There are a host of new compact cars on the market today. However, not all of them are as fuel efficient as you would expect. Brands like Toyota and Hyundai are competing for the top spot in fuel efficiency. Keeping electric cars out of the mix, only a handful of cars reach the 50-miles per gallon mark. Most of the cars in this mix aren’t that expensive either. Even more so, only one new compact car delivers over 55 mpg. 

What is the most fuel-efficient compact car?

Holding the top spot for years on end, the Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient compact car on the market. The 2022 Toyota Prius is a hybrid that achieves 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. It is easily one of the most recognizable hybrid vehicles on the market. Even with its popularity, Toyota still prices the Prius at a budget-friendly $25,075. For this price point, the Prius quickly becomes one of the best options for potential buyers. Although, the wedge-shaped design isn’t for everyone. The newest generation of the Prius, starting in 2023, is a much more attractive redesign.

How many miles can a 2022 Prius go?

For the 2022 model year, the standard Toyota Prius can reach an estimated 655 miles in the city and 598 miles on the highway with just one tank of gas. The hybrid has a fuel tank capacity of 11.3 gallons, so with the nearly 60 mpg, you won’t stop at the pump often. For the all-wheel-drive models of the compact car, the range drops to 540 miles in the city and 498 miles on the highway, respectively.

As for reliability, the Toyota Prius holds a high standard. According to RepairPal, the 2022 Toyota Prius scores 4.0 out of 5.0 overall. While it isn’t a perfect score, this is still above average for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $408, meaning there are infrequent maintenance costs for the Prius.

How much should I pay for a 2022 Prius?

As we mentioned, the standard 2022 Toyota Prius starts at $25,075. For the starting price, you receive a host of standard features. These features include lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Pedestrian Detection, and even In-Car WiFi. The compact hybrid car is spacious, reliable, and, most importantly, has fuel efficiency in mind. The most popular of the 5 available trim levels is the L Eco FWD, which starts at $26,170. An L Eco FWD model comes with a hybrid 1.8L four-cylinder engine, a slightly better interior, and all of the standard features we mentioned above. 

Should you buy a 2022 Toyota Prius?

The Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient compact car in 2023. Combining a great price point, a host of standard safety features, and an unrivaled 58 mpg in the city is a killer combination. With the recent announcement of the new generation, there will be even better deals on the 2022 model year to make room for the newer cars.