What is the cheapest car to drive per mile?

In today’s U.S. market, the cheapest car to drive per mile on energy alone is a highly efficient electric vehicle such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD or the Tesla Model 3 RWD, which typically cost about 4 cents per mile for electricity at average residential rates. However, when you factor in the full cost of ownership (depreciation, insurance, maintenance, fees), the cheapest per-mile options are usually older, reliable used compacts or hybrids—and increasingly, used EVs—often landing around 20 to 30 cents per mile depending on your local costs and annual mileage.

What “cheapest per mile” really means

Per-mile cost can mean two very different things. Many people mean the energy or fuel cost per mile (electricity or gasoline only). Others mean the all-in cost per mile, which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, tires, registration, and energy. The result can change the answer: new ultra-efficient EVs generally win on energy-only cost, but older used cars—especially hybrids and used EVs bought after their big depreciation drop—often win on total cost per mile.

Energy-only: current lowest-cost cars per mile (U.S. averages)

These estimates use recent EPA efficiency ratings and typical U.S. energy prices. For EVs, cost per mile equals (kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100) × electricity price. For gasoline cars, it’s gas price ÷ mpg. Assumptions below: 16¢/kWh residential electricity and $3.60/gallon gasoline; your local rates may vary significantly.

• Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD (EPA 140 MPGe ≈ 24.1 kWh/100 mi): about 3.9 cents/mi at 16¢/kWh; closer to 2.9 cents/mi on 12¢ off-peak rates.
• Tesla Model 3 RWD (EPA ~132 MPGe ≈ 25.5 kWh/100 mi): about 4.1 cents/mi at 16¢/kWh.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV 2019–2022 (EPA ~120 MPGe ≈ 28.1 kWh/100 mi): about 4.5 cents/mi at 16¢/kWh.
• Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (EPA ~111 MPGe ≈ 30.4 kWh/100 mi): about 4.9 cents/mi at 16¢/kWh.
• Toyota Prius (≈52 mpg gasoline): about 6.9 cents/mi at $3.60/gal.
• Corolla Hybrid (≈50 mpg gasoline): about 7.2 cents/mi at $3.60/gal.
• Mitsubishi Mirage (≈39 mpg gasoline): about 9.2 cents/mi at $3.60/gal.

On energy alone, the most efficient EVs are typically 30–60% cheaper per mile than even the thriftiest gasoline hybrids at current national-average energy prices. Off-peak charging or home solar can lower EV energy cost further.

All-in TCO: what’s actually cheapest per mile to own and drive?

Total cost per mile includes depreciation (the big one), insurance, maintenance/repairs, tires, registration/fees, and energy. The lowest all-in per-mile costs usually come from inexpensive, reliable used vehicles you plan to drive a lot. Below are realistic, conservative examples using 12,000 miles per year over three years; your numbers will vary by market, condition, and driving profile.

• Used Chevy Bolt EV (2017–2019) bought around $12,000: assume resale $8,000 after 36,000 miles (≈11.1 cents/mi depreciation), insurance $1,100/yr (≈9.2 cents/mi), registration $200/yr (≈1.7 cents/mi), electricity ≈4.5 cents/mi, maintenance/tires ≈2.5 cents/mi. Estimated total: about 28–30 cents per mile.
• Used Toyota Prius (2014–2016) bought around $9,500: assume resale $6,500 (≈8.3 cents/mi depreciation), insurance $900/yr (≈7.5 cents/mi), registration $150/yr (≈1.3 cents/mi), gasoline ≈6.9 cents/mi, maintenance/tires ≈3.5 cents/mi. Estimated total: about 27–29 cents per mile.
• New budget gasoline subcompact (e.g., 2025 Mitsubishi Mirage): typical OTD ≈$19,000, resale ≈$12,000 after 3 years (≈19.4 cents/mi depreciation), insurance ≈$1,300/yr (≈10.8 cents/mi), registration ≈$250/yr (≈2.1 cents/mi), gasoline ≈9.2 cents/mi, maintenance/tires ≈4.0 cents/mi. Estimated total: roughly 45–47 cents per mile.

Because depreciation and insurance dominate TCO for newer cars, a well-bought used vehicle—particularly a Prius or a post-recall Bolt EV—often delivers the lowest all-in per-mile costs for most drivers.

Example assumptions and why they matter

These figures assume average U.S. energy prices, mainstream insurance rates, and regular tire/maintenance schedules. If you drive more than 12,000–15,000 miles per year, fixed costs spread over more miles and your per-mile total drops. If you can charge off-peak at 10–12¢/kWh or have home solar, EV per-mile energy costs fall notably. Conversely, high insurance markets or expensive electricity can shift the advantage toward hybrids.

Factors that change your per-mile cost

A few variables can swing the answer from “an efficient EV” to “an older hybrid” in your specific case. Consider the following influences when estimating your own per-mile cost.

• Local energy prices: EVs benefit from cheap residential or off-peak electricity; hybrids gain when gasoline prices dip.
• Miles driven per year: Higher annual mileage compresses fixed costs, favoring cars with low operating costs (EVs and hybrids).
• Purchase price and resale: Buying used after major depreciation (and choosing models with strong reliability) lowers TCO dramatically.
• Insurance and taxes: These vary widely by state, age, and vehicle type; shop around and factor them in per mile.
• Maintenance and tires: EVs generally spend less on routine maintenance; tire costs can be higher on heavier EVs but still often offset by fewer service items.
• Incentives and perks: Utility rebates, free off-peak miles, HOV access, or workplace charging can materially improve EV economics.

When you plug your own inputs into a simple spreadsheet—purchase price minus expected resale, plus annual insurance/fees, plus realistic energy and maintenance—you’ll see quickly which car type wins for your situation.

How to minimize your cost per mile

If your goal is the lowest possible spend per mile, these practical steps usually yield the biggest savings without compromising reliability.

1. Buy used after the steepest depreciation curve (often 3–7 years old) and keep it long enough to spread fixed costs over many miles.
2. Prioritize efficiency: choose an efficient EV or a top-rated hybrid; verify EPA ratings and real-world owner reports.
3. Shop insurance aggressively and re-quote annually; higher deductibles and usage-based policies can cut cents per mile.
4. Charge smart: use off-peak electricity or workplace charging; program charge times to the cheapest window.
5. Maintain tires and alignment; correct pressure and rotation schedules improve efficiency and extend tire life.
6. Avoid unnecessary options that raise insurance/repair costs; simplicity often pays back over time.
7. Drive smoothly and obey speed limits; gentle acceleration and moderate speeds reduce energy use by noticeable margins.

Stacking two or three of these tactics—especially buying used and charging off-peak—can reduce your per-mile total by double-digit percentages.

Summary

Cheapest per mile on energy alone: a top-efficiency EV such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD or Tesla Model 3 RWD at roughly 3–4 cents per mile on typical U.S. electricity, with potential to go lower on off-peak rates. Cheapest per mile all-in: usually a well-priced used vehicle—most commonly a Toyota Prius or a used Chevy Bolt EV—delivering real-world totals around 20–30 cents per mile if you drive enough miles and keep insurance and maintenance in check. Your exact winner depends on local energy prices, miles driven, and how wisely you buy and insure the car.

What car has the cheapest fuel?

2021’s most fuel efficient vehicles: conventional and hybrids

Vehicle	Most Fuel-Efficient in Class	Estimated Annual Fuel Cost
Minicompact	Mini Cooper Convertible	$2,100
Subcompact	Chevrolet Spark	$1,750
Compact	Toyota Corolla Hybrid	$1,125
Midsize	Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue	$1,100

What car has the lowest running cost?

The cheapest cars to run, based on overall annual costs of fuel and insurance, often include models like the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, and the Toyota Corolla, with the Honda Fit being highlighted for its impressive fuel efficiency and low running costs. Other reliable and affordable options are the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and Honda Civic. 
Key Factors in Low Running Costs:

• Fuel Economy: Opens in new tabVehicles with high miles per gallon (MPG) have lower annual fuel expenses. 
• Affordable Insurance: Opens in new tabMany budget-friendly subcompact and compact cars have low insurance premiums. 
• Low Maintenance Costs: Opens in new tabCars known for their reliability, like the Toyota Corolla, tend to have cheaper and less frequent maintenance needs. 
• Affordable Parts: Opens in new tabFor models like the Chevrolet Spark, the availability of cheap and easily replaceable parts contributes to lower repair costs. 

Examples of Specific Models:

• Honda Fit: Opens in new tabKnown for its impressive fuel efficiency (around $2,830 in gas costs annually), low insurance costs, and versatile interior with its “Magic Seat”. 
• Chevrolet Spark: Opens in new tabA very small subcompact car that is inexpensive to buy, fuel-efficient, and has low maintenance costs due to the affordability of its parts. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabA subcompact hatchback that is among the last of its kind, offering excellent fuel economy and a low entry price. 
• Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabCombines affordable pricing with good fuel economy, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. 
• Toyota Corolla: Opens in new tabA benchmark for reliability with low maintenance costs, making it a dependable and practical choice for basic transportation. 
• Hyundai Elantra & Kia Forte: Opens in new tabThese sedans are also noted for their affordability and efficiency, making them cost-effective to run. 

What is the cheapest car to operate per mile?

The 10 cheapest cars to drive per mile

• Toyota Prius: $1.88 per mile.
• Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: $2.18 per mile.
• Chrysler Pacifica Plug-Hybrid: $2.32 per mile.
• Ford Escape Hybrid: $2.40 per mile.
• Toyota Camry Hybrid: $2.40 per mile.
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: $2.60 per mile.
• Honda Accord Hybrid: $2.60 per mile.

What is the average cost to drive a car per mile?

17.99¢/mile Based on average prices for a 12-month period ending 5/22. During this time, regular grade gas averaged $3.999/gallon. Electric vehicle charging costs are based on a rate of 13.9 cents/kilowatt hour.