Just because gas prices are low now doesn’t mean it’s wise to ignore fuel efficiency when buying a new car.
Enter Consumer Reports, which made a list of the best fuel-efficient cars and SUVs under $35k.
We’ve compiled CR's top 6, all of which are worth considering if you’re in the market for a more affordable new car that won’t break the bank at the pump.
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Credit: Toyota
The Camry Hybrid achieves 48 mpg overall and starts at $29,000. It's only available as a hybrid and gets high marks from CR, which praised its fuel-efficiency, powertrain, and “pleasing balance of ride comfort and capable handling, practical interior space, and user-friendly controls.”
“If you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient midsized sedan that does just about everything well—and is likely to last for years down the road—it’s hard to find a better choice than the Toyota Camry,” CR said.
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Credit: Honda
Like the Camry, the Accord Hybrid is another great pick for a mid-sized, fuel-efficient sedan. It’s a little more expensive, starting at $33,655, and gets a combined 40 mpg.
“The Accord Hybrid remains a sensible midsized sedan that’s roomy, fuel-efficient, and blessed with super-easy controls,” CR said. “The hybrid version scored better in our testing than the conventional Accord, aided by its superior fuel economy and much more pleasant power delivery. We think it’s one of the best cars on the market.”
Still, the magazine dinged the accord for “mediocre front-seat comfort” and being less fuel-efficient than a previous model.
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Credit: Kia
The Sportage Hybrid is the highest-rated SUV to make the list. Starting at $30,290, it’s cheaper than the Accord and obviously larger, although it only gets a combined 36 mpg, which is still much better than many small SUVs.
“The Sportage is one of the roomiest small SUVs, and the hybrid version is unequivocally the best pick,” CR said. “The hybrid is quicker, quieter, has a smoother ride, and managed 36 mpg overall—an 11-mpg gain over the gas-only model. All of those positives combine to make the hybrid the slam-dunk Sportage choice.”
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Credit: Hyundai
The RAV4 Hybrid comes CR-recommended, too. It starts at $29,800 and gets a combined 37 mpg.
But CR did have some warnings. “The original Toyota RAV4 pioneered the small, car-based SUV segment in the mid-1990s, and it has continued to set a high standard for the class with each subsequent generation—until now. Today, the RAV4 is no longer among the best in class in our road tests,” it said. It complained about its ride and the fit and finish of the SUV.
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Credit: Mazda
The Mazda CX-50 starts at $34,750, just under the cutoff for CR’s list, and gets 37 combined mpg.
“Although it wears a Mazda badge, the CX-50 Hybrid has the heart of a Toyota,” CR said. “The exterior styling, nicely trimmed cabin, and fine handling are all Mazda, but the hybrid powertrain is essentially the same gas engine and electric drive combination you’ll find in a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.”
One CR tester said, “If you like the way Mazdas handle and how Toyota’s hybrid system operates, then this is the best of both worlds. I couldn’t get over the uncomfortable front seats, though.”
7 / 8
Credit: Hyundai
The Tucson Hybrid starts at $32,200 and gets a combined 35 mpg. CR said the 2026 version “leapfrogged the model it replaced, with a smoother ride, sharper handling, and a quieter cabin.”
“This boldly-styled compact SUV now outshines several segment mainstays, including the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4,” it added. It had high praise for the SUV's handling, braking, ride, roomy interior, and controls, but warned it does have an “unintuitive gear selector.”
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If you're interested in eschewing the pump altogether, here is CR's list of the best luxury EVs — and the best EVs for long-distance road trips.

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