It’s a luxury night out…at the gas station. Well, it certainly seems that way, as the state of the world has left us to face many unknowns over the last couple of weeks and gas prices have surged to an all-time high. You may be questioning your own car’s fuel efficiency right now and wondering how the price increase might affect you differently if you drove a different car. If you’re a first-time buyer, you might be considering an electric car, which offers a lower price tag and lower carbon emissions that run on natural resources and aren’t dependent on the current fuel market.
According to AAA, the national average price of gasoline has risen to a whopping $4.32 a gallon, and it seems we’re a bit away from putting the brakes on the uptick. And while it feels like we’re trading in a night of beer on tap for gas, the idea of plugging in looks pretty good right about now. At the very least, you may want to know what your options are.
We did our homework for you and curated a list of cars that hit the 50-60-mpg sweet spot and are below the $30K mark, so you can wine and dine instead of gas station hopping on your next night out. With heavily inflated car prices and the average car value reaching nearly $47,000, we did our research and selected options that were mindful, keeping the cost low and efficiency high. You’re welcome.
Here’s what we came up with.
- Toyota Prius ECO: The Classic
There’s one parked on every few blocks and it’s for good reason. The Prius is still one of the most popular in its class; available at 50-mpg with all-wheel drive, while the Prius Prime, plugs in with 25 electric miles and 54-mpg. A base price below $30,000, the Prius practices efficiency with a green advantage that won’t leave you sitting in gas lines and it’s smart spending.
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Like a Regular Corolla but Trendier
Much like the Prius, the Corolla Hybrid holds similar features with the same hybrid efficiency, at a slightly lower cost than the Prius. It holds an EPA estimated 52 highway mpg and 53 mpg city, for a combined rating of 52 mpg. It's a great bang for your buck, equipped with safety features and some of the best fuel economy in its class.
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: The Money Award Winner
The coolest thing about the Sonata Hybrid is its solar panel rooftop and the fact that it's famous for its gas-fueled capacity yet is just as spacious and as feature-filled as a more expensive sedan. It was a 2022 finalist for Best Hybrid or Electric Car and was awarded the Money Award for its high standard combo of quality plus value. Hybrid batteries can last about 10-15 years, which makes this car another solid choice.
- KIA Niro LX - SUV: Crossover with Kinetic Powers
The KIA Niro boasts up to 53 city mpg, is a spacious crossover SUV, and has an extensive warranty. It has updated features and captures kinetic energy to recharge its battery, which is really the best part. With a low-price tag, an available plug-in hybrid option, the KIA is a smart alternative to a regular gas-guzzling SUV.
- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue: MPGs will Give You FOMO
One of the most efficient hybrids on the market at a fantastic price point, the Hyundai Ioniq Blue outdoes the Prius reaching a combined 59 mpg, while the plug-in version comes in at 52 mpg, and can drive 29 miles per charge. The Hybrid Blue reduces exhaust emissions, improves fuel economy, and contributes to an eco-friendly environment.
As gas prices rise and fuel efficiency is on the mind, electric cars may be the thing to save us. Whatever your next car might be, Suretys will always be there as your trusty Plus One.
Suretys knows buying a car is complicated. Convincing a parent or a friend to cosign for you adds a lot of pressure. What if you had your own PLUS ONE? Suretys replaces the need for a cosigner and becomes your PLUS ONE. The proof is all in the word “significant”: SIGN IF I CAN’T! Suretys takes the weight off while you take the wheel. Learn more https://plusone.suretys.com/ to join the movement.
