Fast and Fuel-Efficient: Cars That Deliver Power and MPG

For drivers who want the best of both worlds — sporty performance and low running costs — these models rise above the rest. They’re smart, efficient, and still a blast to drive, showing that modern performance no longer has to come with a penalty at the pump. Here’s a look at the cars that deliver speed and savings in equal measure.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA. Models are ranked based on their combined efficiency, from least to most efficient. This list focuses on ICE models, excluding hybrids and EVs.

10 2026 Toyota GR Supra

Combined Fuel Economy: 26 MPG

The GR Supra has faced controversy ever since it launched due to the fact that it shares many of its components with the Z4. While it isn't the Toyota-built sports car that people were hoping for, we still think it ranks among the top sports cars in the world. Unfortunately, the 2026 model will be the last.

Performance Specifications

Toyota decided to remove the turbocharged four-cylinder from the lineup for the 2026 model year, leaving the six-cylinder the only option. This isn't a bad thing, though, as this model is definitely the best version of the GR Supra. This coupe is quick, agile, and lighter on fuel than you'd expect.

9 2025 Audi S3

Combined Fuel Economy: 26 MPG

The Audi S3 is easily one of the most underrated sporty cars that you can buy right now. It sits between the sleek and sensible A3 and the bonkers RS3, delivering a fantastic blend of everyday comfort and raucous fun. For 2025, it also receives a 22 horsepower bump, making it that little bit quicker.

Performance Specifications

Audi's subcompact sports sedan gets a boost in power, up from the 306 horsepower it made last year. Its over-achieving four-cylinder engine pairs with a smooth dual-clutch transmission and Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel drive system as standard. Considering how quick and how practical it is, 26 miles per gallon is not bad at all.

8 2025 BMW M240i

Combined Fuel Economy: 26 MPG

If you're looking for a compact luxury coupe, then your options are slowly but surely dwindling. The 2-Series Coupe is a rare breed in today's world, but it easily stands out with fantastic curb appeal and incredibly rewarding driving dynamics. The M240i in particular impresses.

Performance Specifications

Despite being one of the least efficient model on this list, the M240i impresses with its balance of performance and efficiency. Its inline-six is absurdly powerful, motivating the coupe to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds, all while being able to remain above 25 miles per gallon combined.

7 2025 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

Combined Fuel Economy: 26 MPG

While the Ecoboost Mustang often gets dunked on for not having a V-8, it is actually a really impressive coupe for the money that you pay. We can't really blame people for jumping straight to the eight-cylinder engine in the GT, but the Ecoboost offers some great bang-for-your-buck if you're looking for a sports car on a budget.

Performance Specifications

Compared to the V-8 powered GT, the Ecoboost Mustang isn't that far behind when it comes to acceleration to 60 miles per hour. The GT gets there three tenths of a second faster. The Stang is about speed and performance, but this generation is also much more comfortable in daily scenarios than outgoing models.

6 2025 Mazda 3 Turbo

Combined Fuel Economy: 27 MPG

Mazda has built their entire modern identity on the sporty feel of all their cars. They may not always be the quickest, but they are always responsive and agile. The Mazda 3 may look unassuming, but equip it with the optional turbocharged powertrain, and it turns into a veritable hot hatch.

Performance Specifications

Compared to some of the other hot hatchbacks on the market, the Mazda 3 Turbo may feel a little more reserved. This is because Mazda tries to strike a balance between everyday comfort and playfulness. For enthusiasts on a budget, this practical hatch is a great choice for a one-car garage.

5 2025 Kia K5 GT

Combined Fuel Economy: 27 MPG

For a midsize family sedan, the Kia K5 comes with some pretty aggressive exterior styling, especially after its light facelift for the 2025 model year. While the 191-horsepower engine in the base model is uninspiring, the top-of-the-line GT definitely better lives up to the muscular sheetmetal this Kia wears.

Performance Specifications

The GT gets a ton of performance upgrades over the base K5, including a more powerful turbocharged powertrain. It comes standard with a unique dual-clutch transmission, bigger brakes, and a more refined suspension tune. If you don't care about what badge your car wears, the K5 is actually a pretty impressive entry-level sports sedan.

4 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Combined Fuel Economy: 27 MPG

We're still mourning the loss of the Quadrifoglio, with the high-performance M3 killer being removed from the lineup for the 2025 model year. However, even the base Giulia is impressive, featuring the drama and artistry that you could only expect from an Italian sports sedan.

Performance Specifications

The Giulia delivers performance and luxury in bucketloads. Even though it only has four-cylinders under the hood, it is always eager to be pushed and sounds fantastic when you put your foot to the floor. Its fuel efficiency is close to class-leading as well, with the rear-wheel drive model being the lightest on fuel.

3 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Combined Fuel Economy: 27 MPG

If you're looking for the most affordable hot hatchback on the market right now, Volkswagen has you covered with the GTI. This legendary little rocket has continued to survive where many of its rivals have died off thanks to its value for money when it comes to quality and performance.

Performance Specifications

The GTI is all about fun, with a punchy turbocharged engine and agility that is genuinely hard to find at this price point. It may not be as hardcore as the Golf R, but the GTI is a ton of fun and impressively practical. The only thing that makes us sad is that Volkswagen has ditched the manual transmission for the 2025 model year.

2 2025 BMW Z4 sDrive30i

Combined Fuel Economy: 28 MPG

Perhaps one of the most underrated models that BMW currently produces is the Z4. This roadster was designed side-by-side with the Toyota Supra, one of the most highly praised sports cars on the market. The Z4, however, comes with a more luxurious interior and a roof that folds down.

Performance Specifications

Where Toyota is only offering the inline-six in the Supra for the current model year, BMW is still letting buyers equip the Z4 with their inline-four. While not as outright raucous as the M40i, the sDrive30i is impressively peppy, wonderfully agile, and pretty light on fuel considering how quick it is.

1 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Combined Fuel Economy: 30 MPG

Fun and affordable cars have certainly been making a comeback in recent times, which is fantastic for enthusiasts who don't have tons of money to burn. While the Jetta GLI often gets overshadowed by rivals like the Hyundai Elantra N, it is easily one of the most versatile cars in its class.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood of the GLI is the same powertrain that you'll find in a Golf GTI, making slightly less power here. While the Jetta may not be the quickest car you can buy, it is incredibly engaging, eager to tackle back roads. The six-speed manual is also still available in the Jetta, making it a great option for driving purists. The manual is also slightly more efficient, with the automatic achieving 29 miles per gallon combined.