Cars That Get 50 Miles per Gallon of Gas (2024 U.S. Guide)

Several current hybrids top 50 mpg combined, led by the Toyota Prius (up to 57 mpg), Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (up to 54 mpg), Kia Niro Hybrid (up to 53 mpg), Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (52 mpg), and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue (52 mpg). Select plug-in hybrids also exceed 50 mpg when running on gas after the battery is depleted (notably the Toyota Prius Prime SE). Below is a clear, up-to-date look at which models and trims qualify, how the EPA measures mpg, and what to watch when shopping.

What “50 mpg” Means—and Why Trim and Tires Matter

In the U.S., official fuel-economy ratings come from the EPA. The most useful single number for shoppers is the “combined” mpg, which blends city and highway estimates. Hitting 50 mpg combined is rare and generally limited to efficient hybrids (and a few plug-in hybrids in gas-only operation). Ratings vary by trim, drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD), and wheel/tire size—larger wheels and AWD usually reduce mpg—so the exact configuration matters.

New Cars Currently Rated at 50 mpg Combined or Better

The following new models (most recent EPA ratings available through 2024) achieve at least 50 mpg combined in specific trims. Always check the window sticker or fueleconomy.gov for the exact configuration you’re considering.

• Toyota Prius (2023–2024): LE FWD up to 57 mpg combined; XLE/Limited FWD around 52 mpg; LE AWD about 54 mpg. Some higher AWD trims can dip just below 50.
• Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (2021–2024): Blue trim about 54 mpg combined; Limited roughly 50 mpg combined.
• Kia Niro Hybrid (2023–2024): With 16-inch wheels (LX/EX and similar), up to about 53 mpg combined; “Touring”/18-inch wheel versions are lower (often high 40s).
• Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (most recent years through 2024): About 52 mpg combined; SE/XLE/XSE trims typically mid-to-high 40s.
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue (2020–2024): About 52 mpg combined; other Sonata Hybrid trims are typically around 47 mpg combined.
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2023–2024): LE FWD around 50 mpg combined; AWD and sportier trims can be slightly lower.

These are the primary gasoline-powered models achieving 50+ mpg combined in recent years. Other hybrids (e.g., Accord Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid) are efficient but generally do not reach the 50-mpg combined threshold.

Plug-in Hybrids That Top 50 mpg on Gas (After the Battery Is Depleted)

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) list two metrics: electric-only efficiency (MPGe) and gasoline-only mpg once the battery charge is used up. For this question—miles per gallon of gas—the gasoline-only mpg is what matters.

• Toyota Prius Prime (2023–2024): SE trim about 53 mpg combined on gas after charge depletion (XSE/XSE Premium trims are typically below 50).
• Toyota Prius Prime (2017–2022): Around 54 mpg combined on gas after charge depletion.
• Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid (2018–2022): Around 52 mpg combined on gas after charge depletion.

Many other PHEVs prioritize performance or utility and fall short of 50 mpg on gas-only operation (even if their MPGe numbers look high in electric mode).

Used Cars That Historically Achieved 50+ mpg Combined

If you’re open to late-model used cars, several discontinued or prior-generation hybrids consistently hit or exceeded 50 mpg combined and can offer strong value.

• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (2017–2022): Blue trim up to about 59 mpg combined; SEL/Limited often around 55 mpg.
• Toyota Prius (2016–2022): Typically about 52 mpg combined; “Eco” trims rated higher (mid-50s).
• Honda Insight (2019–2022): LX/EX trims around 52 mpg combined; Touring trims lower (often high 40s).
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2020–2022): LE about 52 mpg combined.
• Kia Niro Hybrid (2017–2022): Base “FE” trim around 50 mpg combined; other trims often around 49 mpg.
• Toyota Prius c (2012–2019): About 50 mpg combined.

Older high-mpg hybrids can deliver excellent efficiency for less money, but verify battery health, maintenance history, and tire fitment, as these factors meaningfully affect real-world mpg.

What About 50 mpg Highway-Only?

Some vehicles boast 50+ mpg on the highway but fall below 50 mpg combined. Because the bar is high, the list of cars that reach 50 mpg combined largely overlaps with those topping 50 mpg highway. When in doubt, focus on the EPA “combined” number for a more realistic expectation of everyday fuel economy.

Buying Tips and Caveats

To reliably find a 50-mpg car and replicate EPA results, keep these practical points in mind.

• Confirm the exact trim, drivetrain, and wheel size on the EPA label; a change from 16- to 18-inch wheels or FWD to AWD can drop mpg several points.
• Hybrids are sensitive to driving style, speed, temperature, and terrain; real-world results vary, especially in cold weather.
• PHEV shoppers: distinguish between MPGe (electric mode) and gasoline-only mpg (after the battery is depleted).
• Use fueleconomy.gov or the Monroney (window sticker) for authoritative, current ratings.
• For used hybrids, prioritize models with documented maintenance and consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes a hybrid battery health check.

Doing a quick EPA check on the exact vehicle you’re eyeing—and matching its wheels and drivetrain—will help ensure you truly get a 50-mpg-capable car.

Summary

If you want a car that genuinely delivers 50 miles per gallon of gasoline, look primarily at hybrids—and, in a few cases, select PHEV trims in gas-only operation. Current standouts include the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Kia Niro Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid LE, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue, and Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE FWD. In the used market, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, previous-gen Prius (and Prius Prime), Honda Insight, Corolla Hybrid, Kia Niro FE, and Prius c are proven 50-mpg performers. Always verify the exact trim’s EPA combined rating, as wheels, AWD, and options can make or break that 50-mpg target.

What car gives you 40 miles per gallon?

Toyota Corolla
The Corolla SE’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 169 hp, 30 more than the base model, while also improving highway MPG from 38 to 40. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard, with active cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, pedestrian detection, and more.

What car gets 52 miles per gallon?

Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius gets 52 MPG, keeping more money in your pocket and more miles on the road. Efficient has never looked this good.

Do any cars get 50 miles per gallon?

2016 Toyota Prius c
The most petite of the Prius models, the c is a mere 157.3 inches long, making it more than 20 inches shorter than the compact Prius liftback. On the other hand, nimble dimensions do help the Prius c achieve EPA fuel-efficiency ratings of 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway, and 50 mpg combined.

What car has 60 miles per gallon?

Cars that can reach or exceed 60 miles per gallon (MPG) are typically hybrid or plug-in hybrid models, including the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and Kia Niro. Specific models like the Hyundai Ioniq Blue have achieved figures near 60 MPG, with some variations, while the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was known for its efficiency. For example, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Blue offered 59 MPG combined, and the 2022 Toyota Prius Eco provided 56 MPG combined. 
Examples of Cars that Can Achieve 60+ MPG (or close to it):

• Toyota Prius: Opens in new tabThe self-charging Prius is a well-known choice for high fuel efficiency, with some models returning close to 70 MPG, according to Toyota. 
• Hyundai Ioniq/Elantra Hybrid: Opens in new tabThe 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Blue and the Elantra Hybrid were noted for their excellent mileage, achieving figures around 59 MPG. 
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Opens in new tabThis model is also a strong contender, offering impressive efficiency figures, particularly in its front-wheel-drive configurations. 
• Kia Niro: Opens in new tabAnother option that can reach the 50 MPG club, the Kia Niro is an efficient choice. 

Factors Affecting MPG:

• Model Year and Trim: Fuel economy ratings can vary significantly between different model years and specific trim levels (e.g., a hybrid “Eco” or “Blue” version versus a standard model). 
• Driving Conditions: Real-world driving conditions, such as heavy stop-and-start traffic, can influence the mileage achieved. 
• Configuration: For some models, like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, the best mileage is achieved with the front-wheel-drive setup.