You’re shopping for the best used cars with good gas mileage because gas prices keep playing jump rope and you’re tired of watching the pump count spin like a Vegas slot machine. The good news: from 50+ mpg hybrids to honest 35+ mpg compacts, there has never been a better time to buy a fuel‑efficient used car, and in many cases, a used EV is now sitting in the same price bracket.
Who this guide is for
You’ll get the most value from this guide if you’re shopping in the U.S. for a used car under roughly $35,000 and want great gas mileage without getting buried in specs.
Why Gas Mileage Still Matters in 2025
Fuel Economy in 2025 at a Glance
Fuel economy isn’t just a tree‑hugging talking point anymore; it’s a line item in your monthly budget. A car that averages 35 mpg instead of 25 mpg can easily save you hundreds of dollars a year in fuel, depending on how much you drive and what gas costs in your zip code. Over 5–7 years of ownership, that’s real money.
Think in total cost of ownership
When you compare cars, don’t just look at the purchase price. Roll in fuel, insurance, maintenance, and, if you’re EV‑curious, electricity. A slightly pricier car that gets 10 more miles per gallon can be cheaper to own after a few years.
Quick Picks: Best Used Cars With Good Gas Mileage
Best Used High‑MPG Cars by Category
Headline options if you want to skip straight to the good stuff.
| Category | Model & Years (used) | Approx. Combined MPG | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max MPG Hybrid | Toyota Prius (2023–present) | 54–57 mpg | The efficiency king, finally with style and strong performance. |
| Affordable Hybrid Sedan | Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (2021–2024) | 48–54 mpg | Excellent mileage and value, especially in Blue trim. |
| Hybrid Sedan Benchmark | Honda Accord Hybrid (2018–2024) | 43–48 mpg | Mature, roomy, 40+ mpg without trying. |
| Compact Non‑Hybrid | Honda Civic (2018–2024, gas) | 33–36 mpg | Fun to drive, efficient, huge used market. |
| Budget Non‑Hybrid | Mitsubishi Mirage (2017–2023) | 36–39 mpg | Slow but wildly efficient and cheap to buy. |
| Efficient Compact SUV | Honda CR‑V Hybrid (2020–2022) | 38 mpg | Family‑friendly space and 30+ mpg in an SUV shape. |
| Hybrid Pickup | Ford Maverick Hybrid (2022–present) | 37 mpg | The rare truck that sips fuel like a compact car. |
EPA figures are for representative model years; individual trims may vary.
Where a used EV fits in
If you’re open to skipping gas entirely, many used EVs now undercut new high‑MPG hybrids on total cost of ownership. At Recharged, every EV comes with a Recharged Score battery health report so you can compare a 50 mpg hybrid to a 300‑mile EV with real data, not guesses.
Best Used Hybrids for Maximum MPG
If your mission is simple, buy the fewest gallons of gasoline possible, a used hybrid is still the answer. The technology has matured, batteries routinely last well past 150,000 miles, and the latest generation of hybrids lost their penalty‑box driving manners.
Standout Used Hybrids With Excellent Gas Mileage
These are the usual suspects for people who like driving past gas stations.
Toyota Prius (2023–present)
EPA combined: up to ~57 mpg FWD
- Dramatically better styling and more power than older Priuses.
- Still the poster child for real‑world 50+ mpg.
- Huge used supply keeps prices reasonable over time.
Honda Insight (2019–2022)
EPA combined: ~48–52 mpg
- Essentially a Civic hybrid wearing a grown‑up suit.
- Quiet, refined ride and excellent safety ratings.
- Great pick if you want hybrid efficiency without shouting about it.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (2021–2024)
EPA combined: up to ~54 mpg (Blue trim)
- One of the most efficient sedans on sale.
- Sharp styling, long warranty coverage on newer used examples.
- Often costs less than comparable Civic/Corolla hybrids on the used lot.
High‑MPG Family Sedans
Room for people and luggage without sacrificing mileage.
Honda Accord Hybrid (2018–2024)
EPA combined: mid‑40s to ~48 mpg (newer)
- Big‑car comfort that drinks like a compact.
- Plenty of power; doesn’t feel like an economy appliance.
- Perfect if you want one car to do everything.
Toyota Camry Hybrid (2018–2024)
EPA combined: low‑ to mid‑40s mpg
- Quiet, unflappable highway machine.
- Typically cheaper to insure than some crossovers.
- Toyota’s hybrid hardware is as proven as anything on the road.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2020–present)
EPA combined: around 50 mpg
- All the normal‑car virtues of a Corolla, just with half the thirst.
- Great choice for commuters who don’t need a big trunk.
- Lower running costs than many subcompact crossovers.
Hybrid battery paranoia, in perspective
Yes, a replacement hybrid battery can be expensive, but most modern hybrids run 150,000+ miles before it’s even a conversation. Prioritize cars with full service histories and have a pre‑purchase inspection done. With EVs on Recharged, the Recharged Score includes a battery health diagnostic so you’re never guessing about the most expensive component.
Best Used Non‑Hybrid Cars With Good Gas Mileage
Maybe you want to keep it simple: no high‑voltage batteries, just a small gasoline engine worked to a fine edge of efficiency. Good news there too, many late‑model compacts get into the mid‑30s mpg combined without electric assistance.
Efficient Non‑Hybrid Used Cars to Target
Gas‑only cars that deliver excellent mileage and are widely available used.
| Model & Years (used) | Approx. Combined MPG | Character Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic (2018–2024, 1.5T / base 2.0L) | 33–36 mpg | Feels like a baby luxury car; rare combo of fun and frugal. |
| Hyundai Elantra (2017–2024, gas) | 33–36 mpg | Sharp styling, strong value, generous equipment on SEL/Eco trims. |
| Toyota Corolla (2019–2024, gas) | 32–35 mpg | The default answer, reliable, easy to own, always near the top in mpg. |
| Nissan Sentra (2020–2023) | 32–34 mpg | Comfort‑biased compact with modern safety tech and good highway manners. |
| Volkswagen Jetta (2019–2023) | 32–34 mpg | Torquey turbo engine, big trunk, feels more expensive than it is. |
| Mitsubishi Mirage (2017–2023) | 36–39 mpg | Slow and basic, but about as cheap per mile as gas driving gets. |
Combined mpg figures are representative EPA estimates for common trims.
Non‑hybrid vs hybrid: where’s the break‑even?
If you’re choosing between, say, a gas Corolla at ~34 mpg and a Corolla Hybrid at ~50 mpg, hybrids usually pencil out if you drive at least 12,000 miles a year and plan to keep the car several years. Drive less or flip cars often, and an efficient non‑hybrid may be the smarter buy.
Used SUVs and a Pickup That Sip Fuel
SUVs and trucks used to be automatic gas guzzlers. These days, some do a convincing compact‑car impression at the pump, especially the hybrids.
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High‑MPG Used SUVs & a Tiny Truck
If you need space or utility but hate gas stations.
Honda CR‑V Hybrid (2020–2022)
EPA combined: ~38 mpg
- One of the most efficient compact SUVs you can buy used.
- Standard AWD in hybrid form, with more power than the gas CR‑V.
- Cargo space for real‑life family duty.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid & Prime (2019–present)
EPA combined: ~40 mpg Hybrid; 94 MPGe / 38 mpg gas RAV4 Prime
- Hybrid gives 40 mpg in a tough, practical package.
- Plug‑in Prime can run ~40+ miles on electricity, then behaves like a 38 mpg hybrid.
- Perfect bridge between gas and full EV.
Ford Maverick Hybrid (2022–present)
EPA combined: ~37 mpg (FWD)
- A pickup that drinks like a compact sedan.
- 2,000‑lb tow rating and 1,500‑lb payload are enough for weekend warriors.
- Bed is short but clever accessories make it genuinely useful.
Don’t ignore small gas SUVs
Gas‑only crossovers like the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Kicks can still hit the low‑30s mpg combined while giving you a taller driving position and more cargo space. If a hybrid’s price or complexity puts you off, they’re worth a look.
How Much Do You Really Save With Better MPG?
25 mpg vs 35 mpg
Let’s assume:
- 12,000 miles per year
- $3.75 per gallon gasoline
At 25 mpg, you burn 480 gallons a year, or about $1,800.
At 35 mpg, you burn ~343 gallons, or about $1,285.
That’s roughly $500 saved every year, $2,500 over five years, before you even talk about maintenance.
Where EVs and Plug‑In Hybrids Fit
A modern EV using 30 kWh/100 miles at $0.14/kWh costs about $504/year in electricity for those same 12,000 miles. That’s hundreds less than even the best gas cars.
Plug‑in hybrids like RAV4 Prime split the difference: drive mostly on electricity during the week, and you buy gas mainly for road trips.
The trap of chasing mpg alone
Don’t let a 2–3 mpg difference between similar cars drive you into a worse overall deal. A slightly thirstier car with lower insurance, better reliability, or a much lower purchase price can be cheaper to own than the chart‑topper.
Used Gas Car or Used EV: Which Makes More Sense?
If you’re already this deep into researching the best used cars with good gas mileage, you owe it to yourself to at least glance at used EVs. They’re not right for everyone, but for a lot of drivers, especially commuters with home or workplace charging, they’ve quietly become the bargain play.
Quick Reality Check: Gas vs EV
1. Where will you charge?
If you have a driveway or garage, home charging turns every night into a fill‑up. Apartment life can work too if your complex offers charging or you have reliable public options nearby.
2. How far do you usually drive?
If most days are under 60–80 miles, a used EV with a 200+ mile range will feel effortless. Long‑distance road trippers may prefer a hybrid or plug‑in hybrid for now.
3. What’s your fuel vs. electricity cost?
In many parts of the U.S., off‑peak electricity makes EV miles dramatically cheaper than gas. Run the math using your utility’s real rates.
4. What about battery health?
On <strong>Recharged</strong>, every used EV comes with a Recharged Score battery health report, so you can see remaining capacity, fast‑charging history, and how the pack has actually aged.
How Recharged can help
If you’re cross‑shopping a high‑MPG used gas car with an EV, Recharged can show you real‑world range, battery health, and ownership costs, plus arrange financing, a trade‑in, and nationwide delivery, all online. It’s everything people like about buying a used car, minus the fluorescent‑lit back room.
Checklist: What to Look For in a High‑MPG Used Car
High‑MPG Used Car Buying Checklist
1. Confirm the actual EPA ratings
Look up the exact year, engine, and transmission on the EPA’s fuel‑economy site or a trusted car‑shopping platform. A different wheel size or engine option can swing mpg more than you’d expect.
2. Review maintenance and recall history
High‑efficiency engines and hybrids often rely on turbos, CVTs, or battery systems. You want documented oil changes, transmission service, and recall work, especially on early hybrid systems.
3. Inspect tires and alignment
Chunky off‑brand tires or a bad alignment can knock several mpg off a car’s real‑world number. Budget for a proper set of low‑rolling‑resistance tires and an alignment if the test drive feels wayward.
4. Test drive at highway speed
Some cars shine in city mpg but get noisy or buzzy at 70 mph. Take it up to your real cruising speed and see if you’re willing to live with the engine noise and ride quality.
5. Factor in insurance and taxes
A more expensive hybrid may cost more to insure than a simple compact sedan. Get real quotes before you sign anything so you don’t erase your fuel savings with monthly premiums.
6. For EVs: demand a battery health report
Battery capacity is the new compression test. On Recharged, the Recharged Score includes independent battery diagnostics so you know if that used EV still has the range you’re paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used High‑MPG Cars
FAQ: Best Used Cars With Good Gas Mileage
Bottom Line: Buy the MPG, But Think Beyond Gas
The best used cars with good gas mileage all share the same basic recipe: modest power, smart gearing, and a body that slices through the air instead of punching it. Whether you gravitate toward a 50‑mpg hybrid like a Prius, a thrifty compact sedan like a Civic, or a surprisingly efficient SUV like a CR‑V Hybrid, the trick is to buy the car that fits your life, then let the mpg be the tie‑breaker, not the only criterion.
As used EV prices fall and battery tech matures, the most efficient “gas car” for some buyers may actually burn no gas at all. That’s where Recharged comes in: transparent battery‑health reporting, fair market pricing, EV‑savvy financing, trade‑ins, and nationwide delivery from your couch, or a visit to our Experience Center in Richmond, VA if you like to kick tires in person. Whichever route you choose, pick a car that stretches every dollar and every mile, then spend your weekends anywhere but at the pump.
