10 Best Gas Mileage Cars Under $10K and Still Get 30 to 40 MPG Easily

With rising gas prices and an increasing emphasis on the environment, fuel economy has never been more relevant today. You can get a dependable, inexpensive car with excellent gas mileage and a modest budget, even without breaking the bank. Several used cars for less than $10,000 will deliver 30 to 40 miles per gallon (MPG) without leaving you high and dry on performance or cabin comfort. Gas Mileage Whether you are a commuter, student, or just someone looking to lessen their carbon footprint, selecting a gas mileage-friendly car can save a lot in the long run.

If I’m willing to adjust my driving habits, I want to spend less on a new fuel-efficient car, and there are plenty of sweet spots in that fuel-efficient used car menu. Everything from small sedans to hatchbacks to crossovers to hybrids. Most of these cars are popular because they can be maintained for little money for a long time and always run reliably. A few hundred bucks more in your pocket can go a long way when buying something as practical as a used car with excellent, fuel-efficient fuel economy; you can drive a considerably more comfortable and efficient vehicle on a shoestring.

So instead, here are the 10 best gas mileage cars under $10K that still earn EPA ratings of 30 to 40 MPG easily, as we’ve discovered through years of experience. These models offer remarkable fuel efficiency and have features, so you won’t have to sacrifice quality or drivability. Read on to find the ideal set of wheels to suit your requirements, wallet, and MPG ambitions.

Must Check: 10 Cars That Look Expensive But Are Cheap (Under $5,000 & $10,000)

10 Best Used Fuel-Efficient Cars Under $10,000

The best used fuel-efficient cars under $10,000 combine affordability and reliability, from small sedans to hatchbacks. For example, the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra can achieve 30-40 MPG fuel economy. Likewise, the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 are winners in terms of their life expectancy and prices for service and parts. Check out the Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid for your hybrid fans.

You can thank me later for the gas-saving mileage. The Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Cruze offer practicality and efficiency if you need slightly more room. Lastly, Ford gives us the Focus with its outstanding all-around performance and excellent gas mileage. These choices help you maximize every gallon while keeping your budget in check.

#1. Toyota Prius (2006-2009)

MPG: 46 City / 45 Highway
Price Range: $5,000 – $9,000
Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Horsepower: 76 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 gallons

Drivers looking for the industry-beating fuel economy and budget-friendly pricing should consider the 2006-09 Toyota Prius. Equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine with CVT that provides 76 hp and 46 MPG city and 45 MPG highway. This other one also has an 11.9-gallon tank, providing a reasonable driving range.

Available for between $5,000 and $9,000, this is one of the best cars under $10K for your money, particularly in the name of eco-friendly commuting. Proven hybrid technology delivers dependable performance and 1 of the best-used hybrids in the compact sedan class.

#2. Honda Civic (2012-2015)

MPG: 30 City / 39 Highway
Price Range: $7,500 – $10,000
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic transmission
Horsepower: 140 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons

The Honda Civic stands out for its qualities as a well-rounded compact car and good fuel economy. The vehicle’s 1.8L 4-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower, making the driving experience easy but efficient. With the highway fuel economy that approaches 39 mpg and a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, it’s a wise driving budget.

The Civic is a good used car pick, with reliable and comfortable driving, whether for a 5-speed manual or automatic. Thanks to its sturdy interior and reliability, you can count on this model to keep its place high on the used car list. And at $7,500 — $10,000, it’s a lot of bang for your buck for a reliable and fuel-efficient everyday driver.

#3. Hyundai Elantra (2013-2016)

MPG: 28 City/38 Highway
Price Range: $6,500 – $9,500
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
Horsepower: 148 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.8 gallons

Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that checks the boxes of a practical, inexpensive sedan—providing a smooth and efficient experience with its 148-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. It can be had with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. It’s worth mentioning that its 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway fuel economy makes it a value-priced choice for daily commuting.

That leads to a comfortable ride and a modern-feeling, amenity-filled cabin. The Elantra is an ideal choice for parsimonious buyers who want a vehicle with the perfect balance of comfort and economy, as it is relatively affordable to buy and, like most small hatchbacks, cheap to run in terms of maintenance.

#4. Ford Fiesta (2011-2013)

MPG: 29 City / 39 Highway
Price Range: $5,500 – $8,500
Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic transmission
Horsepower: 120 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.0 gallons

If you’re looking for a subcompact car with good gas mileage at an affordable price, the Ford Fiesta packs a punch with its 120-hp 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. The Fiesta, available now with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, boasts a fun-to-drive character while providing the best highway fuel economy—29 mpg city/39 mpg highway.

It is easy to maneuver in tight spaces thanks to its small footprint and large interior, which enables a surprisingly comfortable ride for the segment. You can also hit the pump less frequently thanks to the 12-gallon fuel tank. This model is affordable for a fun, reliable, and economical daily driver, with a price point ranging from $5,500 to $8,500.

#5. Mazda3 (2010-2013)

MPG: 28 City / 38 Highway
Price Range: $6,000 – $9,000
Engine: 2.0L or 2.5L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic transmission
Horsepower: 148 hp (2.0L) / 167 hp (2.5L)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons

Mazda3 probably poses the best combination of sportiness and everyday usability. It can be equipped with two engines, including a fuel-efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder and a more powerful 2.5L variant, allowing this model to fit the needs of economy-minded drivers and those wanting a little more punch. The Mazda3 with either the 5-speed manual or automatic is responsive to the handling charts and fun to drive.

The allure of the Corolla’s chic appearance, comfortable cabin, and class-leading 28 city / 38 highway MPG helps this small car slay the fuel credits demon for buyers whose budget watches every nickel. Furthermore, from $6,000 to $9,000, not only do you get a very reliable car, but you get a fun-to-drive car as well.

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#6. Chevrolet Cruze (2011-2014)

MPG: 26 City / 38 Highway
Price Range: $6,000 – $9,500
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
Horsepower: 138 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons

Chevrolet Cruze is at the top among compact cars thanks to its stylish exterior and interior, excellent gas mileage, and comfortable cabin with plenty of features. A 1.8L 4-cylinder capable of churning out 138 horsepower, available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Cruze is suited to daily commutes and long drives, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

With 15.6 gallons of fuel tankage, it travels the long roads before refueling, unlike many so-called sport sedans today. The interior of the Cruze features a roomy cabin, comfortable seats, quality materials, and intuitive technology. It is also tremendously affordable at anywhere from $6,000 to $9,500, and it is open to buyers seeking reliability, efficiency, and comfort in a used vehicle.

#7. Nissan Versa (2012-2016)

MPG: 27 City / 36 Highway
Price Range: $5,000 – $8,500
Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT transmission
Horsepower: 109 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.8 gallons

The Nissan Versa from 2012 to 2016 was an affordable subcompact that focused mainly on maximizing passenger and cargo space and good fuel consumption. It sounds like an excellent car for commuting and small families because of the spacious cab that its compact footprint belies. This solid compact is served with a 1.6L 4-cylinder with 109 horsepower mated with a 5-speed manual or CVT for normalcy as desired.

It returns up to 36 mpg on the highway, so you can save some cash while driving, and with a 10.8-gallon fuel tank, you can spend less time at the pump. Offering an impressive balance of comfort, capacity, and frugality, the Versa is perfect for shoppers in the market for an efficient yet roomy car without breaking the bank ($5,000-$8,500).

#8. Toyota Corolla (2010-2013)

MPG: 26 City / 34 Highway
Price Range: $6,000 – $9,000
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower: 132 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons

The Toyota Corolla from the 2010 to 2013 generation is a reliable, fuel-sipping compact sedan. Power comes from a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, which offers 132 horsepower, striking a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission in these models also helped ensure that they’re capable and dependable, just like a Toyota should be for the long haul.

At 26 mpg on city streets and 34 mpg out on the highway, the Corolla is for those who prefer to keep the actual road costs down. With a 13.2-gallon fuel tank that should help bolster its mileage figures, the car is well suited for a daily commute or a road trip. It also covers the Corolla at between $6,000 and $9,000, a no-nonsense, no-frills car that you can still be amazed at how practical it is.

#9. Kia Soul (2010-2013)

MPG: 26 City / 31 Highway
Price Range: $6,500 – $9,500
Engine: 1.6L or 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic transmission
Horsepower: 122 hp (1.6L) / 142 hp (2.0L)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.2 gallons

Quirky design and practical utility drive the 2010-2013 Kia Soul. It offers a 1.6L or 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 122 hp or 142 hp, depending on the engine. The fuel economy is impressive at 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, providing drivers with a low-cost, budget-friendly option.

Smooth handling is guaranteed with a 5-speed manual or automatic, and the 14.2-gallon fuel tank ensures you can go longer distances between fill-ups. The Soul has an unexpectedly spacious cabin with lots of room for people and events. This model is a fantastic combination of style and hatchback versatility, priced from $6,500 – $9,500.

#10. Honda Fit (2012-2015)

MPG: 28 City / 35 Highway
Price Range: $6,000 – $9,500
Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower: 117 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons

Honda Fit is an excellent hatchback for someone looking for a small, efficient, and practical car. Its 1.5L 4-cylinder engine offers the right amount of power for daily commutes around the city and weekend getaways. Despite its petite exterior, the Fit has a deceptively spacious interior, with excellent cargo and rear-seat space , making it perfect for city living and small families.

And its exceptional gas mileage means fewer stops at the pump, which keeps your wallet from feeling the pinch. With its more athletic handling, the Honda Fit is an excellent small car with maneuverability for tackling congested streets and the utility for longer trips. In short, it becomes an inexpensive, dependable, and economical option for any driver.

Conclusion

So, overall, even with gas prices fluctuating like a tightrope walker at an unstable market, finding a low-mileage used car for under $10,000 that you can trust is feasible. The vehicles featured in this segment are great options, providing competitive pricing, long-term reliability, and great miles per gallon.

Whether you prefer a fuel-sipping sedan or a highly functional hybrid, each choice spans a wide swath of its genre. The ideal choice may differ, so always have it inspected first. Doing this will confirm that the vehicle is in proper working condition and avoid unexpected costs of a surprise expense. Doing your research and guidance can help you cruise off the dealership lot with a used vehicle that boasts fuel efficiency and meets your price and driving needs.

Top 10 Best Gas Mileage Cars Under $10K and Still Get 30 to 40 MPG Easily