Fuel-Efficient Small Car Guide
Does Small Mean Unsafe?
Some data suggest that consumers driving smaller, more fuel-efficient cars may be compromising some level of passenger safety. But the playing field is more level than it may first appear.
When thinking about saving money at the pumps or reducing emissions at the tailpipe, size matters. Bigger vehicles weigh more than smaller ones—and vehicle weight is the single biggest determinant for fuel efficiency. A heavier vehicle needs more power, and thus uses more fuel to accelerate. You’ll be way ahead of the fuel economy game if you “right-size” your vehicle.
It’s important to take a step back and consider why you drive. Are you looking for a car primarily to commute to and from work? Or is it a second car for quick errands around town? How many passengers do you usually carry? Shopping for a car that meets—but does not exceed—those real needs is an essential first step toward fuel efficiency.
List of Small Cars
| Sort by: | Name | Combined MPG  | Type | MSRP | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Smart ForTwo | 36 MPG | Coupe | $12,500 | Now | The Smart ForTwo is cute and relatively fuel efficient, but underpowered with a clunky transmission. |
 | Chevrolet Cruze Eco | 34 MPG | Sedan | $18,200 | Now | New stylish subcompact, due in 2010, could be Chevy's high-mpg hit. |
 | FIAT 500 | 33 MPG | Coupe | $15,500 | Now | Small and loaded with Italian flair, with combined mileage expected in mid-3o-mpg range |
 | Toyota Yaris | 32 MPG | Sedan | $13,000 | Now | The Yaris is the leader of the subcompact triumvirate, which includes the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa. |
 | Mini Cooper | 32 MPG | Coupe | $19,400 | Now | Matches or beats efficiency of other subcompacts, but with tons more style. |
 | Mini Cooper Clubman | 32 MPG | Coupe | $20,400 | Now | The same hip and efficient Mini Cooper, but with a longer body and wheelbase. |
 | Mazda2 | 32 MPG | Sedan | $14,200 | Now | Small and fun to drive, and it beats the mileage of Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. |
 | Honda Fit | 31 MPG | Sedan | $14,600 | Now | The Fit has a smart, but playful appearance, and a deceivingly large and versatile five-passenger interior. |
 | Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Sedan | $15,600 | Now | Popular and practical model with fuel efficiency approaching the hybrid realm. |
 | Nissan Versa | 30 MPG | Sedan | $16,600 | Now | Offered in two body styles, a sporty 5-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan, the Versa is the largest and most powerful entry-level compact car. |
 | Honda Civic | 30 MPG | Sedan | $15,500 | Now | The best-selling compact is affordable, and gets good mileage. |
 | Nissan Sentra | 30 MPG | Sedan | $15,800 | Now | Competitively priced small car with nifty interior features and competent road manners |
 | Kia Rio | 29 MPG | Sedan | $12,300 | Now | Plain-Jane from from front to back. The Kia Rio makes no false promises. It's affordable and efficient. |
 | Ford Focus | 29 MPG | Sedan | $16,000 | Now | 40 mpg on the highway, in a functional package with a pinch of oomph. |
 | Chevrolet Aveo | 29 MPG | Sedan | $12,000 | Now | Bargain price for comfortable ride, fuel-efficiency, and reasonable performance |
 | Kia Soul | 28 MPG | Sedan | $13,300 | Now | Hip, affordable, boxy urban cruiser, with lots of accessories. |
 | Suzuki SX4 | 25 MPG | Sedan | $17,000 | Now | The most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle on the road today. |
 | Mazda5 | 25 MPG | Van/Wagon | $18,000 | Now | Number one most fuel-efficient minivan on the market. Smaller than most. |
 | Toyota iQ | n/a | Coupe | n/a | 2010 | The iQ will compete with Smart by offering four seats, and Toyota quality. |
 | Ford Fiesta | n/a | Sedan | $13,300 | 2010 | Small Euro-styled 40-mpg subcompact |
 | Honda Fit Hybrid | n/a | Sedan | n/a | 2012 | The hybrid version of the Honda subcompact could become the leader of the pack on fuel efficiency, and with a low price. |
 | Volkswagen up! Concept Series | n/a | Coupe | n/a | Concept | Volkswagen's play into the high-mpg minicar market. |
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