The 10 Most Efficient Cars For Long-Distance Commuting – TopSpeed

Studies have shown that approximately 8.9 percent of Americans have a long-distance commute to work that lasts 60 minutes or more. However, many more Americans drive even farther for vacations, business road trips, or just for fun, which could necessitate a fuel-efficient commuter car. The only trouble is that the current new car market is riddled with SUVs and trucks.

But, all is not lost, as there are some commuter cars still left on the market, which could make traversing the open road much easier for those long-distance road warriors. Of course, many of these cars are hybrids, but there are some internal combustion cars left for those who would rather not worry about the electronics that a hybrid car has. Here are 10 commuter cars with great fuel economy that are well-suited for long-distance commutes.

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10

2025 Subaru Impreza

Combined Fuel Economy: 30 MPG

The Subaru Impreza is one of those “go anywhere, do anything” types of commuter cars. Under its hood is a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter Boxer engine that garners up to 34 MPG on the highway, so you won’t need to stop at the pump too often during a road trip. But, more importantly, it also comes standard with a Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

Performance Specifications

The system sends power to the front or rear wheels, depending on which ones need more grip, which provides plenty of traction on all kinds of surfaces. That means you can drive the Impreza all year round, without having to worry about hitting inclement weather during a long road trip.

Pros

• Low entry price
• Practical interior
• Good fuel economy

Cons

• The design may be too utilitarian for some
• No manual transmission
• Could use more power

9

2025 Honda Accord

Combined Fuel Economy: 32 mpg

For the 2025 model year, only the bottom two Honda Accord trim levels come equipped with an internal combustion engine and the upper four trims are hybrids. However, that doesn’t take away from the Accord’s vast array of standard features and safety aids, which makes it a safe and smart choice.

Performance Specifications

But let’s not forget about its fuel efficiency. The Accord LX can get up to 37 MPG on the highway, according to the EPA. That’s no slouch, considering the Honda Accord is a rather large sedan, and it can get that number without the aid of an electric motor. Of course, if you need more fuel efficiency, the Accord Hybrid is a better option with its 51 MPG combined rating.

Pros

• Very fuel-efficient
• Strong internal combustion engine
• Large comfortable cabin

Cons

• No all-wheel-drive option
• No manual transmission
• The base model lacks a robust feature list

8

2025 Hyundai Sonata

Combined Fuel Economy: 32 MPG

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata has a futuristic look that makes it stand out from anything else in its class. But the Sonata is more than its looks, as it’s available with a trio of engines, including a 192-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, a 290-horsepower turbocharged engine, and a hybrid powertrain.

Performance Specifications

Obviously, opting for the hybrid variant is the best choice for the most fuel economy, but the base engine can hold its own. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder can achieve up to 38 MPG on the highway, which is among the highest in its class. Considering its stellar fuel efficiency, the 2025 Sonata is a strong contender for long-distance drivers seeking performance and fuel economy.

Pros

• Well-priced within the segment
• Good fuel efficiency
• Hybrid option for better fuel economy

Cons

• Polarizing styling
• Ride and handling are too soft for driving enthusiasts
• All-wheel-drive is not available on every trim

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7

2025 Volkswagen Jetta

Combined Fuel Economy: 33 MPG

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is a good choice for long-distance commuters, but not just because it’s fuel-efficient. Aside from being able to get up to 42 MPG on the highway, the Jetta’s interior is a comfortable place to spend time, whether you’re spending that time in traffic or on an open road.

Performance Specifications

That cabin is also filled with plenty of tech-savvy features, like a user-friendly infotainment system, a digital cockpit, and standard driver-assist features. With its impressive fuel economy, comfortable ride, and a healthy list of standard features, the Volkswagen Jetta is a compelling choice for commuters who don’t want to skimp on quality.

Pros

• Roomy cabin
• Supple ride
• Fuel-efficient engine

Cons

• No more manual transmission option
• Aging platform that needs a refresh
• No all-wheel-drive option

6

2024 Nissan Sentra

Combined Fuel Economy: 34 MPG

Commuters looking for the best value in the compact class should look no further than the 2025 Nissan Sentra. The Sentra is a comfortable sedan with its supportive and plush Zero Gravity front seats and spacious rear-seat area. It also has a fairly large trunk.

Performance Specifications

As you can guess, the 2025 Sentra is also very fuel-efficient, as its naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine can achieve up to 37 MPG on the highway, which equates to 496 miles on a single tank. That means that road trips should go a little quicker with the Nissan Sentra since you won’t be making frequent stops at the pump.

Pros

• Plenty of standard safety features
• Comfortable seating
• Very fuel-efficient

Cons

• Could use more power
• Not as fun to drive as some rivals
• Noisy drivetrain

5

2025 Kia K4

Combined Fuel Economy: 34 MPG

The 2025 Kia K4 is the new kid on the compact car block, but it may seem familiar to some. That’s because it effectively replaced the Kia Forte as the brand’s smallest sedan offering, but it is an improvement in almost every way. The all-new K4 has a bold new fastback look that’s reminiscent of the Kia Stinger, in addition to a fuel-efficient powertrain.

Performance Specifications

The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and can obtain up to 36 MPG on the highway. However, for speedy commuters, a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produces 190 horsepower is also available in the GT-Line Turbo trim. That trim level also comes equipped with a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for better handling and ride comfort.

Pros

• Fuel-efficient powertrains
• Strong turbocharged engine option
• Interesting interior and exterior design

Cons

• The base engine could use more power
• No hybrid option
• No all-wheel-drive option

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4

2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Combined Fuel Economy: 35 MPG

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback has everything the popular sedan of the same name has but with the addition of a practical hatchback shape. That means the Corolla Hatchback is just as comfortable and has the same features and powertrain without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Performance Specifications

As such, the Corolla Hatchback can achieve up to 42 MPG on the highway, and it doesn’t skimp on power either. The naturally aspirated engine generates 169 horsepower to the front wheels through a CVT engine, which is enough for getting around town and onto the highway. Once on the highway, the Corolla Hatchback can easily take you far without too many stops.

Pros

• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Plenty of standard features
• The Hatchback shape offers a good amount of practicality

Cons

• The engine can feel lazy upon accelerating
• Lackluster performance
• Polarizing styling

3

2025 Nissan Versa

Fuel Economy Rating: 35 mpg

Believe it or not, you can still buy a new car for less than $20,000. That car is none other than the 2025 Nissan Versa, which is also one of the last subcompact cars on the market. The Versa provides a perfectly good means of transportation with its spacious cabin and fuel-efficient engine.

Performance Specifications

Under its hood is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces only 122 horsepower, but what it lacks in power, it makes up for in fuel efficiency. As such, the road-worthy Versa can achieve up to 40 MPG on the highway, and an average of 35 MPG in mixed driving situations.

Pros

• Affordable entry price
• A comfortable ride
• Stellar fuel efficiency

Cons

• Weak acceleration
• The interior space is a little cramped
• The base trim is very sparse

2

2025 Honda Civic

Fuel Economy Rating: 36 mpg

Like the Accord, the 2025 Honda Civic is mostly offered as a hybrid, but there are a couple of base trims that come equipped with an internal combustion engine. That engine is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a CVT and produces 150 horsepower.

Performance Specifications

In addition to that power, the Honda Civic provides plenty of standard features, including Apple CarPlay compatibility, LED headlights, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies. Of course, the base Civic can also achieve good fuel efficiency, which equates to 36 MPG in combined driving.

Pros

• Attractive exterior styling
• Low entry price
• Spacious cabin

Cons

• The base engine could use more power
• The small standard infotainment screen
• Have to go hybrid for more features

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1

2025 Hyundai Elantra

Combined Fuel Economy: 36 mpg

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is a good alternative to other compact cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The Elantra boasts a bold exterior style and an interesting cabin, which is also filled with many standard features. Some of them include a 10.3-inch infotainment screen and an equally large digital instrument panel, a Wi-Fi connection, and smartphone integration.

Performance Specifications

More importantly, the Elantra comes equipped with a standard 2.0-liter engine that produces 147 horsepower and can achieve up to 41 MPG on the highway. Considering everything it has to offer, which includes a good amount of practicality and efficiency, the Hyundai Elantra is an excellent choice for those who want something different from a Civic or Corolla.

Pros

• Strikingly good looks
• Well-equipped interior
• Optional hybrid powertrain

Cons

• No manual transmission option
• Lackluster driving dynamics
• The base engine could use more power