Most efficient gasoline midsize cars, 2026 model year

14 gasoline midsize cars are rated for model year 2026. Their best combined ratings run from 21 to 36 MPG, with a median of 27. Honda Civic leads at 36; Lexus LS is last at 21.

The leader gets 1.7 times the combined rating of the model at the bottom, a spread of 15 MPG.

The largest step between neighbouring ranks comes after Cadillac CT5, 10th: the next model, Audi A6, is 3 MPG lower.

On annual fuel cost under the file's assumptions, Honda Civic is lowest at $1,850 and Lexus LS highest at $3,900; the median is $2,775.

By make: Audi (3), Nissan (2), Alfa Romeo (1), Cadillac (1), 7 more with 7 models in all.

Best combined rating of the most efficient gasoline midsize cars for model year 2026.

All 14 models ranked

Annual fuel cost in the file is based on 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway driving, and the fuel prices that fueleconomy.gov published at the time of the release (the same prices for every model year).

Gasoline midsize cars ranked by combined rating, model year 2026
Rank	Model	Make	Combined MPG	Annual fuel cost	CO2 g/mile	Versions
1	Honda Civic	Honda	36	$1,850	248	5
2	Hyundai Elantra	Hyundai	35	$1,900	254	5
3	Kia K4	Kia	33	$2,050	269	5
4	Nissan Sentra	Nissan	33	$2,050	269	3
5	Mazda 3	Mazda	30	$2,250	294	7
6	Nissan Altima	Nissan	30	$2,250	297	2
7	Volkswagen Golf/GTI	Volkswagen	27	$2,500	326	2
8	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Alfa Romeo	27	$3,050	330	2
9	Audi A5	Audi	26	$3,150	345	1
10	Cadillac CT5	Cadillac	26	$3,150	346	8
11	Audi A6	Audi	23	$3,550	387	1
12	Audi S5	Audi	23	$3,550	386	1
13	Subaru WRX	Subaru	22	$3,750	412	2
14	Lexus LS	Lexus	21	$3,900	434	1

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Head-to-head comparisons

Each model is shown with its most efficient rated version. How the figures are prepared: methods and data.