year models of vehicle mentioned.
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: These 12 Compact Cars Have the Best Gas Mileage — and Can Save You $900 a Year
Source Agencies