Hatchbacks With Best MPG of 2022

Common Specifications and Engine Types

Once upon a time, a standard gasoline generator was your only option. It still is an option, in four-cylinder configuration, but we can also pick from hybrid or electric powertrains. So, what does each bring to the table?

• Gasoline - Still the most common powertrain on the market, this configuration is losing popularity due to the increasing cost of fossil fuels, concerns about carbon emissions, and lower overall economy.
• Hybrid - By pairing a four-pot with a motor and a battery pack, the standard combustion engine does a little extra work for you. This improves mileage by up to 50% on some models, which is bound to bring a smile to your face. These vehicles also usually benefit from a tax rebate in the USA.
• Electric - Still a relatively new technology, these powertrains rely purely on their motors to power the wheels. They deliver the best miles per gallon of any powertrain, although they technically do not use liquid fuel. The main downsides are lower overall range due to limited battery capacity and long charge times when “refueling.”

The Most Efficient Hatchback

In terms of pure economy, the Hyundai Ioniq EV is the most fuel-efficient hatchback in the segment. Although it is limited to a total range of 170 miles, it boasts the highest mileage of 145/121/133 MPGe across the city/highway/combined cycles. Charging the 28 kWh battery on a Level 1 outlet takes a mind-numbing 35.5 hours, but upgrading to a Level 2 reduces this to six hours.

Other Hatchbacks With the Best mpg

There are a number of other options on the market if you consider more than just efficiency. That is not to say that these vehicles have poor mileage by any means of the imagination.

• Toyota Prius - A well-known name in the high-value market, the Prius is powered by a four-cylinder paired to one or two motors, depending on the drivetrain you opt for. Boasting extremely competitive figures of 58/53/56 mpg in its cheapest (app. $24,000) base trim, it is still an extremely popular choice.
• Toyota Corolla - Another offering from the Japanese manufacturer, the Corolla receives a four-cylinder engine and either a manual or an automatic gearbox. In its most efficient guise, it achieves 32/41/35 mpg.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV - A fully electric machine from the Americans, the Bolt’s motor develops 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, while delivering 127/108/118 MPGe. It is a little pricier than the competition, though, with a starting MSRP of around $37k.

What to Consider Before Buying

While the market for this type of vehicle has not been as lucrative as several others, namely SUVs or pickups, it still has a lot to offer. Here are just some of the advantages and disadvantages attributed to the segment:

Pros

• Ideal size for dealing with city traffic and parking lots
• Generally very low starting price
• Excellent mileage figures
• Impressive cargo capacity
• Hot hatches can be fun to drive

Cons

• Not as appealing as larger, more stylish autos
• Less spacious passenger accommodations
• No off-roading capabilities
• High-tech hybrid/EV models are pricey

FAQs