If you’re looking for ways to save on driving costs this summer and your car isn’t getting great gas mileage, it might be time to upgrade.
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The national average price of gas is $3.50 per gallon, but in some states it can be over $5 per gallon, so it’s important to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, especially if you plan on driving mostly this summer.
GOBankingRates reached out to automotive experts to find out which fuel-efficient car you should drive and why.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Nigel Tunnacliffe, CEO and co-founder of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the U.S., recommends the Toyota Corolla Hybrid as well-built and surprisingly fuel-efficient.
“The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a flagship vehicle at Coastline Academy and our team has purchased hundreds of this model due to its consistent, high-quality performance,” Tunacliffe said.
“The Corolla also boasts impressive fuel economy of 50 mpg, which, combined with its low upfront cost, offers value that’s hard to match in other midsize sedans in its class.”
Aivaras Grigerevičius, automotive expert at carVertical, agreed, saying you could go quite far without having to think about filling up the petrol tank.
“The average distance you can travel on a full tank of fuel is 500 to 600 miles, and with hypermiling technology you can go even further,” Grigerevičius said.
The price of this car is very affordable for a hybrid. Pricing for the 2024 Corolla Hybrid model starts at $23,500.
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Nissan Versa
“For a non-hybrid sedan, the Nissan Versa offers competitive fuel economy that stands out among its peers,” Tunacliffe said.
The Versa has a combined fuel economy rating of 30-35 mpg and starts at just $16,680.
“The vehicle comes with a wide range of technology and driver assistance features, is well priced and offers incredible value for a small car,” Tunacliffe added.
The latest Versa also offers adaptive cruise control and the option for up to an 8″ touchscreen. Plus, it’s packed with great safety features. All new Nissan models come with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which has monitors on all sides of the car to help prevent crashes.
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Honda Civic Hybrid
“The Honda Civic has always been a great all-rounder, but the introduction of the hybrid powertrain makes it the best compact car available today,” said Grigerevičius.
“Unlike other hybrid vehicles that prioritize only fuel economy, Honda’s hybrid system is fun and offers excellent economy at the same time. In practical terms, it’s not difficult to achieve 45 MPG, which is truly amazing.”
Car and Driver named the 2025 model the best compact car of its kind. The magazine praised its sleek exterior and spacious interior. Car and Driver also praised its low price of $25,345.
The average hybrid costs around $40,000, so getting a highly rated hybrid for almost half that price is a real bargain.
Honda Insight
“The Honda Insight offers a great combination of fuel economy and style,” said Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing for CFR Classics.
“Boasting fuel economy of 49 mpg on the highway and 55 mpg in the city, the Insight stands out with its elegant cabin and artfully constructed construction. It is equipped with Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology, which utilizes smooth acceleration and regenerative braking to enhance economy. The Insight also comes equipped with advanced safety technologies such as Honda Sensing to ensure a safe and effective driving experience.”
The latest Honda Insight will be manufactured in 2022, with prices starting at $26,855. The smooth acceleration that Giranda highlighted is what many customers love about the Insight, saying it provides a very smooth ride.
If you want to take long trips in comfort without spending too much on gas, the Insight is a great choice.
Chevrolet Bolt
Giranda recommended the Bolt to anyone wanting to see how a plug-in hybrid vehicle performs.
“With an all-electric range of 53 miles, it’s perfect for your regular commute or a quick getaway without using gas,” he said.
“Once the battery is empty, combined fuel economy is 42 mpg. For those looking to travel long distances with minimal environmental impact, the Volt’s ingenious Twin Power system offers flexibility and extended range.”
The Chevrolet Bolt plug-in hybrid model was last released in 2019. Pricing ranges from the low $20,000s to around $26,000.
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Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
The latest Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid will be available in 2022 and will cost $24,695 new, but because it’s been on the market for a few years now, you’ll likely be able to pick up this model fairly cheap second-hand.
“The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is another top contender, boasting excellent fuel economy of 57 mpg in the city and 59 mpg on the highway,” Giranda says. “Its aerodynamic shape and sleek design reduce drag, improving fuel economy.”
Gilanda added that the Ioniq Hybrid model has a spacious cabin and an array of high-tech tools, including smart cruise control. He also praised Hyundai’s extensive warranty coverage. Safety features include advanced systems such as blind-spot collision warning and rear park assist, which makes parallel parking a breeze.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a compact crossover that starts at $28,315 for a new 2024 model, plus it comes with an impressive warranty that covers you for 10 years/100,000 miles.
It’s also larger than many of the other cars on this list, offering significantly more legroom than similarly sized vehicles, making it a great choice for any large groups planning to travel together this summer.
“For families and those who need more space, the Niro offers a better driving position, more cargo space and fuel economy of 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway,” Giranda continued.
“With the latest driver-assistance technology, an easy-to-use infotainment system and comfortable seats, this practical and fun vehicle is perfect for your summer adventures.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Best Fuel-Efficient Cars for Traveling This Summer