Best Cars For Gas Mileage: Top Fuel-Efficient Models For 2026
What are the best cars for gas mileage? The truth is, there are several options, particularly from the Scandinavian-inspired Volvo Cars brand, the all-American Cadillac automaker, and the rally-racing-rooted Subaru lineup. Here, we'll outline some of the sophisticated gas-only models, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids that will give you superb savings whenever you pull into the pump – and we'll highlight some electric models by these brands that can eliminate your gas costs entirely.
When you're ready to tour the options we've discussed, our Quantrell Auto Group team can take your call.
Experience Elegance & Sustainability With One of Our Volvo Vehicles
Volvo Cars is not just known for elegant luxury models, but also as a brand that aspires to make cars with the best gas mileage. This recognition is in part thanks to the brand's dedication to electrifying their lineup without sacrificing their luxury design ethos. In fact, the automaker has made it clear that their goal is to make 90% to 100% of their worldwide sales from electrified vehicles by 2030 – and to reach net zero greenhouse emissions by 2040.
From among our new vehicle inventory, you'll find a diverse selection of vehicle types – all of which are mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), or electric vehicles (EVs).
The 2026 Volvo XC40 is the automaker's most compact mild-hybrid SUV and renders a maximum EPA-estimated 25/32/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
If you're after a traditional gas-powered engine, look toward one of the brand's plug-in hybrid vehicles to benefit from the most fuel-efficient cars in the lineup:
- 2026 Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid: An EPA-estimated 63 MPGe (Combined)2
- 2026 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: An EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined)2
Even more eco-conscious are the brand's fully electric vehicles. These often aren't included in lists of cars with best gas mileage simply because they don't use gasoline at all – but that just makes them even more appealing.
These are rated using their range values and a miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) value. The 2026 Volvo EX30, for example, can travel up to 261 miles2 of range and provides an EPA-estimated 116 MPGe (Combined).2
Elegant. American-Made. Great Gas Mileage: Cadillac Vehicles
Like Volvo Cars, Cadillac models are worthy inclusions in this list of best fuel-efficient cars. This year's five-seat, compact Cadillac CT4 is capable of yielding an EPA-estimated 22/32/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 And if you're looking for more space, you may want to consider the 2026 Cadillac XT5, a midsize SUV that garners an EPA-estimated 22/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
Large families may require something more practical in terms of seating. For these drivers, we can introduce a 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ, an all-electric seven-seat SUV. Slide behind the wheel, and you'll be able to drive a whopping 465 miles5 on a full charge. And this isn't the only fuel-free option Cadillac engineers offer drivers seeking fuel-savvy options; there are also these stunning models:
- 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ: Up to 317 miles5 of range and ample cargo volume for luggage or groceries (26 cubic feet)
- 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ: Up to 326 miles5 of range and a strong history of recognition – the 2025 edition was the first American brand to win the German Luxury Car of the Year award6
- 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V: Up to 285 miles5 of range and named Top Gear's SUV of the Year7
- 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ: Up to 305 miles5 of range and an exhilarating 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds
Fuel-Efficient, All-Weather Driving: Explore the Subaru Lineup
Just because you like to hit the tracks or trails on the weekend doesn't mean you need to spend a ton on gasoline. In fact, many vehicles by Subaru elegantly handle fuel efficiency without forgoing their adventurous engineering.
Newly added to the Subaru lineup are hybridized trim levels for the famous Crosstrek and Forester SUVs – two options that are particularly worthy among our list of the best cars for gas mileage.
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, for one, manages to provide 10 more City MPG than its gas-only AWD edition, offering a total EPA-estimated 36/36/36 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).8 The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid tells a similar story, offering drivers an EPA-estimated 35/34/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).8
Although the hybridized Subaru models are the best cars for gas mileage among the new Subaru lineup, there are plenty of other great choices, like:
- 2026 Subaru Impreza: Maximum EPA-estimated 27/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)8
- 2026 Subaru WRX: Maximum EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)8
Finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the new Subaru EV: the Solterra. Hop behind the wheel to benefit from gas-free driving and up to 288 miles9 of range on a single charge.
Honorable Mentions: Pre-Owned Fuel-Efficient Models
There's another category to explore to get fuel-savvy engineering: our best used cars for gas mileage. In our extensive pre-owned inventory, you may find several appealing vehicles by popular names. Our pre-owned lot is full of models we get from trade-ins, so the selection can rotate every few months.
One example of what you may find is the 2024 Volvo S90, a wagon that has since been discontinued. It gets an EPA-estimated 22/31/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).10
Don't Compromise on Your Next Ride
Which of our above vehicles sounds like your ideal model? We have several fuel-sippers that can be included in a list of the best cars for gas mileage, and we'd be happy to give you a firsthand account of them. Schedule a tour and test drive with one of our Quantrell Auto Group specialists. And don't forget to inquire about our available new vehicle specials while you're here.
Contact us for details today.
Featured Customer Review
Raad Abdelnabi
04/23/2025
Jeff was very helpful! Answered all our questions patiently and made the purchase very easy and helpful would definitely recommend thanks again!
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1EPA estimated range is 25 MPG city/32 MPG highway/27 MPG combined (2.0-liter four-cylinder engine FWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for further information.
3Based on EPA city estimate 22 for AWD and fuel tank capacity. Your range may be less. Based on EPA highway estimate 32 for AWD and fuel tank capacity. Your range may be less.
4Based on EPA city estimate 22 for FWD and fuel tank capacity. Your range may be less. Based on EPA highway estimate 29 for FWD and fuel tank capacity. Your range may be less.
5EPA estimated. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
6Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.gcoty-awards.com/
7Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.topgear.com/car-news/usa/here-are-your-winners-topgearcom-us-car-awards-2026
8EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
9EPA-estimated range on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with driving conditions, weather, and your vehicle's condition.
10EPA estimated range is 22 MPG city/31 MPG highway/25 MPG combined (2.0-liter four-cylinder engine AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See www.fueleconomy.gov.