THE GAS-POWERED CAR WITH THE HIGHEST DRIVING RANGE IN 2024

  • Gas-powered vehicles can be very economical, and the Kia Forte offers an impressive range of 574 miles on the highway.
  • The Kia Forte lineup boasts a frugal 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain with a high combined MPG.
  • Features on the Kia Forte include a modern design, innovative safety technology, and sleek looks at an affordable price point.

In the modern world, where every dollar and cent is counted for everyday living, buying an economical and efficient car that gets every last mile from the tank is a top priority for a lot of American buyers. You'd expect vehicles boasting the best miles per gallon statistics and range to be new electric cars and new hybrid cars. But, there is still the odd gas-powered vehicle that can contend with some of the best high-mile range EVs and hybrids on the market.

Despite the rise in popularity of hybrids and EVs, gas-powered vehicles still dominate the U.S. automotive market. There are plenty of gas-powered offerings on the market that offer exceptional range and go far on a single tank of gas. The 2024 Kia Forte is this year's highest-range gas-powered car.

We have brought you the following information, which we think you will find useful, about claimed range, efficiency, the costs for each trim, why it makes a good everyday car, and how it gives electric cars and hybrid cars a run for their money.

UPDATE: 2024/04/27 09:00 EST

Gas-only vehicles are still popular among car buyers stateside. Therefore, we have updated this piece with information about other vehicles that offer outstanding ranges on one tank of fuel.

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 Fuel Economy.gov, Repair Pal, NHTSA, and Car & Driver for road testing.

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The 2024 Kia Forte Eats Up The Miles

If you are looking for a car with mileage in mind, the 2024 Kia Forte looks to be the highest-range car available to buy new this year. Whilst many electric cars claim to have more than a 450-mile range, it is getting rarer to find a fully gas-powered car that can claim to do the same.

Average Combined MPG: 34 Miles Per Gallon

According to Fuel Economy.gov, the 2024 Kia Forte can achieve a very respectable combined 34 miles per gallon. That is 30 miles per gallon driving around the city, or a staggering 41 miles per gallon on the highway. To put that into perspective, the stylish 2024 Hyundai Sonata, which boasts a huge 15.9-gallon fuel tank, will only achieve 29 combined miles per gallon.

Exceptional Gas Mileage And Driving Range On The Forte

Many manufacturers claim to have built a car that outdoes the rest. Kia is no exception and the front-wheel drive Forte compact sedan has a staggering highway range of 574 miles, achieved from its 14-gallon fuel tank. Whilst this certainly does outdo a lot of other gas-powered vehicles and even some of the lower-range electric cars, it does differ from what Fuel Economy.gov and the EPA estimate.

They have placed a more conservative 448-mile range on the 2024 Kia Forte with an annual fuel cost of $1,450. Either way, that is still a lot of miles from one tank of fuel!

A Frugal Powertrain Under The Hood

The 2024 Kia Forte lineup consists of five trim levels and has two engine options, both of which are good for fuel economy. Whilst the naturally aspirated engine is better for fuel consumption, the turbocharged option does pack more horsepower and a lot more torque.

2024 Kia Forte Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter Inline-Four

1.6-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

CVT

Seven-Speed Manual or Eight-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

147 Horsepower

201 Horsepower

Torque

132 Pound-Feet

195 Pound-Feet

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 Miles Per Hour

8.2 Seconds

6.7 Seconds

(Source: Kia)

The base model trim is the Kia Forte LX and has a starting MSRP of $19,900. Showcasing such a low starting price and with such good economy credentials, the base trim of the Forte is certainly a car that should be checked out if you are looking for a cheap everyday car.

The other trims available for the 2024 Forte lineup are the LXS, which features a CVT transmission and retails at $20,490; the GT-Line, which retails at $22,490 and also features a CVT transmission; the GT, which boasts either a seven-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic transmission and retails at $24,690 and $25,390 respectively.

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The Kia Forte Is A Budget Car With Sharp Looks

For a car that costs less than $20,000, the 2024 Kia Forte boasts sleek and sporty exterior features. Featuring a bold front grille, Kia's signature tiger nose grille, accentuated by angular LED headlights, the Forte has a commanding stance on the road. The sculpted lines along the body contribute to its dynamic appeal, while the available 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication and an even sportier look.

In addition, aerodynamic side mirrors not only complement the overall aesthetic but have also been designed to improve fuel efficiency, whilst the rear end features stylish LED taillights and an integrated spoiler, hinting that the 2024 Forte is more than just a cheap car to run.

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Sleek And Modern At Every Turn

Across all trims of the 2024 Kia Forte, you’ll find a refined interior that blends comfort with modern design elements. Soft-touch materials and quality finishes create an inviting atmosphere, while ergonomic seats offer ample support for long journeys.

The driver-centric cockpit features a clever layout, with controls and displays placed within easy reach. Available ambient lighting sets the mood for your night-time drives, enhancing the cabin’s ambiance, and the spacious cabin provides generous legroom for both front passengers (43.2 inches) and rear passengers (35.7 inches), ensuring everyone travels in comfort.

Infotainment And Tech Galore

Like most good modern cars, the tech that is included is also a huge factor when buying. So, for a sedan with such a low MSRP and such good fuel-economy stats, the 2024 Kia Forte may also surprise you with what technology is included as standard.

The 2024 Kia Forte boasts wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, a smart key option, and a highly responsive and clear 10.5-inch central touchscreen display. So, for a car that is relatively cheap to buy new, the feature set is ample and certainly offers a touch of comfort and convenience to the cabin.

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It Is Not All Just About The Performance

A recent road test of the 2024 Kia Forte by Car & Driver suggests that the GT is a fun car to own. Though the 2.0-liter powertrain that features in the lower trims is great for driving around town and provides the best mileage, it is not the quickest.

Along with style, technology, and economy, safety is one of the most important factors for a lot of Americans when buying a new car, so you'll be happy to hear that the NHTSA has rated the 2024 Kia Fente four out of five stars for safety.

2024 Kia Forte Key Safety Features

  • Lane assist
  • Lane departure warning
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning
  • Emergency automatic braking
  • LED headlights with high-beam assist
  • Blind-spot collision avoidance system
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Summing Up The 2024 Kia Forte

The 2024 Kia Forte seems to tick a lot of boxes if you are looking for a cheap, new car that delivers on mileage, saving you money. The entry-level Kia Forte LX does offer a lot for a bargain price.

The 2024 Kia Forte GT, though it manages fewer miles per tank of gas, showcases a sportier setup that consists of a sports-tuned dual exhaust, more potent powertrain, multi-link rear suspension to aid in handling and comfort, and six-speed manual transmission. Each trim looks to offer something different, depending on what kind of ride you are looking for.

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Other Cars With High Driving Ranges Per Tank

If the Kia Forte isn't quite what you are looking for, there are other gas-powered cars with exceptionally high driving ranges. They include the 2024 Subaru Legacy and the 2024 Chevy Malibu.

The Subaru Legacy Features AWD As Standard

The criminally underrated Subaru Legacy can cover 555 miles on a single tank when powered by its 2.5-liter boxer engine. Subaru offers two engines with the Legacy: a 2.4-liter turbo and a 2.5-liter boxer. The turbo is the sportier of the two mills, while the 2-5-liter is the more frugal. Regardless of the engine you choose, the Subaru Legacy comes with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

The range that the Subaru Legacy offers while distributing power to all wheels is outstanding. The lackluster performance of the 2.5-liter mill may frustrate you. However, if you want a frugal car with a proven AWD system, you can't do better than the Subaru Legacy. With the base trim starting at a little under $25,000, the Legacy is quite affordable - and it won't cost you much to run.

Performance Specifications

Model

2024 Kia Forte

2024 Subaru Legacy

2024 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine

2.0-liter inline-four

2.5-liter flat-four

Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four

Horsepower

147 horsepower

182 horsepower

163 horsepower

Torque

132 pound-feet

176 pound-feet

184 pound-feet

Transmission

CVT

CVT

CVT

Driveline

FWD

AWD

FWD

0-60 MPH

8.2 seconds

8.0 seconds

7.8 seconds

Top Speed

123 MPH

139 MPH

130 MPH

Fuel Economy (cmb/city/hwy)

34/30/41 MPG

30/27/35 MPG

30/27/35 MPG

Range

574 miles

555 miles

544 miles

Starting MSRP

$19,990

$24,895

$26,195

(Specs: Kia, Subaru, Chevrolet)

The 2024 Chevy Malibu Is America's Only Non-Luxury Mid-Size Sedan

American manufacturers have vacated the non-luxury mid-size sedan segment, leaving only the aging Chevrolet Malibu. Rumors claimed that Chevy would discontinue the Malibu after the 2023 model year. However, the iconic nameplate remained for another year. Capable of covering over 540 miles on a single tank, the Malibu is one of few gas-powered cars capable of driving over 500 miles without refueling.

Though the front of the Malibu bears a passing resemblance to the Camaro's, the two cars are poles apart when it comes to performance. Under the Malibu's slightly sculpted hood sits a 1.5-liter turbo that pushes the sedan to 60 MPH in a little under 8.0 seconds. Though filled with subpar materials, the Malibu's interior offers plenty of room for passengers and is attractively arranged.

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