Hatchbacks with the Best MPG | 2024 Ratings | CarBuzz

Small cars are generally known for their superior fuel economy, and some of those with the best economy ratings are hatchbacks. Even though the classification has seen a serious decrease in models as SUVs become more popular in the USA, there are still a few good choices. If you are in the market for an affordable city runabout that will save you even more money in fuel bills over the years, review our list of the hatchbacks with the best mpg in 2024.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. Hatchbacks below are ranked by their BuzzScores, not in order of fuel efficiency.

1 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback is still one of the best overall hatchbacks on the market. The latest generation is sleeker, just as engaging, and fun to drive, but that's not all that makes this hatchback appealing. With the most efficient combination of a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a CVT, the EPA estimates the Civic Hatchback will get up to 31/39/35 mpg city/highway/combined with the 1.5-liter turbo engine, making this hatchback slightly above average in terms of fuel economy.

Of course, there are hybrid sedans available that will boost your range and economy even higher, but this is the best fuel economy estimate given by the EPA that the Civic Hatchback will provide without adding the extra costs of batteries and chargers.

Even with the 18-inch wheels on this Sport Touring model, the Honda still takes bumps and potholes without upsetting the cabin. This isn't a sports car, remember, so it doesn't need to be tuned within an inch of its life. With the front wheels powering, you can dive into the inside edge of the road, grind over some broken pavement and floor it on your way out, without worrying about the front end bouncing around.

- Jake Lingeman, CarBuzz (test drive of 2022 Civic Hatchback)

2 2024 Toyota Prius

Everybody was excited about seeing the new 2024 Toyota Prius, and Toyota never lets us down with the Prius's fuel economy. The long-reigning champion of longevity and good fuel economy is back with a new body style and similarly amazing gas mileage. Since the Prius is basically built for good fuel economy, one can expect best-in-class ratings—and that it delivers.

The EPA estimates the Prius's fuel economy at 57/56/57 mpg, which is better than any other hatchback in 2024. It does so by pairing a 2.0-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine with an electronically-controlled CVT for smooth efficiency. The 2024 Prius manages these impressive numbers all while having a starting MSRP of below $28,000.

3 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

While the Prius is the most impressive in terms of fuel economy, Toyota still gives the people what they want with the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. The Corolla comes in a variety of trims, including the sought-after GR performance model, but the most efficient hatchback version comes in the form of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine connected to the front wheels through an automatic transmission.

According to the EPA, the Corolla hatchback in this configuration manages 32/41/35 mpg. The higher trim levels will send the price up fairly quickly, but the base model that contains the recipe for the best fuel economy starts at only $23,505. The Corolla is not the most efficient car on this list, nor the cheapest, but it comes close to both, which makes it a strong competitor.

4 2024 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Mazda makes a stand here with the 2024 Mazda 3 Hatchback. Starting at a similar price point to the Civic, the Mazda has a larger engine and more horsepower under the hood, though this equates to inferior fuel economy. The Mazda 3 comes standard with its most fuel-efficient setup of a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission that makes 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

It might feel better to drive and make the car more engaging than the less powerful Civic, but the Mazda 3 takes a hit in the fuel tank. The EPA rates the most efficient 3 Hatchback at 27/35/30 mpg. With the feisty turbocharged engine and AWD, those numbers dip to 23/31/26 mpg.

5 2024 Mini Cooper Hardtop

The Mini Cooper is still here with classic styling and a fun, cheerful driving experience. The 2024 Mini Cooper Hardtop retains its classic shape while giving the driver just enough power to get around and still have some enjoyment. In its most efficient combination, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and automatic transmission has decent fuel economy as projected by the EPA at 29/38/32 mpg.

This tiny sub-compact hatchback might not be the cheapest, nor the most efficient, and not even the fastest or most engaging car on the list, but it's still a reasonable option with decent fuel economy and a starting price of just over $25k. Bear in mind, however, that the sub-trims with the best features can significantly increase the price of the Cooper hatch.

6 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage

The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is a low-budget alternative to most cars on the market, but it still supports itself on this list with more than reasonable fuel economy. The Mirage is cheap—Mitsubishi's MSRP is set under $17,000. However, the EPA rates the hatchback at an impressive 36/43/39 mpg. The Mirage has such great gas mileage, and is so cheap, partly due to the tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that only makes 78 horsepower.

Paired only with a CVT automatic, this small engine and seamless transmission is built to maximize fuel economy. Unfortunately, the rest of the package falls far short of other modern cars. The Mirage is noisy, feels cheap inside, and is woefully underpowered.

Characteristics Of The Most Fuel-Efficient Hatchbacks

While all hatchbacks are fuel efficient in comparison to your average crossover or coupe, there are certain things you should look for in the ideal vehicles in this category.

• Powertrain: To get good gas mileage, you want an engine that is low displacement or boosted by hybrid components. These are not hot hatches that need to launch off in a spirited fashion, but rather cars that cruise along smoothly without sounding strained.
• Practicality: Even an economy hatchback needs to be well-rounded. These small cars are actually well-known for their capacious trunks, though rear-seat space can be limited. Hybrids sometimes fall victim to even more compromised cabin space as a result of their additional components.
• Economy: You can’t have a hatchback with the best mileage without, well, the highest mpg figures in the segment. Hybrids top the charts of those equipped with gasoline engines. The more technologically advanced the powertrain, the more you pay upfront, but the savings in fuel over the years more than make up for this.

What To Consider When Buying Hatchbacks with the Best MPG

If you’re in the market for a new car that isn’t high maintenance, you can do a lot worse than one of these hatchbacks with the best gas mileage. However, they are not without their qualms, and you should carefully consider these against the advantages before making a decision:

Pros

• Ideal size for dealing with city traffic and parking lots
• Generally low starting price
• Excellent gas mileage figures
• Impressive cargo capacity

Cons

• Not as appealing as larger, more stylish cars
• Less spacious passenger accommodations
• No off-roading capabilities
• High-tech hybrid models are pricey

What hatchback gets the best gas mileage?

The Prius rules here with its superb gas mileage. The fact that it can get 644 miles on a full tank is a bonus.

What is good fuel economy in MPG?

Looking at hatchbacks, one of the most efficient styles, anything above 30 mpg combined is pretty decent. The Mazda 3 barely makes this at 30 mpg combined.

What’s the cheapest hatchback with good mileage?

A Mitsubishi Mirage can be picked up for around $16,695 (MSRP), while still returning a respectable 36/43/39 mpg. It's not an enjoyable car to drive, however.

Sources: Mini, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, EPA