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Ever since the small economy hatchbacks of the 1980s, the trusty hatchback has been a long-standing favorite body style for car buyers everywhere, thanks in part to the roomy interiors, effective cargo space, and excellent gas mileage. In recent years, the hatchback marketplace has been declining slightly due to the current surge in popularity of small SUVs, which have started to compete with hatchbacks for the same consumer base.

However, hatchbacks are still one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles you can find on dealer lots today. If you are looking for a great car with a ton of space and great fuel economy, look no further. Here is everything you need to know about the five hatchbacks you can buy today with the best gas mileage, according to TrueCar.

5. 2023 Kia Rio

A red 2023 Kia Rio 5-Door hatchback model driving through an urban city
2023 Kia Rio 5-Door hatchback | Kia America

The Kia Rio has been an excellent hatchback option for years, and the 2023 model is no exception. According to TrueCar, the 2023 Rio has a combined fuel economy rating of 36 mpg with great standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto. Unfortunately, the base Kia Rio does not come with any standard driver-assistance features, and the driving experience is uninspired. Still, with a starting MSRP of just $17,645, the Rio is a great option for consumers looking to get behind the wheel of a brand-new car with an excellent factory warranty at a low price.

4. 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage

With the death of the Chevy Spark in August of 2022, the Mitsubishi Mirage remains the cheapest new car you can buy in America, with a base MSRP of just $17,290. For the 2023 model year, the Mirage ditched the manual transmission option, opting to simplify the lineup down to a single engine option paired with a CVT transmission. While the Mirage is small, it can still carry five passengers and is estimated to reach fuel economy numbers of 36 city mpg and 43 highway mpg.

3. 2022 Toyota Prius Prime

While the Kia Rio and the Mitsubishi Mirage are incredibly affordable options, the Toyota Prius Prime is a step up in quality and price. Starting at $29,865 MSRP, the Prius Prime is full of technology, cargo and passenger space, and standard features. The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that delivers impressive fuel economy thanks to that hybrid system. If you get behind the wheel of a Prius Prime, you can expect fuel economy numbers of around 55 city mpg and 53 highway mpg. Additionally, with great standard features on all trim levels, like heated seats, the Prius Prime is a stylish, comfortable, and fuel-efficient commuter for any driver on the road today.

2. 2022 Toyota Prius

No fuel-efficient hatchback list would be complete without a couple of different Toyota Prius options to choose from. Just edging out the Prius Prime is the standard Toyota Prius, a standard hybrid vehicle, unlike the plug-in hybrid Prius Prime. Even though the standard Prius is not as technologically advanced as the Prius Prime and cannot drive in full-electric mode, it offers better standard fuel economy at 58 city mpg and 53 highway mpg. With the standard Prius offered at $26,170 MSRP, this model offers excellent fuel efficiency and great standard safety features at an affordable price.

1. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 

The award-winning 2022 Hyundai Ioniq takes the top spot on TrueCar’s list of the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks you can buy today. The Hyundai Ioniq offers incredible value, starting at just $24,695 and offering fuel economy numbers of 54 city mpg and 57 highway mpg. The Ioniq is offered in both standard hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, and with the plug-in hybrid model, you can expect a full-electric range of 29 miles, perfect for emission-free short-range commutes. The Ioniq comes standard with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles for the basic warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile hybrid/EV warranty, ensuring that this hatchback isn’t just a stop-gap vehicle but a full-on investment for years of efficient driving. However, as the Ioniq has recently been retired, you might have a hard time finding one on a Hyundai dealership lot.

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