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11 Fuel-Efficient Cars Under $40K That'll Save You Serious Gas Money

You don’t have to compromise on style or safety to get an affordable gas-sipping vehicle.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Michael Kurko

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Balancing the costs of car ownership can be a headache. But what if you could save money on fuel without sacrificing style or performance?

These affordable options, priced under $40,000, offer impressive fuel economy to help you avoid wasting money at the pump.

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Toyota Camry

MSRP: $28,400

The Toyota Camry is a popular option for buyers, making it one of the top 10 bestselling vehicles with its stylish design and affordable price.

The car also gets around 50 combined mpg, with some variations depending on the model you get or whether you’re driving in the city or highway.

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Ford Escape

MSRP: $28,150

The Ford Escape is a good option if you need an SUV but don’t want the gas-guzzling that sometimes comes from SUV models. Instead, the Escape gets around 42 mpg in the city and 36 on the highways to save you cash.

Honda Civic

MSRP: $24,250

Another popular option is the Honda Civic Sedan, which gets around 42 mpg on the highway and 32 miles in the city.

The Civic also comes with a hybrid engine option. You have to pay more upfront with a price tag of $28,750, but you could cover that increase with 47 mpg highway and a whopping 50 mpg city.

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Mini Cooper S

MSRP: $28,950

The stylish Mini Cooper has a uniquely British-inspired design that is sure to turn heads, and its compact size is sure to help your wallet.

The Mini Cooper S two-door gets around 32 mpg for under $30,000, easily putting it below your $40,000 budget.

Hyundai Elantra

MSRP: $21,875

Another option if you’re on a tight budget is the Hyundai Elantra, which has a low sticker price and gas mileage to match. The sleek Elantra gets around a combined 35 mpg, but that level can vary depending on which type of Elantra you get.

Nissan Versa

MSRP: $17,190

The Nissan Versa will take good care of your budget if you don’t have much to spend on a new car with its low price. You can save some extra cash with 32 mpg in the city and an additional 40 mpg on highways.

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Kia Forte

MSRP: $19,990

You don’t have to compromise on safety when sticking with a tight budget and high fuel mileage. The Kia Forte features auto emergency braking as standard to go along with its 41 combined mpg.

Toyota Prius Prime

MSRP: $32,975

The Toyota Prius was one of the first widely available hybrid vehicles, and it continues to be a leader on the scene with its innovative design.

The newer Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with more power from its batteries that delivers up to 52 combined mpg.

Volkswagen Jetta

MSRP: $21,995

The Volkswagen Jetta has a compact design and a compact price to match if you’re looking for something that’s easy to park and easy on your wallet.

The Jetta also gets an estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on highways to stretch your gas budget.

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Lexus UX Hybrid

MSRP: $37,515

You might be surprised that you can afford a Lexus with a budget under $40,000, but the Lexus UX Hybrid falls under that limit and can get you great mileage, too.

The UX gets an estimated 45 mpg city and 41 mpg highway for a combined 43 mpg average.

Mitsubishi Mirage

MSRP: $16,695

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a great option if you’re on a tight budget and want something sporty to get around town. The Mirage’s small stature also helps it sip gas, with around 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.

Bottom line

The benefits of driving a fuel-efficient vehicle extend beyond the pump. By choosing a fuel-efficient car, you'll enjoy lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance expenses, and a smaller environmental impact.

To find the perfect vehicle for you, take the time to research different models, compare prices, and find the best car insurance coverage.

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