In an epoch where the cost of eggs flirts with five dollars, and you need an app to make a coffee, there is one perpetual constant. We can all agree that the cost of getting from A to B keeps going up. For those in the middle-income bracket, looking after one’s outgoings has never been more important. Therefore, we have researched the US car market for the latest gas-powered vehicles based on their cost per mile.
There are several criteria in this exploration. We feature 2025 models or 2024 ones if the current year is unavailable, and mostly those in the internal combustion camp. We want to reach the roughly 80% of Americans still driving gas cars. Of course, we had to include a few self-charging hybrids. It is hard not to look at such great alternatives for urban dwellers without home-charging capabilities.
How We Arrived Here
Part of our logic stems from following a simple formula based on each vehicle’s advertised miles per gallon. We divided the distance covered over five years by the average US motorist (roughly 15,000 miles per year) with a car’s proposed miles-per-gallon rating, giving us the total number of gallons needed.
We then multiply this by $3.50 (a rough average of all the current AAA-cited gasoline category prices) for the total gallons cost before adding this to a five-year maintenance cost estimate. Dividing these totals by 75,000 miles — the total distance over five years — gives us a rough cost-per-mile estimate. Of course, it isn’t flawless, but it gives some form of indication for their cost per mile.
The sources of our research also include the Department of Energy (DOE) for the miles-per-gallon information and more. We also followed sites, including Car Edge, Edmunds, and manufacturers’ platforms, for information on trims, mileage, and expected five-year maintenance costs. While other expenses like insurance and depreciation values may factor in, we aimed solely at fuel efficiency and maintenance in our quest.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
According to the Hyundai guide, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra SEL Sport has a combined 34 miles per gallon. Coupled with five-year maintenance costs totaling $2,004 leads to a competitive per-mile rate. Using our formula, the average Hyundai Elantra SEL Sport may cost as little as 13 cents per mile on average over the first five years.
Obviously, maintenance costs will rise as the car ages. Nevertheless, the Elantra is one of Hyundai’s fastest-selling cars, according to its latest press release. One might argue the South Korean manufacturer’s 10-year powertrain and five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty won’t hurt the bank balance, either. “The 2025 Elantra Hybrid gets such great fuel economy that it’s our default recommendation for anyone seeking a commuter car,” reads a TheCarConnection review.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
Our next pick is the dependably German 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SE. If looks could kill, the Jetta might leave a few victims in its tracks. It’s the cheapest in Volkswagen’s range but still a handsome mid-range-price car — a Jack Dawson of sedans if you like. Its reported 33 mpg combined with a $1,919 five-year maintenance cost bill means it offers a good balance between fuel miserliness and cheapish maintenance.
However, that doesn’t count for an amazing 40 mpg on the highway, which will suit those living near the Interstate. The Road Beat’s Mitchell Weitzman agrees, following his test-driving experience. “For a non-hybrid vehicle to achieve this figure is an impressive feat,” he writes. There is hope for gasoline fans yet.
2025 Nissan Versa
We revisit the bargain basement for another Japanese mile-eater, also known as the Nissan Versa. The relatively frugal maintenance cost of $1,810 over five years and 35 combined mpg make this a ride for the faint-hearted. The Versa won’t turn heads — but it will keep your wallet intact, which turns out to be surprisingly attractive after hitting 50, at least. When using our formula for fuel and maintenance costs, it works out to be roughly the same as the Volkswagen Jetta SE per mile, around 12 cents a mile.
That said, the Versa is cheaper — three out of four builds (S CVT, SR, and SV) that hit 35 mpg, range from $18,190 up to $21,190, which beats its German rival. Yet another car hits 40 mpg on the highway: a profane hand gesture toward the encroaching hybrid insurgents.
2025 Toyota Corolla
It’s hard to argue against the low-cost stalwart, the Toyota Corolla; it is the dedicated accountant sitting in the back office. Nobody really notices them, but they keep the whole business ticking over nicely; they might even have a glass of wine at the office Christmas party.
As far as gas-powered cars go, the 2025 Corolla LE has the highest combined mpg in the gas-powered fleet. Based on an average of 15,000 miles per year, the 2024 Toyota Corolla will accrue roughly $1,436 in maintenance costs in five years, according to CarEdge. It’s hard to ignore such stats, which make this entry only 12 cents per mile.
2024 Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s 2024 redesign is the latest model available, guaranteeing an admirable 30 mpg combined and $2,005 in a half-decade’s upkeep fees. There is no joke in the money a trusty Impreza might save you. With our simple calculation, a Subaru Impreza’s gas and maintenance over a five-year driving period of 15,000 miles per year is around 14 cents a mile.
That’s not bad, and it includes trips to Whole Foods and the local hiking trail. Furthermore, Subaru advertises 34 mpg on the highway, which can push that cost down. It doesn’t really matter which trim you choose, though the Sport and Base trims exceed the RS miles per gallon rate by one mile.
2024 Toyota Camry
As we know, all Camry models went the way of the hybrid in 2025, but the last gas-powered model standing will appeal to many. Not everyone is ready to sign off on their gasoline lifestyle just yet. For those who fear charging issues, the 2024 Camry design still means quick refuels are possible. The DOE lists the 2024 Toyota Camry LE and SE at 32 mpg combined, with a sweet 39 mpg in the fast lane.
If there were a car analogy for the student leaving the apple on the teacher’s desk, it’s the Toyota Camry. Humble, hard-working, and earnest would all make perfect descriptions of this perennial midsize sedan. It takes generations to earn trust, and the Camry deserves its quiet success.
2024 Honda Civic
Still hanging out at the more frugal end of the consumer market is the Honda Civic, another familiar face in the sensible green room. You can pick any of the Civic’s honorable stats as a selling point, not least the almost invisible depreciation. According to CarEdge, this model will have the lowest value depreciation of all its peers.
On top of this, running costs are tiny for Axios’ daily estimate for the average American’s 54-mile daily round trip. Fuel calculations show that at $3.50 per gallon, the Honda Civic will only set you back $5.40 at that distance. The price is based on its combined 35 mpg, which warrants only 1.54 gallons of daily gas for the average commuter. Gas station visits will be few and far between.
2024 Kia Forte
According to our calculations, a 2024 Kia Forte will give owners a fair shake in terms of running and maintenance costs. Choosing an LXS 2.0L CVT version will yield 34 mpg. At our control fuel price, this equates to a five-year outlay of $7,720 at the gas pump. What’s more, maintenance is still relatively low: $1,950 after five years.
The Kia Forte was updated late in 2024 to the Kia K4, but those impressively low maintenance costs are still up for grabs. A 2024 Kia Forte with less than 20,000 miles will sell for less than $20,000, according to Edmunds’ listings. Like many other cars in this pool, the Kia Forte doesn’t even flinch when passing the gas pump.
2025 Acura Integra
Japan strikes again with the next entry, the 2025 Acura Integra, whose turbocharged 1.5 L VTEC engine hits the mpg sweet spot. Coming in FWD and a continuously variable transmission, it offers the best value on your daily commute at 33 mpg combined and 37 on the highway.
However, the five-year maintenance costs of $2,414 start to climb with this car. Nonetheless, using our humble formula, it would still only cost 15 cents per mile. Furthermore, MotorTrend ranks the 2025 Integra first on its luxury subcompact cars rankings based on many comfort features. With this choice, drivers don’t have to compromise on comfort when they chase efficiency.
2025 MINI Cooper Hardtop
The US Fuel Economy platform maintains that the MINI Cooper hits 32 mpg combined, rising to 39 on the faster roads. Furthermore, Kelley Blue Book lists five-year maintenance costs of $2,920. This subcompact car, designed for an A-to-B mindset, suits anybody whose daily grind involves the Interstate or freeway.
According to our calculations, the MINI Cooper Hardtop might manage a 15 cents-per-mile cost, though these estimates are conservative and don’t allow for highway travel. In reality, it is likely much lower. Drivers also get to meet Spike, MINI’s live-in computer alter-ego, who responds to voice commands, changing the audio selection or the climate control at will. According to the J.D. Power review, Spike “can even tell jokes (not good ones) and stories when asked.” Solo commuters might enjoy this audible perk.
2025 Honda Accord
Here we go again with the low-frills, high-efficiency Japanese entrants. Make some noise for the — drumroll, please — 2025 Honda Accord. Yes, we know the hybrid is more efficient, but anything above 30 mpg makes the grade here. Honda states that both the 2025 Accord LX and SE gasoline models hit 32 combined and 37 mpg highway. For anyone hitting the fast lane, this makes the Accord hard to ignore.
Let’s be honest: the 2024 model wasn’t much different, yet it will be cheaper. Finding a new model may prove tricky, but there is no harm in trying.
2024 Chevrolet Malibu
America’s first entry here had to be included because this is the last gas-powered Chevy Malibu we will know. Moreover, this efficient midsize sedan has a combined 30 mpg and maintenance costs to rival the Subaru Impreza. It will cost roughly the same per mile to run (14 cents per mile) and at a similar MSRP, according to this AutoTrader post.
However, you will be getting a little more in performance and far more by the way of approving looks. If the Subaru is a soccer mom, the Chevrolet Malibu RS is her younger, single sister who hits the gym every day. If looks aren’t your thing, interior features like an available 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support are another selling point.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
One of the cheaper cars on the list is the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, a car made for the earnest commuter. According to Mitsubishi, every build shares the same astonishing 39 mpg combined. This statistic sits pretty with a conservative $1,661 of upkeep costs over five years. In fact, the 2024 Mirage is officially the cheapest-to-run car in this collection; better still, it has a 43 mpg highway rating.
Be warned: this is not a car for the impatient or the vain. The Mirage is the tighty-whities of cars: functional, unfussy, and not trying to impress the young or attractive. However, it is the last of its kind. Production ceased on the Mirage in 2024, meaning dealer inventory will likely run out in the summer of 2025. This simple city car can still find a welcoming home somewhere.
2025 Mazda3
The fourth-generation Mazda3 2.5 S model has been in circulation since 2019. This efficient car makes the grade for its 29 mpg combined, and the average US owner will spend $1772 in maintenance. Such a combination means Mazda3 drivers may spend less than 14 cents per mile.
The car is still a delight to drive around town due to excellent body control and response, according to Lucas Bell of RoadTrack. “The Mazda 3 remains a joyous alternative to the compact crossovers that dominate American roadways,” he writes. The fuel consumption may not lay a glove on the Mitsubishi Mirage, but you will get more credibility on the road.
2024 Hyundai Sonata
Considering the Hyundai Sonata gas-powered SEL is a relatively cheap car, it looks very cool — a car that will make the older among us feel younger. While this sedan looks like a young boy’s race car doodle, it still has the maturity of its elders. The Sonata 2.5L SEL or Convenience FWD models might suit a fast-lane driver, who will revel in 36 mpg on the highway.
Therefore, Hyundai’s advertised 29 combined mpg alongside five-year maintenance costs means the Sonata SEL comes in at 12 cents per mile. There is a strong case to be made here for the SEL Hybrid version, however, which only costs $3,000 more.
2025 Toyota Prius
Okay, we have the first part-electric usurper in our midst. Of course, we are only looking at partially polluting self-charging variants, and this HEV is like the Michael Jordan of its category: competitive, reliable, and famous. Step forward the stalwart of self-charging hybrids: the 2025 Toyota Prius LE FWD with its 56 mpg combined, putting the rest of this collection to shame.
Therefore, this collection is geared toward the best savings with zero visits to the local charging station. There is no need to plug in at home, and the 2023 redesign is still as slick as a Japanese anime edit. What’s not to love?
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
This choice will really get the traditionalists thinking about switching allegiances and joining Team Hybrid. For starters, it is only a few thousand bucks more than the gasoline SEL Sport, but it is almost over one-third more frugal. This car reaches 54 mpg, reaching 58 mpg on the highway. That’s more miles than cousin Randy’s last marriage.
The Edmunds maintenance costs guide puts the five-year average at $4,337 — significantly higher than most other cars here. Nonetheless, even with this in mind, you can expect to pay less than 6 cents per mile with the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue. Incidentally, the Edmunds guide also estimates no repair costs in the first four years of ownership.
2025 Kia Niro Hybrid
Kia is Hyundai’s brother from the same mother in terms of its origin (South Korea) and its mpg ratings: 54 combined. Therefore, it’s a tough pick between the two, each one offering something different. For instance, the Kia Niro makes ISeeCars’ list of the most affordable 2025 hybrid SUVs on the market.
However, this subcompact hybrid SUV is even cheaper over five years than its compatriot. Maintenance costs amount to $2,650 during this period. It means the Kia Niro Hybrid LX and more expensive SX models cost approximately five cents per mile during the first half decade.
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
If anyone tires of dominating the headlines, it must be Toyota, whose cars never cease to amaze with their cost-smashing car engineering. The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid is no exception; the LE trim hits an admirable 51 mpg combined, according to Toyota.
Meanwhile, the Edmunds maintenance prediction for five years comes in at $3,685, making the cost per mile around seven cents. If the gasoline version is the class nerd, the 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid is his best friend who just got a new laptop.
2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Again, Toyota is back with another classic family sedan with a partially electric soul, much like Robocop. The difference here is that Officer Alex Murphy effectively died, while the gasoline Toyota Corolla, for now, lives on with a 2026 American-assembled revamp.
Of course, the latter has a 2.0-liter engine in certain trims, while the hybrid’s 1.8-liter engine can’t match such acceleration. This choice comes down to long-term savings over performance and handling. The Corolla Hybrid LE gets to 50 mpg combined, meaning those dollars will just save themselves. Perhaps Toyota’s press release sums up who might drive this car: “Take on the Day Efficiently in the 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid.” Efficiently does it.
In Summary
So, there you have it. Some may be wondering why we included the hybrids at all, but our directive is to give all the options. We wanted to focus on gas-powered cars because four-fifths of America still yearns for the gasoline pump.
At least with this sprinkling of self-charging hybrids, we offer automotive food for thought for the rest of you. This research isn’t a perfect science by any means, but it will at least offer something to think about before making your next fuel-saving decision.