Compact cars often represent a sweet spot for drivers seeking a balance of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. While subcompacts are known for their frugality, the compact segment boasts numerous models that offer impressive gas mileage without sacrificing passenger space or cargo capacity. For those prioritizing trips to the pump less often, exploring compact cars is a smart move. These vehicles often employ advanced engine technologies, including hybrid systems and efficient diesel powertrains, to maximize fuel economy. Let’s dive into ten of the best compact cars that excel in delivering exceptional gas mileage.
1. 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid consistently ranks among the top fuel-efficient compact cars, largely due to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. This technology combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 110 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. What truly sets the Civic Hybrid apart is its remarkable fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in both city and highway driving conditions. This represents a significant 16 mpg improvement over the standard gasoline-powered Civic in city driving. Power is delivered through a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT), making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers.
2. 2013 Ford Focus SFE
For drivers interested in maximizing fuel efficiency in a conventional gasoline car, the 2013 Ford Focus SFE (Super Fuel Economy) is a compelling option. This version of the popular Ford Focus incorporates several aerodynamic enhancements, including low-rolling resistance tires, optimized wheel covers, and a rear spoiler. Under the hood, it features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The SFE trim is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, contributing to its impressive fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Focus SFE proves that you don’t need a hybrid powertrain to achieve excellent gas mileage in a compact car.
3. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI stands out in the compact car segment with its fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 140 horsepower and a robust 236 lb-ft of torque, offering a great blend of power and economy. The Jetta TDI achieves an EPA rating of 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid compact cars available. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, with an optional six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission for those preferring automatic shifting. The Jetta TDI was also offered in a wagon body style, further enhancing its practicality.
4. 2014 Toyota Corolla
The 2014 Toyota Corolla marked a significant redesign for this popular compact sedan, with a focus on modernizing its drivetrain for improved fuel efficiency. While retaining its reliable 1.8-liter engine producing 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque, the 2014 Corolla introduced a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an option, alongside a six-speed manual. In the Eco trim level, equipped with the CVT, the Corolla achieves an impressive 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway, matching the fuel economy of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. This generation of Corolla demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to fuel efficiency without compromising its reputation for reliability.
5. 2013 Nissan Sentra
The 2013 Nissan Sentra represents a significant step forward in fuel efficiency for this compact sedan. Leveraging a continuously variable transmission (CVT) across most trims, the Sentra became a strong contender in the fuel economy race. In FE (Fuel Economy) trim, which incorporates aerodynamic enhancements, the Sentra achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. Power comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. While not class-leading in power, the Sentra prioritizes fuel efficiency and offers a comfortable ride for daily commuting.
6. 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid
The 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid offers a more premium approach to fuel-efficient compact cars. Sharing its platform and hybrid technology with the Honda Civic Hybrid, the ILX Hybrid utilizes Honda’s IMA system, pairing a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This combination produces a slightly higher output of 111 horsepower compared to the Civic Hybrid. However, due to its added luxury features and slightly heavier weight, the ILX Hybrid achieves a slightly lower EPA rating of 39 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. It still delivers excellent fuel economy for a luxury compact sedan, coupled with Acura’s renowned refinement and features. A CVT is standard on the ILX Hybrid.
7. 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel elevates the fuel efficiency of the Cruze compact sedan lineup with its powerful and economical turbodiesel engine. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel produces 151 horsepower and a substantial 264 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent Cruze variant. Fuel economy is a major highlight, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and an impressive 46 mpg on the highway. This highway figure surpasses even the Cruze Eco model, making the Diesel the most fuel-sipping Cruze in the range. A six-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission option for the Cruze Diesel.
8. 2013 Subaru Impreza
The 2013 Subaru Impreza marks a turning point for Subaru in terms of fuel efficiency, especially considering its standard all-wheel-drive system. Despite the added weight of AWD, the Impreza achieves better-than-average fuel economy thanks to its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and available continuously variable transmission (CVT). When equipped with the CVT, the Impreza delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. This makes it the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive car in its class. All Impreza models, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, produce 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
9. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI
The iconic 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI combines retro styling with modern fuel efficiency. Utilizing the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine found in the Jetta TDI, the Beetle TDI offers a stylish and economical compact car option. It produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, with the best fuel economy achieved with the six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, rated at 28 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Available as both a coupe and a convertible, the Beetle TDI caters to drivers seeking fuel efficiency with a distinctive design. Notably, the convertible version was the only diesel-powered convertible on the US market at the time.
10. 2014 Mazda MAZDA3
The 2014 Mazda Mazda3 distinguishes itself as a fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive compact car, largely thanks to Mazda’s Skyactiv engine technology. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine, featuring direct injection and lightweight components, produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the six-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback achieve an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Beyond fuel economy, the Mazda3 is praised for its engaging handling and sporty driving dynamics, making it a well-rounded choice in the compact segment.
Conclusion
These Top 10 Compact Cars demonstrate that achieving excellent fuel economy doesn’t require sacrificing practicality or driving enjoyment. From hybrid models like the Honda Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid to efficient diesel options like the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, and advanced gasoline engines in cars like the Ford Focus SFE, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Beetle TDI, and Mazda MAZDA3, there’s a fuel-efficient compact car to meet a variety of needs and preferences. When considering your next vehicle, remember that these compact cars offer a smart way to save money at the pump without compromising on the features and space you need.
