Here is our list of the top Fuel Efficient Cars under $20,000 we found at the 2011 NY Auto Show. When we decided to go to the 2011 New York International Auto Show we had the intent of identifying new cars available for under $20,000.00 that have relatively good gas mileage. We based the following list strictly on price and manufacture’s estimated gas mileage. The price we give is the base price as stated by the manufacture. Safety and looks were not factors we considered and we are not endorsing any particular make or make, just providing you with the facts.
The first chart is sorted by price, whereas the second chart is sorted by estimated gas mileage.
The Ford Focus gets up to 40 MPG
Fuel Efficient Cars Organized By Price
Make / Model Gas | Mileage (city/hwy) | Base Cost
Hyundai Accent 3 door | 28/34 | $9,985.00
Nissan Versa | 28/34 | $9,990.00
Chevrolet Aveo | 27/35 | $11,965.00
Hyundai Accent | 30/40 | $12,445.00
Toyota Yaris 11 29/36 $12,955.00
Ford Fiesta | 29/40 | $13,320.00
Mazda 2 | 29/35 | $14,180.00
Hyundai Elantra | 29/40 | $14,830.00
KIA Forte | 26/36 | $14,995.00
Honda Fit | 27/33 | $15,100.00
Mitsubishi Lancer | 25/33 | $15,195.00
Toyota Corallo 11 | 28/35 | $15,600.00
Honda Civic | 28/39 | $15,805.00
Nissan Sentra | 27/34 | $15,840.00
VW Jetta | 24/34 | $15,995.00
Ford Focus | 28/40 | $16,270.00
Subaru Impreza | */36 | $17,495.00
VW Golf | 23/33 | $17,965.00
Chevroley Cruze ECO | 28/42 | $18,425.00
KIA Optima | 24/35 | $18,995.00
Ford Fusion | 23/33 | $19,820.00
Subaru Legacy | */31 | $19,995.00
* We were not able to find an estimated city gas mileage for any for Subarus.
The Toyota Prius Hybrid
Fuel Efficient Cars Organized By Gas Mileage
Make / Model Gas Mileage | (city/hwy) | Base Cost
Subaru Legacy | */31 | $19,995.00
Subaru Impreza | */36 | $17,495.00
Ford Fusion | 23/33 | $19,820.00
VW Golf | 23/33 | $17,965.00
VW Jetta | 24/34 | $15,995.00
KIA Optima | 24/35 | $18,995.00
Mitsubishi Lancer | 25/33 | $15,195.00
KIA Forte | 26/36 | $14,995.00
Honda Fit | 27/33 | $15,100.00
Nissan Sentra | 27/34 | $15,840.00
Chevrolet Aveo | 27/35 | $11,965.00
Nissan Versa | 28/34 | $9,990.00
Hyundai Accent 3 door | 28/34 | $9,985.00
Toyota Corallo 11 | 28/35 | $15,600.00
Honda Civic | 28/39 | $15,805.00
Ford Focus | 28/40 | $16,270.00
Chevroley Cruze ECO | 28/42 | $18,425.00
Mazda 2 | 29/35 | $14,180.00
Toyota Yaris 11 | 29/36 | $12,955.00
Ford Fiesta | 29/40 | $13,320.00
Hyundai Elantra 29/40 $14,830.00
Hyundai Accent | 30/40 | $12,445.00
* We were not able to find an estimated city gas mileage for any for Subarus.
The Mitsubishi Electric Car
Alternative and Hybrid Cars
We also looked at hybrids / alternative fuel cars and below is a list of those. Learning about the hybrids and electric cars was interesting. One question was concerning about the disposal of these lithium/ion batteries once they need to be replaced. One manufacture said that they will be recycled and used by places that generate electricity via wind mills. Notice that some models will not be available for several months. In some hybrids, the noticeable mileage increase is with city mileage.
One interesting fact we learned was that most electric vehicles are not designed for long-term travel. They are designed for communicating to save you in your day-to-day travels.
However the Chevy Volt has an gas-powered generator that extends the electric motor. When the battery drains down the gas generator will start and produce more electricity for the battery. This means that the Chevy Volt electric car can go almost 400 miles whereas other electric cars can only up to 100 miles.
Make / Model Mileage| (city/hwy) | Base Cost | Notes
Chevy Volt (electric) | Not stated | $32,780.00 | Has small gas-powered generator used for extended range
Ford Fusin (Hybrid) | 41/36 | $28,405.00
Ford Focus (electric) | Not stated | Unknown | Available late 2011
Nissan Altima (Hybrid) | 33/33 | $26,800.00
Nissan Leaf (electric) | 100 miles per charge | $25,280.00
Toyota Prius (Hybrid) | 51/48 | $23,050.00
Honda Civic (Hybrid) | 44/44 | $24,050.00
Honda Insight (Hybrid) | 40/43 | $18,200.00
Honda Civic (natural gas) | 24/36 | $25,490.00
KIA Optima (Hybrid) | 35/37 | Unknown | Available in some states in June 2011
Hyundai Sonata (Hybrid) | 35/40 | $25,795.00
Mitsubishi MiEV (electric) | target 85 miles | $27,990.00 | Available early 2012
The Nissan Leaf Electric car
For those who are not concerned about gas mileage or price, the Aston Martin, Bentley, and Audi showcased a few of their models at the auto show and were beauties.
The Bentley
The Audi TT RS
Rachel says
I am actively looking at purchasing a more fuel efficient automobile. Outstanding information, thanks for the article.