When you think of compact cars, fuel efficiency is often one of the top selling points. However, not all small cars live up to that expectation. In this article, we’re highlighting 20 compact cars that may seem efficient at first glance, but end up being surprisingly disappointing when it comes to fuel economy.
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Mini Cooper S
Despite its compact size and sporty design, the Mini Cooper S has a turbocharged engine that craves fuel. With its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, drivers are often disappointed to see fuel economy ratings around 26 MPG combined, which is lower than expected for a car of its size.
Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 Abarth may be fun to drive, but its 1.4-liter turbocharged engine consumes more fuel than you’d expect for such a small vehicle. With an average of 24 MPG combined, it falls short of other compact cars that are known for better efficiency.
Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, is designed for performance, but that comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. Drivers only get around 25 MPG combined, which is a bit underwhelming for a compact car aimed at both daily driving and sporty performance.
Chevrolet Sonic
While marketed as an affordable compact, the Chevrolet Sonic struggles with fuel efficiency. The 1.4-liter turbo engine offers just 27 MPG combined, which isn’t impressive when compared to other cars in its class.
Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is beloved for its sporty handling, but its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine drinks fuel faster than many expect. At just 27 MPG combined, the GTI’s performance focus makes it a less efficient choice for a compact vehicle.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a performance-oriented car with all-wheel drive, but its fuel economy suffers as a result. With an average of just 22 MPG combined, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine isn’t ideal for drivers seeking fuel efficiency in a compact car.
Mazda3 Turbo
The Mazda3 Turbo may be quick off the line, but it lacks the fuel efficiency many expect from a compact car. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers around 25 MPG combined, putting it at a disadvantage compared to more fuel-efficient rivals.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Despite its edgy design, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo has a disappointing fuel economy. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine only manages about 28 MPG combined, which isn’t stellar for a compact vehicle designed for sporty driving.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is renowned for its performance, but its 2.0-liter turbo engine is far from fuel-efficient. With an average of just 25 MPG combined, the Civic Type R sacrifices efficiency for speed, leaving drivers wanting more miles per gallon.
Nissan Juke
The quirky Nissan Juke is known for its unique style, but not for its fuel efficiency. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine averages only 29 MPG combined, making it less efficient than you’d expect from a small crossover.
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart’s fuel economy is underwhelming, especially with its 2.4-liter engine. Averaging only 27 MPG combined, the Dart’s performance doesn’t justify its subpar fuel efficiency in the compact segment.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback may seem practical, but its fuel economy is less impressive than its sedan counterpart. With around 32 MPG combined, it falls behind other compacts in terms of efficiency, especially given Toyota’s reputation for fuel-saving cars.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Although discontinued, the Mitsubishi Lancer is remembered for its poor fuel efficiency. Its 2.0-liter engine averages about 26 MPG combined, making it a letdown compared to other compact cars in its era.
Kia Forte GT
The Kia Forte GT offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that sacrifices fuel efficiency for performance. With just 27 MPG combined, it’s less efficient than many other non-performance-oriented compact cars.
Buick Verano
The Buick Verano may offer a quiet and comfortable ride, but it lacks in fuel economy. Its 2.4-liter engine delivers just 24 MPG combined, which is low for a compact car in its class.
Jeep Renegade
Despite its compact size, the Jeep Renegade’s boxy design and off-road capability lead to poor fuel efficiency. The 2.4-liter engine offers only 24 MPG combined, making it one of the least efficient compact crossovers.
Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV, but its 1.4-liter turbo engine still struggles with efficiency. With only 28 MPG combined, it falls short compared to other compact SUVs in the market.
Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue Sport is designed for urban adventurers, but its fuel economy is lacking. Its 2.0-liter engine delivers just 28 MPG combined, which is less than what you might expect from a small crossover.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek may be versatile and practical, but its fuel efficiency doesn’t stand out. The 2.0-liter engine combined with all-wheel drive only delivers about 29 MPG, making it less fuel-efficient than many competitors.
Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R is known for its powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and performance, but that comes at a cost. It averages just 24 MPG combined, which is disappointing for a compact car with a performance focus.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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