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Top Fuel-Efficient Used Cars for the Merrillville-to-Chicago Commute

Looking for a used vehicle that won’t punish you at the pump? At Shaver Preferred Motors in Merrillville, IN, we help shoppers across Northwest Indiana and the south Chicagoland suburbs find used SUVs, crossovers, and sedans that deliver real fuel economy — without going hybrid. As an independent multi-brand dealer, we’re not locked into one manufacturer. We hand-select used vehicles from Ford, GMC, Chevy, RAM, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Toyota, and more, with a focus on the reliable, in-demand models Northwest Indiana drivers actually want for the daily Merrillville-to-Chicago commute.

This guide walks through the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid used vehicles we routinely stock, what 30+ mpg highway really saves you on the daily commute, what to inspect before you buy, and how to choose between the strongest sedan and SUV picks. Browse our current SUV inventory any time, or keep reading for the full breakdown.

What to Look for in a Fuel-Efficient Used Car

EPA window-sticker mpg is a starting point, not a guarantee. Several factors matter when choosing a vehicle that will actually deliver its rated efficiency on the I-90 commute:

Factor	What to Check
EPA Highway Rating	Compact crossovers cap around an EPA-estimated 33–35 mpg highway in non-hybrid form. The strongest non-hybrid sedans approach 39 mpg. Anything substantially higher generally requires a hybrid powertrain.
Drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD)	Front-wheel-drive models consistently return 2–4 mpg better on the highway than the same vehicle with all-wheel drive. For a daily Indiana-to-Illinois commute on plowed interstates, FWD is often the smarter efficiency play.
Service History & Maintenance	Documented oil changes, scheduled tune-ups, and properly inflated tires are the difference between hitting the EPA number and missing it by 3–4 mpg. A well-maintained 90,000-mile vehicle will deliver better real-world efficiency than a poorly-maintained 60,000-mile one.
Generation Matters	Several models redesigned mid-cycle (Tucson 2022, Escape 2020, RAV4 2019) and the newer generation typically delivers materially better mpg. When efficiency is the priority, target the redesigned model years.
Total Cost of Ownership	Better fuel economy is a multi-year savings story. A 5-mpg improvement on a 22,000-mile annual commute is roughly 100+ gallons of gas per year, every year you own the vehicle.

Fuel-efficient used SUVs and sedans for sale at Shaver Preferred Motors in Merrillville, Indiana

Most Fuel-Efficient Non-Hybrid Used SUVs and Crossovers

For Northwest Indiana commuters, compact crossovers have become the default daily driver — they pair sedan-like fuel economy with the cargo space, ride height, and winter-weather confidence the route between Merrillville and Chicago demands. The picks below all deliver an EPA-estimated 30+ mpg highway in their most efficient non-hybrid configurations, and we routinely bring all of them into our lineup.

Model	Year Range	Hwy MPG (FWD)	Why It’s a Top Pick
Toyota RAV4 (non-hybrid)	2019–2022	33–35 est.	Fifth-generation 2.5L four-cylinder. Segment leader for non-hybrid SUV efficiency. Toyota reliability and strong resale.
Honda CR-V (1.5L Turbo)	2018–2022	34 est.	Fifth-generation. Class-leading cargo room. Smooth CVT for highway commuting. AWD versions drop only modestly to an estimated 32 mpg highway.
Ford Escape (1.5L EcoBoost)	2020–2022	33 est.	Redesigned third-generation. Highway-MPG leader among the compact SUVs we typically stock. Earlier 2017–2019 models hit closer to an estimated 30 mpg highway.
Hyundai Tucson (2.5L)	2022 (4th gen)	33 est.	Fully redesigned for 2022. Modern interior tech and a meaningful efficiency jump over the prior generation. If MPG is the priority, target a 2022.
Chevrolet Equinox (1.5L Turbo)	2018–2022	31 est.	Mature, widely available. Strong used-market value with broad parts and service support across the Midwest.
GMC Terrain (1.5L Turbo)	2018–2022	30 est.	Equinox’s platform-mate with slightly more refined cabin. Same fuel-efficient powertrain.
Kia Sportage (2.4L)	2018–2022	30 est.	Mechanically related to the prior-gen Tucson. Strong used-market pricing. Holds up well over high-mileage commutes.
Hyundai Tucson (2.0L, prior gen)	2018–2021	28 est.	Below segment-best efficiency, but a viable budget play if pricing is right. Avoid if maximum MPG is the priority.

All figures shown are EPA estimated miles per gallon. Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and other factors.

Best Fuel-Efficient Sedans Under the 40-MPG Mark

For commuters who don’t need crossover utility and want the strongest possible non-hybrid fuel economy, two midsize sedans stand out — both in our regular inventory rotation. These are the closest you’ll get to the 40-mpg highway benchmark in current used inventory without going hybrid.

Model	Year Range	Hwy MPG	Why It’s a Top Pick
Toyota Camry (LE/SE 2.5L)	2018–2022	39 est.	Eighth-generation. Most fuel-efficient non-hybrid sedan Toyota has ever produced. EPA-estimated 28 city / 39 highway with the 2.5L Dynamic Force four-cylinder and 8-speed automatic. Long-term reliability track record.
Honda Accord (1.5L Turbo)	2018–2022	38 est.	Tenth-generation. EPA-estimated 30 city / 38 highway in LX, EX, and EX-L trims. Roomier back seat than competing sedans and a refined highway ride.

Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord — Which Wins for the Commute?

Both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord earn reputations for fuel efficiency, reliability, and strong resale value — and both regularly land in our inventory. For the Merrillville-to-Chicago commute specifically, the decision comes down to how you weigh outright efficiency against driving feel.

Comparison Point	Toyota Camry (2018–2022)	Honda Accord (2018–2022)
Most Efficient Engine	2.5L four-cylinder	1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed automatic	CVT
EPA Highway MPG (most efficient FWD trim)	An estimated 39 mpg	An estimated 38 mpg
EPA City MPG	An estimated 28 mpg	An estimated 30 mpg
Standard Safety	Toyota Safety Sense — pre-collision braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise	Honda Sensing — automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise
Cabin Focus	Long-haul comfort and quiet	Roomier back seat, more athletic feel
Best For	Highest non-hybrid mpg, lowest projected maintenance	Slightly better city efficiency, more engaging drive

All figures shown are EPA estimated miles per gallon. Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and other factors.

For the highway-heavy Merrillville-to-Chicago route, the Camry’s 39-mpg highway edge gives it a slight efficiency advantage. For mixed driving with significant in-city time around Chicago, the Accord’s 30-mpg city rating is the stronger spec. Both are widely considered among the best midsize sedan values at any used-market price point — and we typically have one or two of each in stock.

The Cost of MPG: Real Savings on the Merrillville-to-Chicago Commute

The Merrillville-to-Chicago round trip runs roughly 88 miles. For a five-day-a-week commuter, that adds up to approximately 22,000 highway miles per year — making fuel economy one of the largest variable costs of vehicle ownership.

Here’s what different highway MPG ratings actually translate to in annual fuel cost on that 22,000-mile commute:

Hwy MPG	Gallons Used Annually	Annual Fuel Cost (at ~$3.75/gal)	Example Vehicle
25 mpg	~880 gallons	~$3,300	Older mid-size SUV (pre-2018 or AWD compact)
28 mpg	~786 gallons	~$2,950	Hyundai Tucson 2.0L (prior gen)
30 mpg	~733 gallons	~$2,750	GMC Terrain, Kia Sportage
33 mpg	~667 gallons	~$2,500	Ford Escape, 2022 Tucson
35 mpg	~629 gallons	~$2,350	Toyota RAV4 (non-hybrid)
38 mpg	~579 gallons	~$2,170	Honda Accord
39 mpg	~564 gallons	~$2,115	Toyota Camry

Figures are illustrative estimates based on a 22,000-mile annual highway commute. Indiana gas prices have averaged roughly $3.75 per gallon in spring 2026 but vary day-to-day; actual savings will track current pump prices.

The Five-Year Picture

Stepping up from a 28-mpg compact SUV to a 38-mpg sedan saves roughly 200 gallons of gas per year. At a $3.75/gal average, that’s around $750 a year — or roughly $3,800 over five years. That’s real money that can offset the cost of moving to a slightly newer, slightly more efficient vehicle.

What to Inspect on a Fuel-Efficient Used Car

EPA mpg assumes a vehicle in good mechanical condition. On a used vehicle, several wear items quietly drag down highway efficiency — and these matter even more when fuel economy is your reason for buying:

Inspection Area	What to Check
Tire Condition & Pressure	Underinflated or worn tires can cost 2–3 mpg on the highway. Check for even tread wear and confirm tires hold proper pressure overnight.
Air Filter & Engine Maintenance	A clogged air filter restricts airflow and reduces efficiency. Look for documented oil changes, spark plug replacement at recommended intervals, and recent tune-up records.
Wheel Alignment & Suspension	Bad alignment creates rolling resistance that quietly erodes mpg. Watch for steering pull and uneven tire wear during the test drive.
Brake Drag	A dragging brake caliper can drop highway mpg by 3–5 mpg and is easy to miss without a road test. Listen and feel for any pulling or warmth at the wheels after a test drive.
Oxygen Sensors & Check Engine History	A failing O2 sensor doesn’t always trigger a check-engine light immediately but can hurt mpg significantly. Ask for OBD-II scan history and whether any emissions-related codes have been cleared.
Northwest Indiana Salt Damage	I-90 winters mean salt-treated roads. Check rocker panels, lower doors, exhaust hangers, and undercarriage components for corrosion that could lead to costly repairs down the road.

Pre-Purchase Mechanic Inspection

For any vehicle over 80,000 miles — or any used vehicle where fuel efficiency is part of the purchase decision — a $100–$150 inspection by an independent mechanic is the single best money you’ll spend before signing.

Get directions to Shaver Preferred Motors for a closer look at any vehicle in person, or start with our trade-in valuation tool if you have a vehicle to trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid used SUV at Shaver?

Among the SUVs we routinely stock, the Toyota RAV4 (non-hybrid, 2019–2022) leads with an EPA-estimated 33–35 mpg highway depending on trim. The Honda CR-V (2018–2022, 1.5L Turbo) is a close second at an estimated 34 mpg highway, and the redesigned Ford Escape (2020–2022) and 2022 Hyundai Tucson both hit an estimated 33 mpg highway.

Can a non-hybrid sedan really hit close to 40 mpg highway?

Yes — both the 2018–2022 Toyota Camry (LE/SE with the 2.5L four-cylinder) and the 2018–2022 Honda Accord (with the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder) deliver an EPA-estimated 38–39 mpg highway in their most efficient non-hybrid configurations. That’s within striking distance of the 40-mpg benchmark without any hybrid hardware or maintenance complexity.

How much will I save on fuel by switching to a more efficient vehicle?

For a 22,000-mile annual highway commute, stepping up from a 28-mpg compact SUV to a 38-mpg sedan saves roughly 200 gallons of gas per year. At Indiana’s current ~$3.75/gallon average, that’s about $750 in annual savings, or roughly $3,800 over five years.

Should I get FWD or AWD for the Merrillville-to-Chicago commute?

Front-wheel-drive models consistently deliver 2–4 mpg better on the highway than the same vehicle with all-wheel drive. For an interstate-heavy commute on plowed I-90, FWD is usually the smarter efficiency choice. AWD is genuinely useful if you regularly drive in unplowed snow or off salt-treated roads, but for the daily commute alone, the efficiency penalty is hard to justify.

Does winter weather affect highway MPG?

Yes — significantly. Cold dense air, winter-grade gasoline blends, and warm-up cycles can drop highway efficiency by 10–15% in the coldest months. A vehicle rated at 35 mpg highway might deliver closer to 30 mpg in January. This is normal and applies to every vehicle on the road; it’s not a defect or a sign of a problem.

Is a redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson worth the extra money over a 2020?

If fuel efficiency is the priority, yes. The 2022 Tucson with the 2.5L four-cylinder earns an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway, while the 2018–2021 Tucson with the 2.0L tops out at an estimated 28 mpg highway. That 5-mpg difference translates to roughly 100 gallons of gas per year on a 22,000-mile commute.

Ready to Find Your Next Fuel-Efficient Vehicle?

Whether you lean toward a Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevy, or Hyundai — and whether you want crossover utility or sedan efficiency — the fuel-efficient inventory at Shaver is built around what Northwest Indiana commuters actually need. Every vehicle goes through a pre-sale inspection process before being offered for sale, so the efficiency you see on the EPA sticker is closer to what you’ll actually experience on I-90 each morning.