Best Fuel-Efficient Cars Under $35,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports

The Best in Fuel Efficiency Reported

New car shoppers are taking a closer look at vehicles that are not only reliable but are fuel-efficient as well without having to pay outrageously high prices.

This week, Consumer Reports updated their tiered selection of fuel-efficient vehicles focused on cars that not only provided the mpg you want, but are also those models with strong predicted reliability, high owner satisfaction, and solid safety performance to help consumers find their next car to fit their needs and wallet.

Consumer Reports’ Under $35K Recommendations

That said, here is a summary of their list presented in decreasing order of “overall fuel efficiency”:

1. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Price Range: $21,550 - $27,175
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg
Rated #2 of 14 Small sedans
Predicted reliability: 5/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 70%

2. 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Price Range: $24,550 - $29,150
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg
Rated #7 of 14 Small sedans
Predicted reliability: 3/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 67%

3. 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Price Range: $26,220 - $36,645
CR MPG: Overall 47 / City 39 / Hwy 53 mpg
Rated #1 of 13 Midsized cars
Predicted reliability: 4/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 75%

4. 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Price Range: $28,100 - $36,400
CR MPG: Overall 44 / City 36 / Hwy 51 mpg
Rated #9 of 13 Midsized cars
Predicted reliability: 4/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 64%

5. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Price Range: $22,965 - $26,430
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
Rated #5 of 16 Small hatchbacks
Predicted reliability: 3/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 58%

6. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta
Price Range: $20,655 - $28,385
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 21 / Hwy 54 mpg
Rated #8 of 14 Small sedans
Predicted reliability: 3/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 53%

7. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price Range: $28,050 - $38,950
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 25 / Hwy 42 mpg
Rated #1 of 4 Roadsters
Predicted reliability: 5/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 86%

8. 2023 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $21,550 - $27,175
CR MPG: Overall 33 / City 23 / Hwy 45 mpg
Rated #4 of 14 Small sedans
Predicted reliability: 5/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 64%

9. 2023 Honda Civic
Price Range: $25,050 - $43,295
CR MPG: Overall 33 / City 23 / Hwy 44 mpg
Rated #5 of 14 Small sedans
Predicted reliability: 4/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 63%

10. 2023 Kia K5
Price Range: $25,290 - $31,690
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 20 / Hwy 52 mpg
Rated #6 of 13 Midsized cars
Predicted reliability: 4/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 68%

11. 2023 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $26,220 - $36,645
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 20 / Hwy 49 mpg
Rated #5 of 13 Midsized cars
Predicted reliability: 4/5
Percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" as to whether or not they would buy the same vehicle again: 71%

And finally…

For additional articles related to fuel-efficient vehicles, here are a few selected ones for your consideration:

• New Hybrids That Will Save You the Most Money on Gas

• 10 Real Ways to Really Save Gas and Money

• New Hybrids to Love, to Ignore, and to Avoid Advises Consumer Reports

COMING UP NEXT: Is The Left Coming for Your Pickup Truck?

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily Tesla and electric vehicle news.

Image source: Pixabay