Exploring the Best Fuel-Efficient Used Cars of 2022
As the market for used cars continues to flourish, many budget-conscious buyers are turning to pre-owned vehicles to save on costs. One of the significant advantages of purchasing a used car is the avoidance of the sharp depreciation that new vehicles experience. Additionally, the savings can be amplified through the selection of models that excel in fuel efficiency. Opting for a used car with excellent gas mileage can lead to significant savings at the pump, especially amid fluctuating fuel prices.
This article highlights the top fuel-efficient used cars from 2022, focusing on practical choices that blend technology, comfort, and value without delving into the realm of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- 1. Honda Civic: Efficient and Engaging
- 2. Volkswagen Jetta: Roomy and Reliable
- 3. Hyundai Elantra: Value-Packed Performer
- 4. Mitsubishi Mirage: Budget Efficiency King
- 5. Toyota Avalon Hybrid: Luxury Meets Efficiency
- 6. Lexus ES Hybrid: Premium Fuel Saver
- 7. Honda Accord Hybrid: Family-Sized Fuel Economy
- 8. Kia Niro: Crossover Efficiency
- 9. Honda Insight: Small Car, Big Savings
- 10. Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Trusted and Thrifty
- 11. Toyota Camry Hybrid: Efficiency with Space
- 12. Toyota Prius: The Efficiency Icon
- 13. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Sleek and Smart
- 14. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Tech and Mileage Combined
- 15. Hyundai Ioniq: Final Year, Top Mileage
1. Honda Civic: Efficient and Engaging
The 2022 Honda Civic presents an exceptional combination of sporty performance and outstanding fuel efficiency. Completely redesigned for 2022, this model boasts impressive numbers, achieving up to 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Even the base models remain competitive, delivering 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
Beyond its fuel economy, the Civic is known for its sharp handling, modern interior, and spacious seating, making it a versatile choice. Although the sportier Si variant may not be as fuel-efficient, the Civic overall is a reliable and economical option for daily driving, seamlessly blending enjoyment with practicality.
2. Volkswagen Jetta: Roomy and Reliable
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta distinguishes itself in the compact sedan segment with its spacious cabin and user-friendly infotainment system. While it may not be the most extravagant option available, it provides solid performance coupled with commendable fuel efficiency.
With a manual transmission, the Jetta achieves an impressive 29 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. Those opting for the automatic transmission can expect slightly lower, yet still respectable, figures of 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. While the sport-oriented GLI trim sacrifices some fuel efficiency, the Jetta remains a practical and comfortable choice for daily commutes.
3. Hyundai Elantra: Value-Packed Performer
Hyundai’s 2022 Elantra is a formidable contender in the used car market, thanks to its remarkable fuel economy, generous feature set, and engaging driving experience. In its base SE trim, it achieves up to 33 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.
Even the mid-tier SEL and Limited trims offer competitive mileage, reaching 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. The Elantra is equipped with modern technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside essential safety features like blind-spot monitoring. Although some interior materials may feel less premium, the Elantra stands out for its overall efficiency and value.
4. Mitsubishi Mirage: Budget Efficiency King
While the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage may not rank high in refinement or power, its exceptional fuel economy and affordability make it an attractive option for buyers on a budget. The hatchback models equipped with a CVT can reach up to 36 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.
Manual versions and the sedan variant yield slightly lower figures. With its low price point, both new and used, the Mirage is a standout choice for those prioritizing fuel savings over luxury or speed. It’s an economical solution for basic transportation needs.
5. Toyota Avalon Hybrid: Luxury Meets Efficiency
The 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid offers a luxurious sedan experience while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency. It achieves 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway, making it a wise choice for those seeking comfort without sacrificing economy.
Although it may not lead the pack in hybrid performance, the Avalon Hybrid is celebrated for its refined handling and quiet ride, alongside upscale features such as leather upholstery and heated seats. Though its production ended in 2022, it remains a smart option for those desiring luxury with lower fuel expenditures.
6. Lexus ES Hybrid: Premium Fuel Saver
The 2022 Lexus ES Hybrid combines luxury with outstanding efficiency, delivering a smooth ride and high-quality materials throughout its serene cabin. This model achieves 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and fuel savings.
Standard features include a moonroof, an 8-inch touchscreen, and adaptive cruise control, providing great value for its price. With a reputation for reliability and low ownership costs, the ES Hybrid is an ideal used option for buyers seeking sophistication without high fuel bills.
7. Honda Accord Hybrid: Family-Sized Fuel Economy
The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid is a dependable and fuel-efficient midsize sedan, featuring a refined interior and ample space. It’s particularly suitable for families or daily commuters, with base trims offering an impressive 48 mpg city and 47 mpg highway.
Higher trims like the Sport and Touring versions may trade some efficiency for additional features but still provide solid mileage at 44 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. With a spacious 16.7-cubic-foot trunk and high reliability ratings, the Accord Hybrid demonstrates that comfort and practicality can coexist with impressive fuel economy.
8. Kia Niro: Crossover Efficiency
The 2022 Kia Niro skillfully merges SUV versatility with hybrid-level efficiency, with the base LX trim achieving a remarkable 53 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. Other hybrid trims perform admirably, although Touring SE models drop to 46 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
With agile handling and a comfortable ride, the Niro is well-suited for both urban and suburban environments. While its cargo capacity may fall short compared to some competitors and its acceleration could be better, the Niro offers significant value for those seeking crossover convenience alongside hybrid fuel savings.
9. Honda Insight: Small Car, Big Savings
Compact and efficient, the 2022 Honda Insight is a top choice for urban drivers. The EX trim can achieve up to 55 mpg city and 49 mpg highway. While its hybrid powertrain may produce some noise under heavy acceleration, it delivers sufficient power for everyday driving needs.
The Insight comes standard with safety features such as lane-keep assist and traffic sign recognition, enhancing its appeal for commuters. With its refined handling and exceptional gas mileage, it stands out as a commendable option for those prioritizing efficiency in a compact vehicle.
10. Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Trusted and Thrifty
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid combines the brand’s renowned reliability with impressive fuel economy, offering 53 mpg city and 52 mpg highway across all trims. It provides comfort for both daily drives and longer journeys, although some may find the cargo space and rear legroom to be limited.
Nevertheless, the Corolla Hybrid delivers many of the qualities that used car buyers value: low ownership costs, strong fuel efficiency, and long-term dependability. If you can overlook its modest storage capacity, it’s an excellent option for those focused on practical savings.
11. Toyota Camry Hybrid: Efficiency with Space
The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid successfully balances performance with efficiency, making it a leading midsize sedan. The base LE trim offers remarkable fuel economy figures of 51 mpg city and 53 mpg highway, while higher trims may see slight decreases due to larger wheels.
With a spacious interior, smooth ride, and advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, the Camry Hybrid checks nearly every box. It’s an excellent choice for families or professionals looking for an efficient, reliable, and comfortable daily driver that doesn’t skimp on features.
12. Toyota Prius: The Efficiency Icon
The 2022 Toyota Prius continues to uphold its status as a benchmark for fuel efficiency, achieving up to 58 mpg city and 53 mpg highway in the L Eco trim. While it may not be the most thrilling vehicle to drive, it compensates with generous cargo space, comfortable seating, and long-term value.
All-wheel drive options slightly reduce fuel economy but provide added winter traction. Although some interior materials may feel basic, the Prius remains a favored choice among budget-conscious and environmentally aware used car shoppers.
13. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Sleek and Smart
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid masterfully combines modern design with hybrid efficiency. The Blue trim leads the pack with 50 mpg city and 54 mpg highway, while higher trims maintain competitive figures at 45 mpg city and 51 mpg highway.
Despite providing slightly less rear legroom than some rivals, it offers excellent value with standard features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Quiet and comfortable, the Sonata Hybrid is perfect for drivers who desire a stylish appearance, refined driving experience, and solid efficiency in a midsize sedan.
14. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Tech and Mileage Combined
For those seeking technology, comfort, and outstanding fuel economy, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a wise choice. The base trim achieves impressive mileage of 53 mpg city and 56 mpg highway, while the more luxurious Limited trim still excels with 49 mpg city and 52 mpg highway.
Loaded with features such as heated seats, wireless smartphone integration, and advanced safety technologies, the Elantra Hybrid stands out in its class. While its trunk may be slightly smaller than some competitors, its engaging ride and efficient engine make it an attractive option for tech-savvy and environmentally-conscious drivers.
15. Hyundai Ioniq: Final Year, Top Mileage
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq concludes its production run with remarkable fuel efficiency, achieving best-in-class figures of 58 mpg city and 60 mpg highway in the Hybrid Blue trim. While acceleration and suspension could be improved, its value is highlighted by standard features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and ample cargo space.
With up to 50.7 cubic feet of storage, the Ioniq is both practical and economical. Even though it has been discontinued, it remains a top pick for used car buyers aiming for unparalleled mileage.
Choosing a used car with outstanding fuel efficiency can significantly lessen long-term vehicle expenses, particularly during times of rising fuel prices. The 2022 model year showcases an array of fuel-efficient vehicles, from compact sedans to hybrid models and crossover SUVs. Whether your priorities lie in affordability, features, reliability, or space, there’s a used vehicle that meets your needs without straining your wallet at the gas pump.
These selected models represent a smart combination of savings, sustainability, and satisfaction for the discerning car buyer.