Best Fuel-Efficient Cars Under $35,000
Even better than a car with great fuel economy is one that shines in Consumer Reports’ road tests, with strong predicted reliability, high owner satisfaction, and solid safety performance. In other words, a model that has a high Overall Score and miles per gallon for its class. We have curated 10 such cars priced under $35,000, which puts them far below the average price for a new car today.
Measuring fuel economy is one of more than 50 tests we conduct on each car we purchase. Our fuel economy numbers are derived from a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon. CR’s overall mileage results are calculated based on equal portions of city and highway driving.
This list starts with the most efficient car, and it doesn’t include plug-in vehicles. And yes, all of the featured cars are hybrids.
Every car here is CR Recommended and achieved at least 33 mpg overall in our tests. We note if automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are standard or optional.
If you’re open to other vehicle types, there are some small SUVs (Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid) that get 35 mpg or better in our tests and come in just under $35,000 when nicely equipped.
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