Best Gas Mileage Small Cars for 2023
Our analysis of the small cars with the best gas mileage ranks them based on the highest mpg and most fuel-efficient drivetrain for each vehicle.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient small car with an EPA rating of 39 MPG. The second-ranked Mitsubishi Mirage G4 also earns 37 MPG, while the third-ranked Honda Civic Sedan earns 36 MPG. When two or more vehicles have the same MPG rating they are then ranked by their overall quality score, as shown below. iSeeCars has ranked 27 small cars based on fuel efficiency. This ranking is based on each model's highest-rated combined MPG figure to determine the best gas mileage small cars.
The average fuel efficiency for a small car is 33 MPG, and 16 models earn that figure or better for their highest-rated combined MPG model. A small car with less than 33 combined MPG is below the segment average and may not be a good model for consumers seeking to reduce or manage their fuel consumption.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient small car with an EPA rating of 39 MPG. The second-ranked Mitsubishi Mirage G4 also earns 37 MPG, while the third-ranked Honda Civic Sedan earns 36 MPG. When two or more vehicles have the same MPG rating they are then ranked by their overall quality score, as shown below. iSeeCars has ranked 27 small cars based on fuel efficiency. This ranking is based on each model's highest-rated combined MPG figure to determine the best gas mileage small cars.
The average fuel efficiency for a small car is 33 MPG, and 16 models earn that figure or better for their highest-rated combined MPG model. A small car with less than 33 combined MPG is below the segment average and may not be a good model for consumers seeking to reduce or manage their fuel consumption.
1. Mitsubishi Mirage
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Combined MPG Max 39 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
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Reliability 7.1 / 10
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Value Retention 7.8 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
2. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
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Combined MPG Max 37 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.1 / 10
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Value Retention 7.7 / 10
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Safety Not Available
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Combined MPG Max 36 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 8.6 / 10
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Value Retention 9.1 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.9 / 10
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Value Retention 8.1 / 10
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Safety Not Available
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Combined MPG Max 36 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.7 / 10
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Value Retention 7.9 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
6. Kia Rio 5-Door
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Combined MPG Max 36 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.1 / 10
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Safety Not Available
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Combined MPG Max 35 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.7 / 10
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Value Retention 8.4 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max 35 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 8.0 / 10
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Value Retention 7.6 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max 35 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.5 / 10
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Value Retention 8.2 / 10
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Safety 8.9 / 10
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Combined MPG Max 35 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.7 / 10
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Value Retention 7.9 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
11. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max 35 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.4 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max 34 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 8.5 / 10
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Value Retention 8.8 / 10
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Safety 9.0 / 10
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Combined MPG Max 33 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 8.1 / 10
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Value Retention 8.0 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max 33 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.7 / 10
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Value Retention 7.5 / 10
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Safety 8.4 / 10
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.6 / 10
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Value Retention 8.0 / 10
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Safety 8.1 / 10
16. Chevrolet Spark
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Combined MPG Max 33 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.1 / 10
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Value Retention 8.2 / 10
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Safety Not Available
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Combined MPG Max 32 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 8.0 / 10
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Value Retention 8.7 / 10
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Safety 9.0 / 10
18. MINI Hardtop 2 Door
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Combined MPG Max 32 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 6.3 / 10
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Value Retention 8.5 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
19. MINI Hardtop 4 Door
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Combined MPG Max 32 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 6.7 / 10
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Value Retention 8.4 / 10
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Safety Not Available
20. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
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Combined MPG Max 31 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.2 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
21. Hyundai Veloster
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Combined MPG Max 30 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.5 / 10
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Value Retention 8.2 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
22. Volkswagen Jetta GLI
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Combined MPG Max 30 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.8 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
23. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max 29 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.0 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max 28 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.3 / 10
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Value Retention 8.0 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
25. Volkswagen Golf R
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Combined MPG Max 26 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.0 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
26. Hyundai Elantra N
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Combined MPG Max 25 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.8 / 10
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Safety Not Available
27. Subaru WRX
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Combined MPG Max 22 mpg
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
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Reliability 7.0 / 10
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Value Retention 9.3 / 10
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Safety 9.0 / 10
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 9.1 / 10
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Value Retention 9.1 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 8.4 / 10
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Value Retention 9.2 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.5 / 10
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Value Retention 7.1 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.5 / 10
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Value Retention 7.1 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.1 / 10
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Value Retention 7.6 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
FIAT 500L
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.0 / 10
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Value Retention 6.8 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Toyota Yaris Sedan
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.8 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.8 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
Toyota Yaris iA
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.8 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.8 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Volkswagen Beetle
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.5 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Toyota Corolla iM
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.4 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.3 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 8.2 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
Ford Fiesta Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.8 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
Ford Fiesta Sedan
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.8 / 10
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Safety 8.0 / 10
Kia Forte5
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.8 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Ford Focus Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.7 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
Nissan Versa Note
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.7 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.6 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
FIAT 500
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.6 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Subaru STI
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.3 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.2 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
Ford Focus Sedan
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Combined MPG Max Not Available
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability Coming soon
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Value Retention 7.2 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
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How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars "Best Gas Mileage" lists rank cars, trucks and SUVs based on the highest mpg and most fuel-efficient drivetrain for each vehicle.
Along with the Best Gas Mileage scores, the lists show additional iSeeCars scores because we believe other factors should be taken into account to find the best overall vehicle. If there is a tie in mpg between vehicles, we use the overall iSeeCars Score to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).