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The oil industry is picking up. Drilling is exploding, especially in West Texas, and, as result, gas prices are climbing higher again. And they’re only going to go up from here for quite some time. For a lot of us, then, fuel efficiency is a major concern. The problem is, though, that the really fuel efficient cars we’re familiar with look like a shoebox on wheels or a large version of a child’s toy. But that’s beginning to change. So let’s take a look at the best gas mileage cars of 2018.
Honda Fit
Without sacrificing practicality, the Honda Fit offers an impressive 36 mpg (33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway). In addition to its excellent fuel economy, the Fit has a good amount of cargo space and is generally fun to drive.
This fuel-efficient car comes in two transmission options: automatic or six-speed manual. The seat layout allows plenty of room in the interior with a good amount of cargo space as well. It is a reliable, pleasant drive and has Honda’s signature peppiness. And at around $16,000 base price, the Fit affordable, too.
Chevy Colorado Duramax
(Image source: Digital Trends)
Not all the best gas mileage cars are cars – some of them are pickups. At a base price of about $35,700 and with a fuel-efficiency rating of 23 mpg, this is a pickup you can actually afford to drive.
This mid-sized pickup has a four-cylinder diesel engine (although it comes in gasoline options as well) under the hood for great fuel economy and torque when you need it. The Colorado Duramax boasts an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Chevy also offers a performance model, the Colorado ZR2, with off-road capabilities.
Mazda CX-3
Mazda’s CX-3 is a small SUV without the typical SUV drawbacks – like a huge price tag and low gas mileage. It has a fuel efficiency rating of 29 mpg, and the base price is only about $20,000.
What the CX-3 offers is the taller build and all-wheel drive of an SUV combined with the smaller footprint of a hatchback, called a subcompact crossover. The adequate engine and attractive styling, coupled with the great gas mileage, make the CX-3 one of the best in its class. Other pluses are its responsive handling and quality interior that gives it the look and feel of a more luxury model.
Fiat 124 Spider
(Image source: Digital Trends)
And you can even get something very sporty in these 2018 cars with great gas mileage: Fiat’s 124 Spider. The EPA-rated gas mileage is 30 mpg, and the price tag is less than you’d expect, just a hair under $25,000.
Inspired by the classic Fiat look of the 1960s, the 124 Spider has retro body work with modern amenities. And with a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, this sporty car has plenty of giddy-up while keeping gas consumption down. In addition, its nimble handling makes driving the 124 Spider a joy.
As you can see, then, great gas mileage in a roomy, practical, even sporty vehicle really is possible. Fuel economy no longer has to be achieved by risking your life in a tiny car that can’t keep up with the “real” cars on the road.