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10 Sports Cars With the Best MPG (10 That Leave Wallets Empty)

CARFAX’s 2026 ranking reports 44 mpg for the Honda Prelude and 25 mpg for the Subaru BRZ. Verify each car’s exact EPA configuration, and treat any “thirstiest ten” list cautiously unless it uses comparable model-year-specific ratings.
Entry109 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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CARFAX’s March 2026 ranking of 2026 sports cars reports fuel-economy figures from 44 mpg for the Honda Prelude to 25 mpg for the Subaru BRZ. Those are CARFAX’s reported figures, not a guarantee for every trim or a replacement for checking the EPA rating for a specific engine and transmission. EPA says performance vehicles are generally among the lowest-fuel-economy vehicles, but the available research does not establish a comparable bottom-ten list, so this article does not invent one.

How to read these MPG comparisons

CARFAX describes its ranking as ordered from most to least efficient, with ties going to the less-expensive car. Its figures cover broad model lines in some cases and may not apply to every body style, trim, engine, or transmission. Treat them as a publisher’s comparison, not as individually verified EPA label ratings.

EPA label values are configuration-specific. When comparing a new or used car, check the model year, make, model, engine, and transmission in EPA’s FuelEconomy.gov vehicle search. EPA says the original estimate is the best indicator of average mileage for a properly maintained vehicle over a typical 15-year life.

EPA’s 2025 Automotive Trends Report uses an estimated real-world fuel-economy metric that differs from window-sticker figures, including a different city/highway weighting. Do not compare those trend-report estimates directly with label MPG as if they were the same measure.

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2026 sports cars with the best MPG in CARFAX’s ranking

The table preserves CARFAX’s reported order and figures. Use it as a starting point for research, then verify the exact configuration you are considering.

CARFAX rank 2026 model Reported MPG Comparison note
1 Honda Prelude 44 Four-seat coupe based on the Civic; CARFAX notes it has no manual transmission.
2 BMW 4 Series 31 Model line includes coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe body styles.
3 BMW 2 Series 30 Small coupe with limited rear-seat and cargo room.
4 Mazda Miata 29 Two seats and a small trunk.
5 Lexus LC 500h 29 Luxury grand tourer with a small rear seat and limited cargo room.
6 BMW Z4 28 Convertible oriented toward comfort as well as acceleration.
7 Toyota GR Supra 27 CARFAX describes lively acceleration and a cramped cabin.
8 Mercedes-Benz CLE 27 Luxury coupe.
9 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback 26 This figure is for the EcoBoost Fastback, not V8 Mustang trims.
10 Subaru BRZ 25 Rear-wheel drive and standard manual in CARFAX’s description; compact cabin and trunk.

Source: CARFAX, “Sports Cars With the Best MPG in 2026,” published March 6, 2026. CARFAX says its listed prices can vary by location and market conditions; this comparison does not reproduce prices because they are time-sensitive.

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Why a single MPG number can mislead

Fuel economy depends on the exact vehicle configuration and how it is driven. A model name can cover multiple engines, transmissions, and body styles, so a figure for one version should not be generalized to the whole range. EPA’s testing data come from work at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory as well as manufacturer-submitted test data.

EPA’s 2025 Automotive Trends Report says: “The highest fuel economy vehicles have all been hybrids or battery electric vehicles since the first hybrid was introduced in model year 2000, while the lowest fuel economy vehicles are generally performance vehicles or large trucks.” That broad finding puts performance cars in context; it does not identify the ten least-efficient sports cars.

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What about the 10 sports cars that leave wallets empty?

The available evidence does not establish a consistent, model-year-specific bottom-ten sports-car ranking or comparable combined MPG values for such a list. EPA’s general finding about performance vehicles is not enough to rank individual cars. A responsible comparison would first define which vehicles count, then verify each model year, engine, transmission, and combined label rating.

For a like-for-like comparison, decide whether the group includes luxury coupes, muscle cars, hybrids, and high-performance trims. Then compare the same rating measure across configurations. Until those checks are done, naming “thirstiest” models or assigning them MPG figures would risk misleading buyers.

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Choosing an efficient sports car

MPG is one part of the purchase decision, alongside price, performance, seating, cargo space, and body style. The Prelude’s top position in CARFAX’s list does not make it the best sports car for every buyer. A two-seat roadster, a small coupe, and a luxury grand tourer serve different needs even when their reported MPG figures are close.

  1. Identify the exact model year and configuration you want, including engine and transmission.
  2. Look up its EPA label rating and compare the same measure across the other vehicles on your shortlist.
  3. Consider seating, cargo capacity, body style, and performance along with fuel economy.
  4. For a used car, confirm its condition and history; EPA notes that a properly maintained vehicle’s original estimate is the best indicator of average mileage over a typical 15-year life.

FAQ

Which 2026 sports car has the best MPG in CARFAX’s ranking?

CARFAX’s March 2026 ranking puts the Honda Prelude first at a reported 44 mpg. The figure is CARFAX’s reported ranking value, not a universal rating for every configuration.

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Does the Ford Mustang MPG figure apply to every Mustang?

No. The CARFAX ranking specifies the Mustang EcoBoost Fastback. Do not apply its reported 26 mpg figure to V8 trims or other configurations without checking their ratings.

Why should I check the engine and transmission before comparing MPG?

EPA fuel-economy ratings are configuration-specific. Model year, engine, and transmission can change the rating, so compare the exact versions you are considering.

Is there a verified list of the ten least-efficient sports cars here?

No. EPA’s report says performance vehicles are generally among the lowest-fuel-economy vehicles, but the available research does not provide a comparable, verified bottom-ten sports-car ranking.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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