Small Size, Big Fuel Bills
At a glance, compact cars promise affordability, convenience, and — most of all — efficiency. They're supposed to be the smarter, leaner choice for the daily grind. But looks and size can be deceiving. Some of these small rides burn more fuel than you’d expect. Ahead, you’ll find 20 compact cars that defy expectations by underperforming in one area where they’re expected to shine.
1. 2022 Chevrolet Spark
The Spark gets just 30 MPG in the city. Its 1.4L engine lacks a turbocharger, which limits efficiency and power. Despite its small size, its mileage is comparable to some midsize sedans, and even though it uses a CVT, it still underperforms in fuel economy.
2. 2019 Fiat 500L
While larger than the standard 500, the 500L is still compact. This small wagon gets just 22 MPG in city driving. That tall, boxy design creates unexpected drag on efficiency, and the 1.4L turbo engine fails to deliver expected fuel savings.
2019 FIAT 500L Trekking FWD 1.4L Turbo I4 #041701 by Auto Connection of Lancaster
3. 2020 Mini Cooper S
You’ll spend more at the pump with this than with many crossovers. Its 2.0L turbo engine sacrifices efficiency for a sporty drive, and the combined fuel economy is 27-31 MPG, low for its segment. Also, premium gas is required, further compounding running costs.
4. 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Entry-level luxury doesn't come with entry-level fuel economy. This car’s city mileage is disappointing for a compact car—only 24 MPG. A 2.0L turbo engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission fails to optimize fuel use, and its coupe-styled frame adds weight without improving aerodynamics.
5. 2021 Subaru WRX
The performance tuning here prioritizes speed over economy. Despite its size, its turbocharged flat-four engine is thirsty, and AWD adds weight, contributing to lower efficiency. City fuel economy is just 20 MPG, and while enthusiasts may forgive the mileage, your wallet won’t.
2021 Subaru WRX Limited: Start Up, Exhaust, Test Drive and Review by Bros FOURR Speed
6. 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE
Toyota has a rep for economy, but this one underdelivers—just 30 MPG in the city. This car uses a continuously variable transmission but fails to optimize mileage. Its sport-tuned suspension and wider tires reduce efficiency, and the added weight and drag don’t come with power benefits.
7. 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
The quirky 3-door layout of the Veloster Turbo R-Spec isn’t matched by fuel savings, and while its exhaust tuning adds fun, it also wastes fuel. The turbo engine and manual transmission combination hurt efficiency, and the EPA city rating is just 25 MPG.
2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec review: More performance, more practicality (4K) by CNET Cars
8. 2016 Audi A3 Quattro
The AWD version posts just 23 MPG city. While its quattro system adds weight and mechanical drag, the turbocharged engine and dual-clutch setup increase urban fuel burn. It’s a compact that drives like a bigger car, mileage included. That luxury badge hides lackluster real-world fuel numbers.
2016 Audi A3 Quattro Premium Review - The Importance Of Accessibility by Shooting Cars
9. 2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe (230i)
While compact in size, this car is heavy in build. Its turbocharged four-cylinder prioritizes smooth acceleration over thrift, and rear-wheel drive and heavier materials increase consumption. City fuel economy is rated at only 24 MPG. You get performance, but you'll pay for it in gas.
2017 BMW 2 Series 230i xDrive - SOLD at Fishers Imports by Fishers Imports
10. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The GLI looks like a daily driver but performs like a track car. Despite being a “Jetta,” it’s tuned more aggressively than it seems. This car’s 2.0L turbo prioritizes torque over fuel savings, and it manages 26-30 MPG combined, well below rivals.
11. 2021 Mazda3 Turbo AWD
This car’s interior luxury and handling come at a fuel cost. Mazda's “Zoom-Zoom” tagline doesn’t apply to MPG, as the EPA city rating of the Turbo AWD is only 23 MPG, which is low for a compact. Turbo and AWD combo weigh heavily on fuel economy.
12. 2021 Genesis G70 2.0T
The G70 2.0T achieves 22 MPG in the city per EPA estimates for the RWD automatic, lower than average for compact sedans. Heavier than most compacts, it pushes the boundary of the segment. You can expect performance—but not economy—at this trim level.
13. 2018 Acura ILX
Marketed as entry-luxury, the ILX offered dated tech and disappointing MPG. Its 2.4L engine lacks modern efficiency features like turbocharging or cylinder deactivation. Returning a combined 28 MPG, the fuel economy sits below average for compact sedans.
14. 2020 Kia Forte GT
The Forte GT offers a sport exhaust system that enhances sound but adds no fuel benefit, and it averages only 27 MPG combined. A turbocharged 1.6L engine boosts power but reduces overall efficiency, and the sport tuning works against mileage.
2020 Kia Forte GT Complete Walkaround Review by Kia Hyundai Channel
15. 2021 Nissan Sentra SR
A city mileage of 28 MPG is low for a modern compact. While the SR trim adds styling and weight, it doesn't improve performance. It comes with a CVT but still struggles with urban fuel use. Also, drivers report that actual mileage often underperforms EPA ratings.
A Beautiful Economy Car! | 2021 Nissan Sentra SR Review by THROTTLE ONLY
16. 2017 Lexus CT 200h F Sport
Modern hybrids exceed 40 MPG, but this one only achieves 31 MPG combined. The powertrain is outdated and lacks plug-in capability, and its F Sport badge adds nothing to power or MPG. You pay a hybrid premium without getting hybrid results.
17. 2016 Buick Verano
With a midsize-like footprint, the Verano’s size pushes the limit of what’s considered “compact.” It offers luxury ride quality, but gets just 21 MPG in city driving, among the worst for compacts. A 2.4L engine and hefty curb weight drag down efficiency.
18. 2022 Honda Civic Si
Civic buyers may be shocked by how thirsty the Si trim is. This fun-to-drive car averages 27 MPG combined, which is underwhelming for a Civic. Turbocharging adds excitement but dings economy, and its manual transmission lacks fuel-saving technologies like rev-matching or eco-mode.
2022 Honda Civic Si Review // A Sensible Hero by Throttle House
19. 2015 Scion tC
With only 23 MPG city, the tC is far from competitive. While it’s a Scion, it wasn’t known for economy. It features a 2.5L engine, larger than most in its class, and its hatchback coupe styling was more style than substance.
20. 2020 Infiniti Q50 2.0t
The Q50 2.0t’s 2.0L turbo engine is inefficient for a compact luxury vehicle. Even with the small engine, its chassis is heavier than most in its class. It's compact in badge alone, as it only manages 23 MPG in the city.
2020 Infiniti Q50 Luxe Review - Terrible New, Fantastic Used! by Shooting Cars
