The 10 Cheapest Cars To Fill With Gas In America Right Now

With gas prices climbing 35% since the start of the conflict in Iran, one in four Americans now report they are considering downgrading or upgrading to a cheaper, more fuel-efficient vehicle.

To help budget-conscious drivers navigate rising pump costs, a new October 2026 study from auto experts at Rerev highlights the top 10 gas-powered cars that remain the cheapest to keep fueled and maintained. The report evaluated annual fuel costs at current pump rates, year-over-year fuel expense increases, federal frontal crash safety scores, and average annual repair costs.

Here are the 10 cheapest gas-powered cars to drive in America right now, ranked by annual fuel expenses:

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,577
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$354
• Cost per 100 Miles: $10.51
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 4 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $457

The Reality: The Mitsubishi Mirage takes the top spot as the cheapest car to fuel in the United States, keeping yearly gas expenses under $1,600. Thanks to its lightweight frame and modest three-cylinder engine, it absorbed the recent gas price hikes better than any other vehicle studied, seeing a modest year-over-year fuel bill increase of just $354. Combined with an affordable $457 annual maintenance cost, it remains an unbeatable budget commuter.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,708
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$383
• Cost per 100 Miles: $11.39
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 4 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $444

The Reality: Claiming second place, the subcompact Hyundai Accent costs roughly $1,708 annually to keep fueled at current pump rates. It limits repair costs to an average of $444 per year while offering solid 4-star frontal safety protection, making it a reliable, low-cost option for city commuters.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,757
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$394
• Cost per 100 Miles: $11.71
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 4 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $452

The Reality: Tied for third place, the Hyundai Elantra equipped with engine stop-start technology keeps annual fuel costs right at $1,757. It saw a manageable $394 fuel cost increase year-over-year while providing a roomier compact sedan cabin and reasonable $452 annual repair bills.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,757
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$394
• Cost per 100 Miles: $11.71
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 4 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $456

The Reality: Tying the Elantra for third, Nissan's entry-level Versa subcompact sedan delivers identical fuel efficiency numbers, running drivers $11.71 for every 100 miles driven. Low maintenance costs ($456/year) and a 4-star safety rating make it an accessible option for new drivers looking to dodge high gas bills.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,809
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$406
• Cost per 100 Miles: $12.06
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 4 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $491

The Reality: Moving up to Nissan's larger compact sedan adds just $52 to the annual fuel bill compared to the subcompact Versa. While its $491 average annual repair cost is slightly higher than its subcompact peers, it remains dramatically cheaper to run than any SUV or pickup truck on the road today.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,809
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$406
• Cost per 100 Miles: $12.06
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 5 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $362

The Reality: Matching the Sentra on annual fuel expenses, the Toyota Corolla emerges as the smartest long-term value on this list. It boasts the highest safety score among the top contenders with a perfect 5-star frontal crash rating, alongside the lowest annual repair bill in the study at just $362 per year.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,809
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$406
• Cost per 100 Miles: $12.06
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 4 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $609

The Reality: Volkswagen's compact sedan ties the Corolla and Sentra at $12.06 per 100 miles driven. While its annual fuel bill is impressively low, potential buyers should factor in higher European maintenance expenses, with annual repairs averaging $609 per year.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,922
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$431
• Cost per 100 Miles: $12.81
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 5 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $400

The Reality: Proving that midsize family cars can still be economical, the Honda Accord costs $1,922 per year to fuel. It delivers an outstanding mix of efficiency, cabin space, top-tier 5-star crash safety, and an exceptionally low $400 average annual repair bill.

• Annual Fuel Cost Today: $1,922
• Fuel Cost Increase vs. 1 Year Ago: +$431
• Cost per 100 Miles: $12.81
• Frontal Crash Safety Rating: 4 Stars
• Average Yearly Repair Cost: $451

The Reality: Rounding out the top 10, the Kia Forte compact sedan matches the $1,922 annual fuel figure. With a modest $451 annual maintenance bill and a 4-star safety rating, it provides a feature-rich, economical alternative to larger, thirstier crossovers.

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