8 popular cars do best when gas prices are high

Gasoline prices follow supply and demand. And despite US efforts to stabilize supplies, Russia’s attack on Ukraine is driving up pump prices to the moon – prompting many Americans to once again think about fuel efficiency.

Analysts stress that there hasn’t been a rise in US gas prices since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – when vital oil and gas infrastructure in the country was devastated.

According to AAA, the average nationwide gas price as of Saturday was about $3.92 – up 9 cents from Friday, 32 cents from a week ago, 48 cents from a month ago and $1.17 la compared to a year ago.

‘Which would you choose: Air or Electricity?’ California SB 350 [via Natural Resources Defense Council]

As we often emphasize, all-electric cars offer both lower operating costs and a green advantage, with lower carbon emissions, stronger as the grid adds more renewable sources such as wind. and solar into the mix and reduce dependence on fuel markets that stretch overseas. But if plugging in is still unlikely, there are a number of widely available cars that achieve 50 mpg combined or more based on EPA ratings.

With the money in mind, we looked at which new cars hit that 50 mpg mark while under $30,000 — well below the average new-car price due to inflation today of more than $45,000. la.

This is an updated list based on the list we compiled last year. We’ve checked and updated all prices as of March 5, 2022, and rated the respective EPAs to match the 2022 vehicles you’ll find at dealers.

Fuel economy and prices are quoted for the highest mileage model from each make, with each model listed only once — although we’ve introduced some alternatives. replace plug-ins if relevant. The base price quoted includes the required destination fee.

Here’s the 50 mpg club:

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid – January 2021

2022 Hyundai Ioniq Blue
EPA city/highway/mpg combo: 58/60/59
Base price: $24,645

The Ioniq beats the Prius at its own game, and from what we’ve seen, Hyundai’s hybrid system is better than the Prius in highway kilometers and it’s more comfortable on the highway. For those who think they can plug in, Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid SE starts at $27,845, not counting the $4,543 EV eligible for the tax credit. It can go 29 miles on a single charge and its combined rating is 52 mpg compared to 59 mpg for the Ionig Blue. However, as we found, the plug-in returns the same mileage as the Ioniq hybrid at no charge.

Toyota Prius 2020

2022 Toyota Prius Eco
EPA city / highway / combined mpg: 58/53/56
Base price: $25,550

The current-generation Prius looks a bit odd, but underneath the skin, Toyota has made it a better car. It’s sportier than ever and more efficient than anything else on the market when it comes to city driving. You can even get a with all-wheel drive and 50 mpg or in the plug-in excellent cover, with 25 miles all-electric and 54 mpg as a hybrid. The Prius maintains a strong reputation for longevity and reliability, although it lost some of its green car glow towards the end.

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2021

2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue
EPA city/highway/mpg combo: 53/56/54
Base Price: $24,895

The redesigned Elantra looks big enough to be seen, in this social distancing year, while the Elantra Hybrid versions pack a revamped (think sharper feedback) version of the same. hybrid system in Ioniq. Earlier this year, we easily topped 50 mpg in various drives in a flagship Elantra Hybrid Limited.

Honda Insight 2021

2022 Honda Insight
EPA city/highway/mpg combo: 55/49/52
Base price: $26,775

Honda’s Insight sedan is based on the Civic, but you might not know because it’s trimmed with a lot of details like a base model from Honda’s premium brand Acura. The 2022 Insight drops the base LX model and upped the base price to over $2,000 this year, so it’s no longer a steal like the original, but we love the seamless hybrid system, no gearshift and fun to drive. continuity.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2020

2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
EPA city/highway/mpg combo: 53/52/52
Base price: $24,675

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid packs the same hybrid system as the current Prius, as well as many of the same tech features, into a vehicle that looks simple and elegant. During a recent short drive, we had no problem getting to the 50+ mpg rating, and it fits the affordable, minimalistic mantra that has applied to the Corolla all the way.

2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE – Drive – Portland OR, April 2020

Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 2021
EPA city / highway / combined mpg: 51/53/52
Base price: 28,405 USD

Toyota has been improving its hybrid systems for over 20 years, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of the strongest arguments that Toyota should make all of its internal combustion engine vehicles hybrid. In a year-end drive of the high-end area Camry Hybrid XLEI averaged a total of 50 mpg and over 40 mpg regardless of the traffic environment.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue
EPA city/highway/mpg combo: 50/54/52
Base price: $28,245

The Sonata Hybrid is one of the highest mileage gasoline-powered sedans ever, so you’ll probably be surprised how spacious, luxurious, and full-featured it is. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited we drove last year — with a rooftop solar panel mpg-boost—For its 47 mpg combined rating in various driving, but we had no problems hitting a peak of 50 mpg in comfortable highway driving. The Sonata Hybrid’s uses a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, making it the choice for long-distance motorists.

Kia Niro 2021

2022 Kia Niro LX
EPA city/highway/mpg combo: 53/48/50
Base Price: $25,905

The Niro offers plenty of economical versatility for city dwellers, with comfortable rear seat space or, if you flip the seats forward, enough space for smaller furniture or groceries. very large. A plug-in hybrid version is also offered in small quantities. That Niro .’s interface has been upgraded and adds some more active safety features for 2020, but a more extensive refresh is likely to arrive in 2022. We should note that the Niro is the only car on this list with this model. The bodywork is more SUV-like, so it’s really- The number of highways in the world could suffer, especially at some of the faster interstate speeds.