While hybrids and EVs continue to dominate headlines, traditional gas-powered cars still have a place, especially when they deliver outstanding fuel economy. In 2025, one model stands out as the most fuel-efficient new gasoline-only car on the market, proving that efficiency doesn’t have to mean plugging in.

This compact car impresses with exceptional mileage, doing as well as 40 miles per gallon in combined driving. Its lightweight build, aerodynamic design, and efficient powertrain make it ideal for commuters and long-distance drivers alike. Despite its focus on economy, it still offers a comfortable cabin and a surprising list of modern features.

For drivers who prefer the simplicity of a gas engine without sacrificing efficiency, this car delivers unbeatable value. It’s proof that internal combustion isn’t done yet, and that great mileage can still come without a battery. Here’s why it’s the most efficient gas-only option you can buy in 2025.

Related

The Best Manual Sedan That’s Both Quick and Fuel Efficient

Blending driving fun with real-world practicality, this manual sedan proves you don’t have to sacrifice speed or fuel economy.

The 2026 Honda Civic Is The Most Efficient Non-Hybrid You Can Buy

If you asked anyone for a suggestion for an affordable car that is cheap to buy and cheap to run, whether they know cars or not, they’re likely to suggest the Honda Civic. The Japanese compact sedan is one of the most affordable new cars on the market and the perfect option if you’re trying to keep costs down. Here’s the layout you want for the best efficiency.

Performance Specifications

The base powertrain in the Civic is a pretty humble four-cylinder engine. The power it produces isn’t exactly inspiring, but it will get you from point A to point B. This engine pairs exclusively with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. This layout means that the little sedan doesn’t exactly take off quickly from a standstill, but it is enough to keep up in traffic.

The star of the show in the Civic, as has always been the case, is its neatly tuned chassis. Even though it isn’t particularly quick, it handles brilliantly and steering feedback helps make for an engaging drive. Its ride is well-balanced as well, allowing for that sporty feel without being to firm. If you’re looking for something quicker then the Civic Si or the high-octane Type R are likely to serve you a little better.

Fuel Economy

As has been the case for some time, the Honda Civic comes in two different body styles. It can be had as a sedan, which is a traditional four-door setup, or as a five-door hatchback. In the case of the gas-powered compact car, the sedan is actually the more efficient of the two, with the hatchback trailing in the EPA’s testing by two miles per gallon. Note that the above are the 2025 figures as the 2026 model has yet to be tested.

If you’re willing to spend the extra cash, Honda does offer a new hybrid powertrain in the 2026 Civic. It is quicker, putting out 200 horsepower, and can achieve up to 49 miles per gallon combined.

Related

10 Honda SUVs You Should Buy Used

These 10 used Honda SUVs offer great reliability, value, and performance for budget-conscious buyers.

Honda Does Value Better Than Its Rivals In the Compact Car Segment

Crossovers have definitely taken over the market, with most people willing to spend a little more to get some additional ride height. Despite this, the shrinking compact car segment still has a ton of heavy hitters, like the Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Jetta. It is among these great value options that the Civic reigns supreme, offering better bang-for-your-buck than anyone else.

2026 Trims and Pricing

If you’re looking for a non-hybrid Honda Civic, your choices are limited to two trims for the 2025 model year. Unfortunately, the Civic’s best features are reserved for the hybrid trims. As it stands, Honda has only started selling the 2026 model year of the sedans, with the 2025 hatchback only being available with the hybrid powertrain. This obviously limits your choices further if you’re looking to avoid any form of electrification.

With only two gas-only options, we’d opt for the upgrade to the Sport model. The jump in price is relatively low, with this trim only costing $2,000 more than the base model. It does, however, come with a decent amount of additional equipment to justify this price jump. It gets 18-inch gloss black wheels, wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated side mirrors, and blind-spot monitoring.

Changes For 2025/2026

For the most part, 2026 looks to be a carry-over year for the Honda Civic. This is due to the fact that it underwent a pretty major update for the 2025 model year. One of the biggest and most obvious additions was the hybrid model, featuring a 200-horsepower powertrain. This obviously meant that Honda cut the non-hybrid offerings to two trims.

The fact that Honda got rid of some of the top trim gas-only models also meant that the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine from the lineup. They also got rid of the manual transmission, which you used to be able to get in the hatchback. Now the only way to drive a Civic with a manual is to get the Civic Si or the Type R, which is fairly sad in our eyes.

Warranties and Maintenance

• Limited Warranty – Three Years or 36,000 Miles
• Powertrain Warranty – Five Years or 60,000 Miles
• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance – One Year or 12,000 Miles

Honda’s warranty offerings aren’t going to blow your hair back, but they aren’t unreasonable either. Both the powertrain and the bumper-to-bumper coverage matches what is on offer from most of Honda’s main competitors. This obviously excludes Kia and Hyundai, whose powertrain warranties last ten years or 100,000 miles. Honda does also offer some complimentary maintenance to sweeten the deal, though. If you opt for the hybrid model, Honda also covers any hybrid components for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Related

The Most Practical Hybrid SUV Available In 2025

Hybrid SUVs are a dime a dozen, but which offers the most practicality? There’s one particular model that deserves serious consideration.

The Gas-Only Civic Misses Out On Some Of The Best Interior Features

Honda delivers some pretty clean and comfortable interiors for the prices you pay. Unfortunately, with the introduction of the hybrid model, the Japanese brand is trying to push you out of the gas-only car. You may get access to the basic features you’d expect in a new car, but many of the most desirable pieces of kit are reserved for those who want the hybrid.

Interior Dimensions and Comfort

Whether you opt for the sedan or the hatchback, there is plenty of room in the Civic for up to four adults to be comfortable. Legroom in the back is pretty good for this segment, matching or beating what is on offer from other compact cars. Where your choice of body style does, obviously matter, is in the trunk. The hatchback offers close to ten cubic feet of additional space.

Honda definitely has clung to a more traditional cabin in terms of design, with the Civic featuring a ton of physical buttons and knobs that control key features. There is also a lot of interior storage in the form of cubbies. A honeycomb-styled insert that spans the entire dashboard cleverly covers up the HVAC vents. While the gas-model gets the basics right, if you’re looking for features like heated seats, leather upholstery, or dual-zone climate control, you’ll have to upgrade to the hybrid.

Infotainment and Technology

This is yet another area where sticking with the gas-only model will see you missing out on features. A seven-inch infotainment screen is standard, peaking out above the dashboard. However, hybrid models can instead get a nine-inch unit which pairs with a 10.2-inch digital gauge display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, but only the hybrid gets wireless connectivity.

Other features, such as USB-C ports, are standard, but a wireless smartphone charging pad is reserved for higher trim levels. An eight-speaker sound system is the best you can do with the gas-only models, with the hybrids being able to go for a 12-speaker Bose setup. However, the standard system is better than you’d expect. For the best tech, you really do need to ditch the gas-only engine.