With gas-price concerns returning, NADAguides.com identified what it believes are the top five non-hybrid fuel-efficient vehicles that cost less than $30,000.

The site contends these five vehicles — two domestic models and three foreign units — go beyond the basic with desired options for realistic, everyday lifestyles. The selections include the Chevrolet Aveo, GMC Terrain, Kia Soul, Nissan Sentra and the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen.

NADAguides analysts asserted these choices have four different body styles that offer consumers an economical and fuel-efficient choice — sedan (Chevrolet Aveo and Nissan Sentra), SUV (GMC Terrain), crossover (Kia Soul) and wagon (Jetta SportWagen). 

The site indicated the current national average price for gasoline is $3.57, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Paul Taylor, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association, predicts the price could climb toward $4.50.

“The economy is growing slowly and consumers are looking for vehicles that meet their needs and wants while also being realistic to their lifestyles and cost efficient at the dealership and the gas pump,” NADAguides.com stated.

Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides.com led the site’s team that compiled this list.

“With a nearly 22 percent increase in the cost of gasoline compared to March 2010, our team of analysts went to work to help consumers determine the top new cars that not only addressed fuel efficiency needs, but also took into consideration what you received for the value and how practical and realistic they are for today’s lifestyles,” Snyder explained.

“These models from Chevrolet, GMC, Kia, Nissan, and Volkswagen offer consumers more than 30 miles per gallon and come at an economic price while not making you feel like you ordered off the value menu,” Snyder continued.

“Our analysts also expect these vehicles to maintain their value well as the demand for fuel efficient cars and hybrid vehicles continues to increase,” he added.

Snyder went on to highlight the specifics of each model along with some additional commentary about the reason it was picked.

—Chevrolet Aveo: “The economical 2011 Chevrolet Aveo boasts practicality and a host of extras offering  independently folding 60/40 rear seats,  satellite radio, OnStar, sunroof, steel collision safety cage and standard advanced dual-stage driver and front passenger frontal and side-impact air bags (nine) to surround you with protection,” Snyder noted.

“For peace of mind, the 2011 Chevy Aveo is backed by a five-year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty and roadside assistance for the same time period and mileage. The 2LT model achieves an impressive estimated 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The Chevrolet Aveo base model starts at a very reasonable MSRP of $11,965,” he shared.

“The fuel efficiency and price point aren’t all that’s attractive about the Aveo,” Snyder continued. “The features and options available make it enticing, comfortable and deserving of your attention.”

—GMC Terrain FWD 4 Door SLT-1: “The 2011 GMC Terrain comes standard with perforated leather-appointed seating, OnStar, Pioneer premium eight-speaker system with subwoofer and amplifier, Driver Information Center that monitors 26 various systems, remote start, sunroof, rear vision camera, power lift gate, Bluetooth and USB,” Snyder listed.

“Achieving an estimated 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway makes the 2011 GMC Terrain an excellent option,” he suggested. “GMC offers a five-year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty and roadside assistance for the same time period and mileage, and is currently offering financing as low as 2.9 percent. The GMC Terrain base model starts at an MSRP of $24,250.

“Just because gas prices are rising, doesn’t mean consumers have to downsize to a less practical subcompact vehicle,” Snyder went on to say. “We realize some people can’t give up the extra cargo space, passenger seating and possibly even towing capabilities, which is why the 2011 GMC Terrain is a great option for practical and economical needs. With gas prices as high as they are, you can’t lose with the 2011 GMC Terrain and its fuel efficiency of 32 miles per gallon on the highway.”   

— Kia Soul 5 Door Wagon: “The 2011 Kia Soul 5 Door Wagon Auto Sport comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, auto-off headlights, heated power mirrors, rear wiper, privacy glass, satellite radio, USB, remote entry, steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth and more. All features typically found on higher-end vehicles,” Snyder began.

“Achieving an estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, the Sport has an MSRP of $18,495, however the base model is available for an MSRP of $13,300,” he continued. “In addition, Kia offers a 10-year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty and five-year, 60,000 mile roadside assistance. Kia is currently offering financing as low as 0.9 percent.

“The Kia Soul has more to offer than meets the eye,” Snyder insisted. “While it appears small on the outside, it offers up to 53.4 cubic feet of room with the rear seats folded down flat. That’s great cargo space for pets or sports equipment. For the person who feels a sedan is too small and an SUV is too large, the Kia Soul is just right.”

—Nissan Sentra 4 Door Sedan I4 CVT 2.0 SL: “Achieving an estimated 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, the Sentra CVT 2.0 SL offers RearView Monitor, Bosch touch-screen navigation, six standard airbags, room for five, ample storage, satellite radio, Rockford Fosgate sound system and more,” Snyder highlighted.

“The Nissan Sentra has a base model starting at $15,540. The Sentra is also supported by a five-year, 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty and is currently offering $2,000 cash back or zero percent financing for up to 60 months,” he added.

“The Sentra sports class-leading design, features and available options sure to please day in and day out,” Snyder went on to say.

—Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen: “Achieving an estimated 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen has impressive standard and a nice choice of optional features as you work your way up the trim levels,” Snyder surmised.

“Available options include touch screen navigation, power sliding panoramic sunroof, 60/40-split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through, 8-speaker sound system with MP3, 8-way manually adjustable height and reach front seats, 3-spoke, leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel and many more,” he noted. “The base model starts at a reasonable MSRP of $19,995. Volkswagen offers a 5-year, 60,000 mile drive train warranty in addition to a 3-year, 36,000 mile roadside assistance program and is currently offering 1.9 percent financing for 36 months.”

“Upper-class features, sharp design, reliability and exciting fuel economy make this a must consider sport wagon,” Snyder concluded.