Gas Crisis: The Most Fuel-Efficient 2022 Vehicles

The gas crisis means there are no new EVs or hybrids on dealer lots. That means ordering, then waiting months to get your new car. But there are still plenty of great 2022 gas-powered cars that get some respectable fuel-economy numbers.

by Thom Taylor

Published on March 11, 2022 6:05 pm

2 min read

It’s on! The dreaded gas crisis, not seen since the 1970s, is back with a gut punch. With the US banning Russian oil and eyeing stopping all trade with the country, this isn’t going away any time soon. But you need a new car or truck, so now might be the perfect time to buy an EV or hybrid. However, they’re expensive, and none are on dealers’ lots. That means ordering one, which takes months. So what’s out there that is the most fuel-efficient, isn’t an EV or hybrid, and won’t cost a fortune?

We’ve got that list for you, along with a few remarks to pique your interest. MotorBiscuit has covered the most fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrids, so this time we’re concentrating on gasoline engine-powered 2022 models. They’re all your traditional gasoline-powered cars, which, besides being gas miserly, might just be some of the few choices waiting for you at a dealership. Here are the Top Five according to Cars.

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is the best fuel-efficient vehicle today

36 mpg City, 43 mpg Highway, 39 mpg overall

The winner for the most fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicle is the Mitsubishi Mirage. Yes, Mitsubishi is still around, and besides offering the most mpg, it is also one of the most affordable. Prices start at $16,645. You can get a five-speed manual transmission, but for the best fuel economy, go with the CVT automatic in the G4 sedan.

2022 Hyundai Elantra comes in at a close second

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is Consumer Reports' most satisfying new compact sedan, according to owners — 2022 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan | Hyundai

33 mpg City, 43 mpg Highway, 37 mpg overall

The front-wheel-drive Elantra sedan boasts a 147 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a CVT automatic transmission. Stepping up to the turbocharged 1.6-liter and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gives you more go, but slightly lower fuel economy numbers. Prices start at just under $20,000.

2022 Honda Civic combines performance and fuel-efficiency

Red 2022 Honda Civic driving on a street, highlighting the cars Democrats and Republicans drive the most — 2022 Honda Civic | Honda

33 mpg City, 42 mpg Highway, 36 mpg overall

You can go with either a Civic sedan or hatchback and with the EX trim you get the above mileage figures along with a 1.5-liter 180 hp turbo four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission. Other engine and transmission options are available, but this combo is tops for the Civic. The base price is $23,350.

2022 Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio tied for 4th for most fuel-efficient

A silver 2022 Kia Rio parked on blacktop in front of a blue sky. — 2022 Kia Rio | Kia

33 mpg City, 41 mpg Highway, 36 mpg overall

Essentially, the Rio and Accent sedans are the same vehicles, so their economy numbers are naturally the same. So are their drivelines and architecture. Only the sheet metal and some trim differentiate the two. The best mileage figures come with the standard 120 hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine hooked to a CVT automatic transmission. A Rio starts at only $16,250, while the Accent is priced at $16,645.

2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a lot of car for around $20,000

White 2022 Toyota Corolla driving on a city street at night — 2022 Toyota Corolla | Toyota

32 mpg City, 41 mpg Highway, 35 mpg overall

The combination with the above mileage numbers is the Corolla SE trim that comes with a 168 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission. This CVT has a traditional first-gear. Going with the XSE trim drops those numbers by a couple of miles in each category. Prices start at $21,175.

Staff Writer

Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.