What car gets 70 miles per gallon?

In the United States today, no new gasoline car is rated at 70 miles per gallon (mpg) under current EPA tests. The closest you can buy is the Toyota Prius, which reaches up to 57 mpg combined. Historically, the 2000–2006 Honda Insight carried a 70‑mpg highway label under an older EPA test (now re‑rated to 61 mpg highway). If you meant miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for plug‑in vehicles, many models comfortably exceed 70 MPGe. In the U.K., some cars advertise “70 mpg,” but that’s imperial gallons—about 58 mpg in U.S. terms.

Why “70 mpg” depends on definitions

Whether a car “gets 70 mpg” hinges on three details: the gallon used (U.S. vs. U.K. imperial), the test cycle (today’s EPA vs. older methods), and whether electricity is included (MPGe). A U.K. claim of 70 mpg typically translates to roughly 58 mpg U.S., and many small diesels or hybrids can meet that. Older U.S. EPA ratings from the early 2000s were more optimistic than today’s standardized tests, which is why the first-generation Honda Insight once wore a 70‑mpg highway sticker but is now re‑rated lower. Finally, MPGe is an energy-equivalency metric for plug‑in vehicles; plenty of EVs and plug‑in hybrids top 70 MPGe, but that’s not the same as burning one U.S. gallon of gasoline.

The most efficient new gasoline hybrids you can buy in the U.S.

The following list highlights the highest EPA-rated non‑plug‑in models currently on sale in the U.S., all of which come closest to the 70‑mpg idea without using a plug.

• Toyota Prius (2024–2025): up to 57 mpg EPA combined in LE FWD trims.
• Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (latest model years): about 54 mpg EPA combined in Blue trim.
• Kia Niro Hybrid (latest model years): up to 53 mpg EPA combined depending on trim.
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid (latest model years): around 50 mpg EPA combined in efficient trims.

These hybrids illustrate today’s efficiency ceiling for mainstream, non‑plug‑in cars in the U.S.: mid‑50s mpg combined is achievable, but 70 mpg under current EPA testing remains out of reach.

Historic and edge cases that touched “70 mpg”

Only a few production vehicles have legitimately intersected with a “70 mpg” claim, usually due to older test procedures or different gallon measurements.

• 2000–2006 Honda Insight (first generation, manual): originally rated 61 city/70 highway mpg under the pre‑2008 EPA test; re‑rated to 49 city/61 highway (about 53 combined) under today’s method. See EPA details on fueleconomy.gov.
• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue (2017–2022): among the most efficient modern hybrids at 59 mpg EPA combined, but discontinued in favor of the Ioniq EV line.
• U.K./Europe small diesels: Some models advertise about 70 mpg using imperial gallons and WLTP figures, which translates to roughly 58 mpg U.S.—impressive, but not 70 mpg U.S.
• Ultra‑low‑volume tech demonstrators (e.g., Volkswagen XL1): achieved extraordinary lab ratings but were not widely available or directly comparable to EPA figures.

Taken together, these examples show that “70 mpg” has either relied on older, less stringent U.S. tests, different gallon sizes, or highly specialized vehicles rather than today’s mainstream offerings.

If you meant 70 MPGe, plenty of options qualify

MPGe converts electricity use into a gasoline‑equivalent metric, letting you compare plug‑in vehicles with gasoline cars. Many modern plug‑ins exceed 70 MPGe.

• Plug‑in hybrids (PHEVs): Models like the Toyota Prius Prime and other PHEVs often deliver well over 70 MPGe in electric driving, then around 40–55 mpg once the battery is depleted.
• Battery electric vehicles (EVs): Most mainstream EVs—such as high‑efficiency sedans—regularly post triple‑digit MPGe ratings under the EPA cycle.

MPGe is useful for cross‑shopping, but remember it reflects electricity use rather than gasoline burned; it’s not the same as a conventional mpg figure.

Why 70 mpg is hard to hit today

Modern EPA tests better reflect real‑world driving—higher speeds, faster accelerations, climate‑control use—which lowers ratings compared with early‑2000s labels. Today’s cars are also safer, quicker, and cleaner, carrying more weight for crash protection and emissions hardware. Aerodynamic and rolling‑resistance gains help, but the widespread shift to taller, heavier crossovers and the expectation of strong performance make a true 70‑mpg EPA rating on gasoline alone extremely challenging.

How to maximize the mpg you do get

Even if 70 mpg isn’t realistic for a modern gas car, careful driving and maintenance can meaningfully raise your real‑world efficiency.

• Maintain correct tire pressure and use low‑rolling‑resistance tires when specified.
• Smooth out acceleration and braking; anticipate traffic to minimize stops.
• Use Eco driving modes and moderate highway speeds; aerodynamic drag rises quickly above 60–65 mph.
• Remove unnecessary roof racks and cargo to cut drag and weight.
• Keep up with oil, filters, and alignment; neglected maintenance lowers mpg.

These habits won’t turn a 50‑mpg hybrid into a 70‑mpg car, but they can deliver a noticeable improvement and help you hit the high end of the EPA window sticker.

Summary

No current U.S.-market gasoline car achieves a certified 70 mpg under today’s EPA tests. The closest modern options are high‑efficiency hybrids like the Toyota Prius (up to 57 mpg combined). The only production car that ever wore a “70 mpg” highway label in the U.S. was the first‑generation Honda Insight—and that was under an older, now‑retired test cycle. If your target is “70” as MPGe, many plug‑ins clear that bar easily, and if you’re looking at U.K. imperial mpg, 70 mpg equates to about 58 mpg U.S., which several diesels and hybrids can match.

What car gets the highest mpg?

The 2025 Toyota Prius is a leading choice for high MPG, with some trims achieving up to 57 mpg combined. For those interested in plug-in hybrids, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is a top contender with an impressive 80 MPGe rating, while the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers 82 MPGe. If you’re looking for the absolute highest efficiency, the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid leads the pack with an 84 MPGe rating.
 
Top Hybrid Options (MPG): 

• 2025 Toyota Prius: Up to 57 MPG combined.
• 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue: 54 MPG combined.
• 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid: 48 MPG combined.
• 2025 Kia Niro: 49-53 MPG combined.

Top Plug-in Hybrid Options (MPGe): 

• 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid: 84 MPGe combined.
• 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 82 MPGe combined.
• 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid: 80 MPGe combined.
• 2025 Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid: 77 MPGe combined.

Factors Affecting MPG:

• Powertrain: Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles generally achieve much higher fuel economy than traditional gasoline-powered cars. 
• Trim Level: Features like larger wheels or all-wheel drive can sometimes slightly lower MPG ratings. 
• Driving Conditions: Driving style, such as easing off the gas pedal before stopping, can impact real-world fuel efficiency. 

Is 70 miles per gallon good?

Yes, 70 MPG is an exceptionally good fuel efficiency rating, significantly exceeding average modern car and even hybrid averages, which typically fall in the 40-60 MPG range. A 70 MPG figure indicates excellent efficiency, allowing the car to travel a great distance on a single gallon of fuel. 
Here’s why 70 MPG is so good:

• Exceeds Average: Opens in new tabWhile a good MPG for a petrol or diesel car is often in the 40-50 MPG range, 70 MPG is well above this, according to Car Finance 247. 
• Ideal for Hybrids: Opens in new tabThis level of efficiency is often achieved by hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, though it can be challenging and dependent on driving conditions. 
• Lower Fuel Costs: Opens in new tabA high MPG directly translates to fewer gallons of fuel needed to travel a certain distance, leading to lower fuel costs and a positive impact on the environment. 

What car gets 70 miles a gallon?

The self-charging Prius, which doesn’t use a plug, is cheaper on the used car market and returns close to 70mpg, according to Toyota. Plug-in hybrid Prius models can run on electric-only power over short distances.

What car does 70 mpg?

Cars achieving around 70 mpg are primarily plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or highly efficient hybrid vehicles, with models like the Toyota Prius Prime, Hyundai Ioniq, and Kia Niro being good examples that can reach or exceed this figure under ideal conditions. While some specific models, like the Toyota Prius itself or even some self-charging hybrids, may offer mileage close to 70 mpg, achieving 70 mpg is considered excellent and often requires specific driving habits and conditions, particularly for plug-in hybrids that rely on electric power for some of their range. 
Examples of Cars That Can Reach 70 MPG or Higher

• Toyota Prius Prime: Opens in new tabAs a plug-in hybrid, it can achieve very high MPG when utilizing its electric-only range and then transition to a hybrid mode, getting close to 70 mpg on longer journeys. 
• Hyundai Ioniq: Opens in new tabThis hybrid is known for being a budget-friendly option and can offer more than 70 mpg with gentle driving. 
• Kia Niro: Opens in new tabThe Kia Niro is another hybrid that provides excellent fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender in this category. 
• Toyota Prius (Self-Charging): Opens in new tabWhile not achieving the 70 mpg of the Prime, the standard, self-charging Prius offers excellent mileage that can approach or be in the high 50s MPG range. 

Why 70 MPG is Difficult

• Electric-Only Range: Many cars that get this high of an MPG figure are often plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that can run on electric power for shorter distances, which helps them achieve such high combined ratings. 
• Ideal Conditions: Hitting these numbers often depends on factors like driving style (gentle acceleration and braking), driving conditions (city vs. highway), and consistent maintenance. 
• No “Golden Number”: There isn’t a single, fixed number for achieving 70 mpg, as it varies based on the specific model and how it’s driven. 

How to Achieve High MPG

• Drive Gently: Smooth acceleration and gradual braking improve fuel efficiency. 
• Drive in Ideal Conditions: Driving at consistent speeds on the highway, for example, can improve MPG compared to stop-and-go city driving. 
• Consider PHEVs and Hybrids: These types of vehicles are designed to maximize fuel economy and are your best bet for finding a 70 mpg car.