Aug 11
20
Fuel efficiency is the name of the game these days as drivers weary of record prices at the pump and are eager to reduce their energy costs. Fill ups north of $50 are common these days, adding hundreds of dollars to already strained household budgets.
If you’re in the market for a new car, then one of these five fuel efficient beauties should satisfy your needs. Best of all, each one is priced from under $20,000, allowing you to save at the dealership as well at the pump.
1. Ford Fiesta – With pricing from about $14,000 and highway gas mileage of 40 mpg, the subcompact Ford is big on value. This model seats up to five people and is versatile, available in sedan or hatchback body styles. For about $17,000 you can get a fully loaded car with a premium sound system, satellite radio, a navigation system and push button start.
2. Chevy Cruze – With a large interior, the compact Cruze offers midsize legroom and many standard features including 10 airbags. Choose the 1LT trim level and you’ll enjoy leather wrapped steering and shift knob, steering wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a turbocharged four cylinder engine. Enjoy 42 mpg with a manual transmission or choose the optional automatic for 39 mpg highway. This trim level Cruze is priced from just under $19,000.
3. Hyundai Elantra – No model except the Hyundai Elantra offers the same fuel economy across its entire model line regardless of whether a manual or automatic transmission is selected. This car, rated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg, is priced from $16,500 and is loaded with amenities including four-wheel ABS, front and rear heated seats, satellite radio, traction control, stability control and more.
4. Kia Optima – Among midsize sedans, the Optima is the value leader and can be had for just under our targeted price threshold. A Sirius audio system is standard as is Bluetooth connectivity. Full length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, stability control, electronic force distribution and anti-lock brakes are among the many safety features that are standard. This car gets 35 mpg on the highway.
5. Honda Insight – Only one hybrid model is priced from under $20,000 and that is the Insight, by Honda. This vehicle gets 40 mpg city, 43 mpg highway and offers a surprising number of amenities standard. Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a premium audio system and numerous safety features including ABS, electronic force distribution, traction control and active front head restraints can be found on every Insight model.
There are many more models priced from under $20,000, including a handful priced for less than $15,000. If you’re shopping for a new car today and are trading in a fuel efficient model, your trade may be worth more than you think, offering further savings for you.
Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of “Auto Trends Magazine.” Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Chrysler 300 vertical doors and Acura parts.
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