Hatchbacks With the Best MPG of 2023

Small cars are generally known for their superior fuel economy, and some of those with the best mpg 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 2023.

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2023 Honda Civic Hatchback
9.4
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#3
2023 Toyota Prius
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#4
2023 Nissan Leaf
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#5
2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
8.5
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
7
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#6
2023 Kia Rio5
8.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#7
2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
8.1
BuzzScore
7
Design
6
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#8
2023 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop
7.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
6
MPG
7
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#9
2023 Toyota Prius Prime
7.4
BuzzScore
8
Design
6
Performance
9
MPG
6
Interior
7
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
7
Value
#10
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
6.8
BuzzScore
5
Design
5
Performance
10
MPG
5
Interior
6
Infotainment
7
Reliability
6
Safety
10
Value

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. An EV is particularly adept at delivering decent power without negatively impacting economy.
  • 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 and EVs 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, but EVs are significantly more efficient. 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 few 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 mileage figures
  • Impressive cargo capacity
  • Hot hatches can be fun to drive

Cons

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

FAQs

What hatchback gets the best gas mileage?

The Hyundai Ioniq EV grabs the crown in terms of sheer mileage, with 145/121/133 MPGe, but its limited range of 170 miles is hard to ignore. By comparison, the Prius covers an intimidating 632 miles on a single tank.

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 falls just short of this at 29 combined. Hybrid models aim for an average of 50 miles to a gallon, while EVs should never get less than 100 MPGe.

What’s the cheapest hatchback with good mileage?

A Mitsubishi Mirage can be picked up for around $15k, while still returning a respectable 36/43/39 mpg if you opt for the CVT.
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