Sports cars are thrilling to drive but if you’re trying to save money on gas, they don’t have the best history with fuel efficiency. That is because until recently, having good miles per gallon was not as important as going fast on the roads. At its core, a sports car is a frivolity with very little practical purpose.
Sports cars are statement vehicles, with the statement typically being that the driver can afford it. You’re less likely to find advertising for fast cars with good mpg — until now. Learn about the most fuel efficient sports cars right here with our guide.
The 2016 Subaru BRZ and 2016 Scion FR-S
With a combined city and highway mileage of 29.5mpg, these two cars have certainly made the list of sports cars with good mpg. They have very similar designs, minus a few superficial differences. Both developed by Subaru and Toyota while being manufactured by Subaru, the BRZ and FR-S are known in Japan as the Toyota 86.
They’re main differences come down to paint, their body configurations, and other designs, but the 2.0-liter 200-horsepower engine and rear-wheel-drive are what keep car enthusiasts coming back. While these aren’t the cars to blow you off the line, they still handle impressively well during turns. Plus, they sound loud and proud as you switch gears and switch lanes.
The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth
Known as the Cinquecento, this tiny car is one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars on the market. It has a combined city and highway mileage of 31mpg, giving it a lot of brawn for the size of it. At 144 inches long and 64 inches wide, it features parallel parkers with a 30.6-inch turning radius, making it easy to squeeze into tight spots.
It also has a retractable sunroof, five cup holders, power outlets, power windows, cruise control, and 38mpg highway mileage. Its 1.4 liters, 160-horsepower engine keeps its performance high and the gas usage low. Courtesy of its electronic stability control and performance suspension, it can keep up with many of its competitors.
The 2016 Hyundai Veloster
Another one of the best fuel-efficient sports cars is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster. Its design caters to the same drivers who enjoyed the Mini’s swift quickness. The Veloster has light speed and a 1.6-liter engine with 132 horsepower which is more than adequate.
Unlike the Mini, this exterior closely replicates a sports car while still offering cost-efficient additions. Aside from its combined 31 mpg, there is a ten-year warranty on its alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen entertainment system, plus a game console compatibility. Not to mention, the driver’s side has one door while the other has two — talk about bold for a bargain.
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is an economical sports car with 31.5mpg and a drop-top two-seater interior, making it a fan favorite. It handles turns like a rally car and performs like a Porshe Boxster, but for a lower price. Its redesign made it lower to the ground and 148 pounds lighter.
This makes it great for its mileage and even better after its additional perks. There’s a touchscreen and communications system. Plus it has a 2.0 liter, 155-horsepower engine that makes it move a bit peppier than other sports cars.
The 2016 Mini Cooper Coupe
For a smaller car, the 2016 Mini Cooper Coupe offers 32 mpg while still being fast and fun for the driver. It offers Mini’s toys, such as the Mini Connected entertainment center, which has a 6.5-inch high-definition display. There’s also an Apple-designed Bluetooth interface with an app to connect your smartphone and/or iTunes.
There’s an optional GPS that also makes this remarkably fast 121 horsepower subcompact an even more enjoyable ride. There’s Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and Pandora can provide the perfect soundtrack. This is one of the fast cars with good mpg you need to have on your list.
The 2016 Mazda 3
With the Mazda3, you can have a striking amount of power within an extremely small space. It features a 2-liter engine that gives the little hatch 155 horsepower and helps it dust most cars in its class while still having 36 mpg of fuel efficiency. Even the standard versions of this car come with six-speaker audio, standard Bluetooth, voice command, multi-function Commander control, Pandora, HD Radio, auto text, and voice reply.
The only downfall is the 12 cubic feet trunk space, but if you travel light, it should work out just fine.
The 2016 Honda CR-Z EX
If you consider the base model, there is still 130 horsepower on this vehicle, 37.5 mpg automatic, and 34.5 mpg manual. It also features a leather steering wheel, ambient console lighting, aluminum pedals, optional navigation, seven-speaker sound system, and fog lights. Unless you grab this car street-ready, where you’ll likely have to make a lot of modifications once you leave the dealership.
The 2015 Porshe 918 Spyder
One of the top-notch sports cars with good gas mileage is this hybrid. It features 887 horsepower, a top speed of 214 mph, and goes 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds. Its electric motors send out 286 horsepower on its own but combined with the 601-horsepower and 4.6 liters V8, it makes this carbon-fiber dream car one of the best on the market.
At its price, you’ll get leather and brushed aluminum interior, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a backup camera, heated side mirrors, and the Porshe Communication Management system. There’s a 3D navigation display, two USB ports, a 7-inch touch screen, SD card, central high-resolution 8-inch TFT display, and more. This car will remain efficient until you run out of electricity — that’s when the mileage drops to a bleak 22 mpg combined.
Finding the Best Fuel Efficient Sports Cars
Remember that the sports car isn’t dying but evolving. Buyers are generally expecting better fuel economy out of their high-horsepower vehicles. And thanks to our list of the best fuel efficient sports cars, you can hone in on the best one for you with ease!