Nothing quite makes for killer fuel economy like blending the world of fuel-efficient and compact cars. Of course, another benefit to the compact vehicle category is that they’re usually quite affordable. So, putting all three together makes the perfect trifecta of A to B vehicles. On that note, here are five fuel-efficient compact sedans that aren’t too expensive!

2023 Hyundai Elantra – $21,595

According to TrueCar, the best of the fuel-efficient compact sedans comes in the form of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra. It has a starting MSRP of just $21,595 and offers five trim levels, including hybrid options. Virtually every offering in the Elantra lineup (except for the turbo model) achieves an EPA rating of 40 mpg or higher on the highway. In addition, hybrid models see numbers well into the 50 mpg range.

TrueCar says that the Elantra has an impressively roomy interior for the class and is industry-leading in terms of standard safety features. Plus, it includes the legendary Hyundai warranties.

2022 Toyota Corolla – $21,520

When it comes to the pinnacle of reliability, Toyota is one of the most recognized brands there is. The Toyota Corolla is often the first to come up in a conversation when it comes to good, trustworthy, and reliable fuel-efficient compact sedans. For good reason, too.

With a starting MSRP of $21,520 and fuel economy in the high 30 mpg range, it’s hard not to point toward Corolla. Additionally, TrueCar says the Corolla also features a roomy interior and an abundance of safety features.

However, the Corolla does get a bit of a downvote when it comes to its limited cargo capacity.

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage – $15,690

The Mitsubishi Mirage is far less refined than the previous two entrants to this list. However, one wouldn’t expect it to be. The Mitsubishi Mirage is not only the cheapest car to make the list, but it’s also one of the cheapest brand new cars you can buy period.

With a starting MSRP of $15,690, the Mirage does great at what it’s meant to do. It solely exists to be an affordable and efficient car for those who want to step into something brand new. With fuel economy ratings over 40 mpg highway, it does that phenomenally.

In addition, the Mirage also sports a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Sure, TrueCar mentions its lackluster acceleration and noisy ride as negatives, but you know how the adage goes; you get what you pay for. In this case, though, what you pay for is still a brand new car with solid crash safety ratings.

2022 Honda Civic – $23,645

Rest assured, if you were to ask for the best affordable, reliable, and economical sedan to buy, you’ll likely be told it’s a Honda Civic. That’s just as well because, like Toyota, Honda has a long withstanding notoriety for reliability.

Truecar does give the Civic a bit of a nod that none of the other cars on this list thus far got. It gets credit for both strong engines and fun-to-drive characteristics. Though the Civic is not available in a hybrid format (yet), it still manages fuel economy in the high 30 mpg range.

Rest assured, if you were to ask for the best affordable, reliable, and economical sedan to buy, you’ll likely be told it’s a Honda Civic. That’s just as well because, like Toyota, Honda has a long withstanding notoriety for reliability.

Truecar does give the Civic a bit of a nod that none of the other cars on this list thus far got. It gets credit for both strong engines and fun-to-drive characteristics. Though the Civic is not available in a hybrid format (yet), it still manages fuel economy in the high 30 mpg range.

2022 Volkswagen Jetta – $21,460

The final entrant in this fuel-efficient compact sedans master list is the only one hailing from Europe. The Volkswagen Jetta is a fun, sporty-ish sedan with a peppy 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

However, the fun driving doesn’t deter from its efficiency, as the 2022 Jetta is capable of up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

No matter which fuel-efficient compact sedans best fits your budget and your needs, you can rest assured that you’re getting a good car! Happy shopping!