5 Cars with Great Fuel Economy That You Can Afford
It’s still summer, so you might be thinking about where to take that road trip you’ve been planning. When considering your options for fuel-efficient cars, consider these five models that will help keep fuel costs low without compromising on performance or style.
They’re listed in alphabetical order; all of the following are available at Best Ride dealerships.
Best Ride has worked with more than 1,000 car dealers throughout North America to match customers with their ideal new or used vehicles. More than 500 car shoppers have discovered their dream rides this year alone on the Best Ride site, and one lucky shopper is driving away in a brand new 2016 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X this summer.
5 – Fiat 500X
The stylish new Fiat 500X has a surprising amount of room for its size, but it’s still compact enough to be easy to maneuver through traffic or around parking lots. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 MPG city/29 highway, which isn’t bad at all for this class of vehicle. All models come with a 2.4L Tiger shark MultiAir2 engine with 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque, along with a six-speed manual transmission that makes the most of the engine’s power band. There are also two available options for transmissions: a second generation six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and paddle shifters (for an extra $1,250) and a nine-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters and Auto Stick (for an additional $1,250).
4 – Ford Fiesta
The fun-to-drive new Ford Fiesta offers fuel economy that you’d expect from a much larger vehicle. With the standard three-cylinder engine, it gets 33 MPG city/41 MPG highway/36 MPG combined. This efficient model also has available upgrades for more speed or even better fuel economy if you’re willing to pay extra. The “Eco Boost” turbocharged four-cylinder engine option gets up to 42 MPG highway while still managing enough power for efficient acceleration on the road. It’s worth noting that all Fiestas come with SYNC, Ford’s technology for keeping you connected while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
3 – Honda Fit
As one of the most versatile cars in its class, the new Honda Fit has room. For just about anything you could hope to fit into it. It gets 33 MPG city/41 MPG highway/36 MPG combined with its standard 1.5L four-cylinder engine. Which also provides up to 130 horsepower when paired with an available six-speed manual transmission. Or up to 130 horsepower or 117 lb.-ft of torque when mated to a CVT automatic. The mileage numbers are pretty impressive even if you prefer not to shift yourself; this model is rated at 35 MPG/40 MPG highway/37 MPG combined with its available CVT automatic.
2 – Hyundai Elantra
The latest generation of the Hyundai Elantra has been redesigned from bumper to bumper. And it’s more fun to drive than ever before. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine is pair with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). T hat allows for Electronically Controlled Throttle (ECAT), Boosted Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching among other features. There are also great upgrades for those who want better performance on the road. Including turbocharge 1.6L and 1.4L as well as a direct-inject 2.0L Eco Boost engine options that provide up to 173 horsepower. All Elantras are rate at 37 MPG highway with the standard six-speed manual transmission or 32 MPG highway/40 MPG combine. With the available DCT automatic, which also features SHIFTRONIC manual control for downshifting on steep grades.
1 – Nissan Versa Note
The new Nissan Versa Note is the hatchback version of the redesigned Nissan Sentra. But it offers much more cargo space and a lot less weight. To make it easier to zip around traffic or navigate packed parking lots. It gets an EPA-estimated 30 MPG city/38 MPG highway/33 MPG combine with its standard 1.6L four-cylinder engine. Which provides up to 130 horsepower when pair with the standard six-speed manual or up to 126 horsepower. When mate on a CVT automatic. The new Versa Note has lower emissions than its predecessor and is available in seven different exterior colors. Along with Nissan’s Advanced Drive Assist Display that provides you with your speed limit. As well as control over your media and GPS functions right on the steering wheel. So you can keep both hands on the wheel.
Conclusion:
The best fuel-efficient cars are a mix of economical hatchbacks. And small sedans from automakers all over the world, including those from Japan, South Korea, Europe and North America. Several models have been redesigned or all-new for this model year. But they still provide unbeatable value whether you’re looking for a five-door hatchback or a small sedan that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re into performance, style, technology or just value for your money, there’s sure to be something here for you.