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Best Fuel-Efficient Cars for Sale in Indianapolis

fuel efficient cars in Indianapolis | buy a used car with the best gas mileage

Fuel-Efficient Cars: Used Sedans, SUVs, and Trucks with the Best Gas Mileage

Despite the global trend of car electrification, vehicles with internal combustion engines are still the most common in the US. For those striving to optimize the car maintenance costs, where a fair share of expenses comes from fuel, we prepared our rating of the top fuel-efficient cars for sale in Indianapolis .

What Car is Most Fuel-Efficient?

Body Type Model Fuel Efficiency (city/highway)
Sedans Toyota Camry 28/39 mpg
Nissan Altima 28/39 mpg
Honda Civic 25/36 mpg
SUVs Buick Encore 25/30 mpg
Subaru Outback 25/32 mpg
Honda Pilot 19/26 mpg
Trucks Ford Ranger 21/26 mpg
GMC Canyon 19/25 mpg
Chevrolet Colorado 17/19 mpg


Selecting the most fuel-efficient car starts with the type of engine. Electric cars and hybrids are the leaders in terms of fuel economy. But what about ICE cars?

Diesel engines are traditionally used in SUVs and pickup trucks. They are considered more economical options, but they are less in demand in the US market than gasoline modifications.

Today, we prepared a list of the gasoline models to help you buy the most fuel-economical car in Indianapolis.

Most Fuel-Sparing Car for Sale in Indianapolis – Honda Civic

used Civic for sale Indianapolis
2018 Honda Civic Si Coupe Si

The tenth generation (2016-2019) of the Honda Civic is equipped with gasoline and diesel engines.

EPA-estimated MPG Ratings (city/highway) for 2019 Civic are:

  • Civic LX: 25/36 mpg
  • Civic EX-L: 32/42 mpg
  • Civic Touring: 30/38 mpg

In practice, the highway mode is the most economical driving option for the Honda Civic. This is also reflected in the passport characteristics for this vehicle. Driving around the city in a Honda Civic is the most expensive in terms of fuel consumption. And the real data can differ greatly from the references set by the manufacturer.

However, the Civic consistently holds the position of the most fuel-efficient and reliable car in the US. Read Honda Civic vs. Toyota Camry comparison .

SUV for Fuel Economy – Buick Encore

used Buick Encore for sale Indianapolis
2015 Buick Encore Leather

Buick Encore is not equipped with either diesel or naturally aspirated gasoline engines. The only available option for the power unit is a turbocharged engine with a capacity of 141 liters. The characteristics of the high-torque engine are adapted to the urban driving style.

The Encore with its standard engine gets 25/33 mpg city/highway (23/30 mpg, AWD), which is fuel-efficient by class standards. The Encore Sport Touring trim improves the economy up to 27/33 mpg city/highway (26/31 mpg, AWD).

The features of a small-capacity turbocharged internal combustion engine include:

  • High torque. Already at a crankshaft speed of 1850 rpm, it reaches 200 Nm.
  • Fuel efficiency. In the city, Buick Encore consumes no more than 9 liters of fuel per 60 miles, reducing its appetites to 6 liters on the highway.
  • Chain-drive gas distribution mechanism. The recommended chain replacement interval is 60 thousand miles.
  • Valve drive system hydraulic compensators. These compensators eliminate the need for additional clearance adjustments.

The specialists and ordinary drivers rate the engine reliability as a solid four out of five. Read about other best SUVs for gas mileage .

When Fuel Efficiency Still Matters – Ford Ranger Truck

used ford ranger

Fuel efficiency is rarely the main parameter for buying a pickup truck in Indianapolis , but some models stand out from the competitors. For example, the Ford Ranger truck is considered the most economical mid-size ICE pickup in the US.

The 2019 Ford Ranger boasts impressive gas mileage, with an EPA-estimated 21 /26 MPG and 20 /24 MPG for the 4×4 models.

For comparison, a rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Colorado with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine is estimated at 20/30 MPG and 17/24 MPG for the all-wheel-drive version.

The Ranger is not only more economical than its main competitor, but also significantly more powerful. It has a 270-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, while the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Colorado engine develops only 200 hp.

What Is a Good Fuel Economy?

Fuel consumption is a variable unit that tends to change. The amount of gasoline a car consumes increases or decreases depending on the traffic situation or the driving style. Good fuel efficiency for a non-hybrid engine is about 20/30 mpg city/highway.

However, several decisive factors can negatively affect the distribution of gasoline:

  • Vehicle weight. The larger the car, the more effort it takes to set it in motion. A significant amount of gas will be supplied to the combustion chamber, increasing fuel consumption. The aerodynamic qualities also affect fuel efficiency.
  • Driving style. Aggressive driving, characterized by maneuverability, maximum acceleration, hard braking, extremely increases the fuel consumption. To save fuel, gradually pick up speed and keep it average while driving. This style will also help extend the car’s life.
  • Improper maintenance. A vehicle on the blink consumes 10% more gasoline than a regularly serviced one. Pay special attention to the level of pressure in the wheels. A decrease in this indicator can lead to excessive fuel consumption.
  • Auxiliary equipment powered by the battery. Air conditioning system, radio, lighting equipment, etc.

Used Fuel-Efficient Cars for Sale in Indianapolis

Car owners and manufacturers have long understood that it is necessary to save not on the assembly and technical aspects but on fuel consumption. That’s why even used vehicles can demonstrate impressive fuel economy, whether you are looking for a sedan, SUV, or truck.

If you want to buy a used car with the best gas mileage in Indianapolis, visit Indy Auto Man. We will help you find your best suit among used fuel-efficient cars and get the most favorable financing and trade-in deal.