Magic 50: 5 Cars and SUVs That Get More Than 50 MPG

With gas prices as high as they are right now, many Americans are no doubt starting to reevaluate the vehicles they drive. Although EVs offer a way to avoid the latest pain at the pump, many still aren’t ready to make the switch. The good news for those folks is that there are plenty of highly efficient, non-EV options available.

And despite what you may think, these cars aren’t simply joyless econoboxes whose sole existence is to perform the obligation of driving as anemically and economically as possible. We’re in 2026, brother. That means you can get efficiency and great design, along with solid driving dynamics and modern technologies across a variety of body styles and brands. Did we mention that many of them come with low base prices? Here are five cars and SUVs with a lot to offer across the board—all while returning more than 50 mpg combined.

Did you think a story about cars with great fuel economy wouldn’t include the Prius? Obviously, we’re including it because it tops the list of cars with best fuel economy you can get this side of an EV or a hydrogen-powered car. Besides being the best-looking Prius yet, the hybrid hatchback sports a contemporary interior and offers great practicality. It achieves that prodigious combined mpg rating in LE front-wheel-drive guise, and even better, it starts at just under $30,000.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Toyota Prius

Although Hyundai’s compact hybrid sedan competes against the industry heavyweights Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Hybrid, those two can’t touch the Elantra Hybrid’s 54 mpg combined fuel economy. When paired with its sporty exterior styling and modern tech, the Elantra should be a winner in anyone’s book. Expect to pay just under $27,000 for the Hybrid Blue base version.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid is the only SUV on this list, and it more than deserves the shoutout thanks to an EPA rating of 53 mpg combined for the base hybrid model. Although the Niro is a front-drive only vehicle, the payoff is fantastic for a subcompact hybrid SUV thanks to its overall efficiency and added practicality. Oh, and it will cost you just south of $29,000 to start.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Kia Niro

Despite its similarities to the outgoing model, the new Camry continues to deliver good cargo and passenger volume and a nice driving experience. A hybrid powertrain is now standard across all trims, but if you want to get the most mpg out of your Camry, spring for the FWD LE version, which can be yours for just under $31,000.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Toyota Camry

Easygoing and eye-catching, it’s clear that Hyundai hasn’t forgotten about the Sonata despite its SUV-heavy lineup. For those who want a midsize hybrid sedan that’s not a Camry, the Sonata is the next best thing, with a user-friendly interior and good overall practicality. You’ll need to choose the Blue trim with its smaller wheels to maximize its efficiency, however. Prices start at under $31,000.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid