10 Greatest Fuel Economy Cars Of The 2010s (2024)

Owning a car that boasts a high combined MPG rating is a priority for a majority of American drivers. With the auto-market obsession with hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, it is relatively easy today to buy a car that boasts a combined MPG rating of more than 40 MPG. But, this, of course, comes at a price, and some of the most modern and highest-ranged new vehicles have some pretty steep price tags.

Luckily, eco-conscious driving is not a new phenomenon and auto-makers during the 2010s were well underway when it came to producing both ICE and hybrid engines for cars that helped models achieve high fuel economy. The best part of it is, that these high-fuel economy cars from the 2010s are cheaper than the latest models of fuel-economical cars, and some models are equipped with relatively new technology features that you would find in cars sold in the 2020s.

Because finding a car at a good price and boasts a good combined MPG rating, we have searched numerous sources to create a list of 10 great fuel economy cars of the 2010s. The list contains model-specific information, pricing information, fuel economy statistics, and why the models listed still make for good money-savvy cars to buy.

10 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Combined MPG: 38 MPG

Though the oldest car on our list, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid still boasts an excellent combined MPG rating which can give modern cars a good run for their money whilst being available to buy at a cheap average used price of $5,487.

According to Fuel Economy.gov, along with the Fusion's high combined MPG rating of 38 MPG, it will also cost you $2,500 less in gas over 5 years compared to other modern vehicles and will only cost $1,350 a year in gas. For a 13-year-old car, it really could be a lot worse, considering there are some cars in 2024 that boast very high annual fuel costs and can't produce combined MPG ratings anywhere near that of the Fusion's.

Performance Specifications

Along with a decent fuel economy, the 2011 Fusion's interior includes reasonable features for the early 2010s, like dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and Ford's SYNC system for easy connectivity. Though a little dated by today's standards, if you prioritize a cheap car with good fuel economy, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a relatively good choice.

Pros

• Very good fuel economy for its age
• Owners have praised the Fusion for a high-reliability record
• Cheap to buy and run

Cons

• A little aged today
• Some customer reviews have complained about understeer
• Power steering failure is a common problem

9 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid

Combined MPG: 39 MPG

Not only does the 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid boast a low average annual fuel cost of $1,300, but it also has been rated by Repair Pal as 4 out of 5 for reliability. It has no reported common problems, and has a low average maintenance cost of $539. For a car that can be bought used for as little as $10,092, it may be worth looking at if you want to save money on motoring this year.

Performance Specifications

Boasting a decent maximum cargo space of 52.6 cubic feet, the C-Max Hybrid is also a useful car to own if you have a lot of stuff you want to haul around. With seating for up to 4 passengers, the C-Max also boasts ample front legroom of 43 inches and rear legroom of 36.5 inches, making things comfortable for you and your passengers.

Other comfort features that are boasted on the 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid are:

• Cruise control
• Dual-zone front climate control
• Interior air-filtration
• Audio and cruise control on the steering wheel
• Rear ventilation ducts

Maybe not as extensive as some slightly more modern cars, but for the low average used price and low running costs, it is still reasonable.

Pros

• Relatively cheap to buy
• Roomy cabin
• Very reliable vehicle

Cons

• Good cargo space, but less than competitors
• Only 25.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk when rear seats are in place
• Owners have complained about long braking distances

8 2015 Lexus CT 200h

Combined MPG: 42 MPG

Combining luxury and fuel-frugality, the 2015 Lexus CT 200h comes equipped with a lot of standard features that will make you think you are driving something more expensive, whilst potentially saving money on gas, thanks to its high fuel economy rating of 43 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.

With an average used price of $14,010, the 2015 Lexus CT 200h boasts impressive features such as:

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Keyless ignition
• Lexus Safety Connect
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Four-wheel ABS
• Stability and traction control

Performance Specifications

Along with the expected Lexus luxury inside, the 2015 Lexus CT 200h has a sporty vibe thanks to sharp lines and Lexus' signature spindle grille. The rear end of the CT 200h boasts a spoiler, both for looks and aerodynamics, and unique taillights that add to its stylish look, whilst creating a sporty and elegant look at a reasonable price.

Pros

• Good fuel economy
• Luxurious compared to others on the list
• High-reliability from the ever-bullet-proof Lexus

Cons

• Cramped front headroom of 38.3-inches
• Very small rear legroom of 32.9-inches
• More expensive than the Prius with a lower combined MPG rating

7 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid

Combined MPG: 44 MPG

The 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid is a mid-2010s four-door sedan that not only has some seriously good fuel-economy credentials but also incorporates a sportier side. Showcasing a mild-hybrid engine, the Civic Hybrid also features traction and stability control, four-wheel ABS, ventilated front and rear disk brakes, keyless ignition, and four-wheel independent suspension.

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Though not as sporty as the ICE Civics, the Civic Hybrid goes some way in providing a sporty-looking and economical car.

Performance Specifications

If safety is a high priority for you, then the 2015 Civic Hybrid is worth taking a look at. The NHTSA has given it a 5-star overall safety rating whilst also receiving a 4-star front crash rating, a 5-star side crash rating, and a 4-star rollover rating.

Standard safety features are also plentiful, and the 2015 Honda Civic comes equipped with:

• Lane departure warning
• Front and rear head airbags
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Daytime running lights
• Emergency braking assist

Along with boasting good fuel economy credentials and good safety statistics, the Civic Hybrid features ample front headroom of 39 inches, front legroom of 42 inches, rear headroom of 37.1 inches, and rear legroom of 36.2 inches, making it useful for family trips.

Pros

• Reasonable used price of between $10,356 and $11,800
• Good safety record
• Low annual fuel cost of $1,150 a year

Cons

• Owners have complained about tricky sound system controls
• Small trunk space
• Common problem: CVT failure and jerky acceleration

6 2017 Honda Accord (Hybrid)

Combined MPG: 48 MPG

As part of a long line of reliable Honda vehicles, the 2017 Honda Accord (hybrid) is part of the Accord 9th generation that not only features a high fuel economy hybrid engine but also features a sleek and road-domineering exterior design that looks classy and sporty.

The interior design is practical yet stylish and showcases a 6-speaker audio system, USB connectivity, AUX-in, electronic power steering, keyless ignition, dual-zone front climate control, adaptive cruise control, a rear camera, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

Performance Specifications

Fuel Economy.gov says that the '17 Accord Hybrid will cost you $54 to fill the tank, $1.79 to drive 25 miles, $1,100 a year on gas, and you could potentially save up to $3,750 over 5 years of ownership compared to owning other modern cars.

Pros

• Cheap fueling costs
• Relatively powerful engine compared to others in the segment
• Roomy cabin

Cons

• Touchscreen is an optional extra
• No fold-down rear seat
• Owners have complained about lagging adaptive cruise control

5 2015 Toyota Prius

Combined MPG: 48 MPG

As part of a long line of Prius' with a history that stretches back to the mid-1990s, the 2015 Toyota Prius continues in the company's tradition of providing reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient cars.

Also showcasing a decent cargo capacity of 39.6 cubic feet, the mid-2010 Prius is a reasonably convenient car to own within the segment, giving you ample space to haul things, whilst boasting ample front legroom of 42.5-inches and front headroom of 38.6-inches.

Performance Specifications

According to Car Edge, the average cost of owning a Prius for 5 years is $22,959. In comparison to something like the Honda Accord, which has an average 5-year cost of $27,880, the numbers speak for themselves.

Along with a cheap average cost, you could also benefit from cheap gas bills. On average, the 2015 Prius will cost you $41 to fill its tank, and $1,100 on gas a year, a lot cheaper than a lot of modern cars. On top of all of that, though slightly higher than some of the other cars on our list, the 2015 Toyota Prius has a relatively cheap average used price of just $12,610.

Pros

• Part of a long line of trusted Toyota cars
• Very reliable
• Cheap on gas

Cons

• Other hybrids have more powerful engines
• Competitions have more cargo space and passenger space
• Cheap looking interior materials used

4 2015 Toyota Prius C

Combined MPG: 50 MPG

The 2015 Toyota Prius C is the compact and more city-friendly version of the 'adult-looking' Prius. Boasting a fun and practical design, the Prius C's small size, only 157.3-inches in length and 66.7-inches in width, makes it ideal for zipping through tight urban spaces.

The rear-end has a unique, almost boxy shape that maximizes interior space without looking bulky. With plenty of vibrant color options for you to choose from, the Prius C stands out as a stylish and gas-conscious choice for city driving.

Performance Specifications

Though the plug-in hybrid engine under the hood only trickles out 99 horses, if you are looking for an urban-looking car from the 2010s that boasts extremely high fuel economy that you are going to use for city driving, the Prius C is a good contender.

The combined MPG rating of the Prius C is a very healthy 50 MPG, but due to its smaller 9.5-gallon gas tank, the range is lower than others on the list at just 475 miles. Still very good compared to some gas-guzzling monsters out there with the worst driving range, but lower than some of its competition.

Pros

• Very light-weight, only 2,500 LBS
• Toyota reliability
• Bucket seats come as standard

Cons

• Under-powered compared to competitors
• Slow 0-60 MPH time
• Cramped rear legroom of only 35-inches

3 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE

Combined MPG: 52 MPG

Considering that the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE is one of the newer cars on our list, what you get for an average used price of $20,864, is quite impressive.

This stylish mid-sized sedan boasts an aggressive front-end, 17-inch alloys and sleek lines along the body, which is complemented by a roomy interior that features tech features like a rearview camera, a 6-way adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split rear seat, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Performance Specifications

Though the Camry Hybrid LE is a little more expensive than some of the others on our list, it is only 6 years old. But, we think you will be suitably impressed by the high JD Power reliability and quality rating of 85 out of 100 and the low running costs.

Fuel Economy.gov has stated that the Camry Hybrid LE will cost you $1,000 a year on gas and Repair Pal has also stated a low $379 a year on maintenance. So, it is possible that even with a higher average price, the Camry could be a sensible option to save money in the long run.

Pros

• Super reliable
• Relatively powerful hybrid engine
• Good all-round driver visibility

Cons

• Infotainment system is not as good as other vehicles of a similar age
• Relatively expensive
• The trunk space is smaller than the 2018 Honda Accord's (15.1 cubic feet compared to the Accord's 16.7 cubic feet)

2 2019 Toyota Prius Eco

Combined MPG: 56 MPG

Not content with dominating a lot of the 2010s with their fuel-economical cars, Toyota finished the decade off with the release of the 2019 Toyota Prius Eco. A super-frugal hatchback that, according to Fuel Economy.gov, will only cost you $900 a year on gas.

It will cost you $39 to fill the 11.3-gallon tank and cost you $1.54 to drive 25 miles. The Prius Eco is also good for saving money on gas over the years. If you drive 15,000 miles on average a year, you could save up to $4.750 over 5 years compared to driving other modern cars.

Performance Specifications

Boasting a long list of standard safety features which include lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front and rear airbags, four-wheel ABS, stability control, a pre-collision safety system, LED headlamps, and emergency braking assist, the Prius Eco is very much set up for keeping you and your passengers safe.

The 2019 Toyota Prius Eco has an average used price of $17,678, so it is cheaper than the older Camry, whilst achieving a better combined MPG. Both are made by Toyota, but unfortunately, like the Camry on our list, without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which we know is a dealbreaker for a lot of drivers today.

Pros

• All-wheel drive available
• Battery pack is well stored and doesn't take up precious room
• Owners have complimented the quiet cabin

Cons

• Debatable exterior design
• Boring interior design
• Owners have complained about how slow it is

1 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Blue

Combined MPG: 58 MPG

The highest economy car from the 2010s is the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Blue. Boasting a very frugal powertrain paired with a 44.5 KW motor which can produce an extra 43 horsepower and help to achieve a staggeringly good combined MPG rating.

According to Fuel Economy.gov, the average range of the Ioniq Blue is a very impressive 690 miles, it will cost you on average $900 in gas a year, and over 5 years, you could save up to $4,500 in gas compared to driving a modern car. For saving money on fuel, the Ioniq Blue is a very savvy choice.

Performance Specifications

With an average used price of $10,443, the '17 Ioniq Blue is a reasonably cheap used car to buy and a very cheap car to run, but it is worth noting that there have been 3 safety recalls by the NHTSA. The recalls are due to:

• A power relay that may catch fire
• Electrical resistance at the main relay may cause a fire
• Clutch actuator oil leak may cause a fire

Obviously, these three safety recalls are very serious, and if you are looking to buy a used 2017 Ioniq Blue, make sure that these recall items have been addressed on the model you are looking at. If they have, the Hyundai Ioniq Bue can provide you with the opportunity to save money on motoring this year with a very fuel-frugal car from the 2010s.

Pros

• Extremely high combined MPG rating
• Cheap to fill and run
• Relatively cheap to buy

Cons

• Slightly under-powered
• 3 safety recalls for this model
• No advanced driver safety aids