Looking for a cheap summer road trip? Here are your best options, across high MPG gas engines, hybrids, and pure electric vehicles.
Spoiler alert: electric cars are the cheapest cars to go the distance, but even if EVs don’t work for you, there are plenty of other efficient cars that are great for road trips.
As of May 2026, the average new car transaction price was $49,220, according to Kelley Blue Book. To curate our list, we looked for a mix of the cheapest cars to fuel up, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with purchase prices at or below the average new car transaction price. When multiple trims or configurations of a model qualify, we chose the most efficient.
2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD
Not only is the Tesla Model 3 one of the most affordable and efficient EVs you can buy, it has some cool features that make road tripping even more fun. Traveling with a furry friend? With Tesla’s Pet Mode, you can linger over lunch or browse for souvenirs while the four-legged family members stay safe in the temperature-controlled cabin. A notice on the infotainment screen informs passerby that your pets are being pampered, not neglected.
- MSRP: $38,630 including destination
- 139 MPGe combined, 147 city, 130 highway
- Annual fuel cost per EPA: $550
2026 Nissan Kicks
In base form, the Nissan Kicks subcompact crossover is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy, as well as one of the most efficient non-hybrids. This Nissan offers best-in-class cargo capacity, which is always a nice perk on a road trip, and features standard wireless smartphone integration. If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Kicks is available with an awesome Bose stereo with speakers embedded in the front headrests.
- MSRP: $24,325 including destination
- 31 mpg combined, 28 city, 35 highway
- Annual fuel cost per EPA: $2,000
2026 Toyota bZ
Fret not, the Toyota bZ electric crossover is much more spacious inside than it looks from the outside. Even better, the redesigned bZ now features up to 314 miles of range and a NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port, which enables DC-fast charging at the Tesla Supercharger network. The original bZ(4x) was a flop, but Toyota has rectified its problems, making a smooth cruising partner for a summer road trip.
- MSRP: $36,495 including destination
- 131 MPGe combined, 143 city, 119 highway
- Annual fuel cost per EPA: $550
2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Kia makes value-oriented vehicles without compromising comfort or style, and the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is perhaps one of the best examples of this successful formula. Sure, it’s 10 grand more than the regular Sportage Hybrid, which would give anyone pause initially, but it’s among the most affordable plug-in vehicles you can buy, plus it’s loaded with tech and safety features. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid boasts best-in-class cargo space and rear leg room, perfect for road trips as well as everyday life, and is rated for up to 34 miles of all-electric range.
- MSRP: $41,985 including destination
- MPG: 83 MPGe combined on electricity, 36 mpg combined on gas
- Annual fuel cost per EPA: $1,250
2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick is quite a likable little pickup truck, with a competitive base price and an available hybrid powertrain with good fuel economy ratings. It’s perhaps not the best road trip vehicle for a big group, due to its snug second row, but it’s totally fine for a weekend getaway with the kids. The Maverick Hybrid is even capable of towing a small boat or camper.
- MSRP: $29,990 including destination
- MPG: 38 combined, 42 city, 35 highway
- Annual fuel cost per EPA: $1,650
