The cheapest car to run on fuel: who really wins at the pump

The Toyota Prius (non‑plug‑in hybrid, LE/FWD) is generally the cheapest mainstream car to fuel in markets where it’s sold, thanks to an EPA-rated 57 mpg combined that translates to roughly 6.1 cents per mile at $3.50 per gallon. That said, “cheapest to run on fuel” varies by region, pump prices, and fuel type—small hybrids dominate in the U.S., city-sized hybrids or efficient diesels lead in Europe, and factory CNG models are the runaway winners on rupee-per-kilometer in India. Here’s how to judge it and the current standouts by market.

What “cheapest to run on fuel” really means

Whether a car is truly the least expensive to fuel comes down to how efficiently it uses energy and what you pay for that energy. Official economy ratings (mpg, L/100 km, km/kg for CNG) give a baseline, but local prices and driving patterns can swing results.

• Fuel economy: Higher mpg (or lower L/100 km) lowers cost per mile/kilometer. Hybrids usually lead among gasoline cars.
• Fuel type and price: Regular vs premium gasoline, diesel vs petrol, and regional pricing for CNG/LPG all change the math.
• Cycle vs reality: EPA/WLTP/ADR ratings are comparable baselines, but heavy traffic, cold weather, and high speeds can shift real-world results.
• Vehicle and trim differences: The most efficient trim (e.g., Prius LE FWD, Elantra Hybrid Blue) can be notably cheaper to fuel than other versions.
• Availability by market: Some of the most frugal variants are sold only in specific regions.

Put simply, the cheapest car to fuel pairs best-in-class efficiency with the cheapest widely available fuel in your area, then keeps that advantage in everyday driving.

The global frontrunners for lowest fuel cost

Because models and fuels differ by region, the leaders for minimal fuel spend vary. The following snapshots highlight the standouts and what their thrift looks like at typical late‑2024 pump prices.

• United States: Toyota Prius LE (FWD) at 57 mpg combined is the benchmark among gasoline cars, using regular unleaded. At $3.50/gal, that’s about 6.1¢/mile. Close contenders include Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue (54 mpg) and Kia Niro Hybrid (53 mpg).
• United Kingdom/Europe: Toyota Yaris Hybrid typically returns around 4.3 L/100 km WLTP (roughly 69 mpg UK). Small diesel superminis such as Peugeot 208 BlueHDi can also be extremely frugal, though diesel prices and urban restrictions may offset savings. With petrol near £1.45/L, these cars land around the 9–11 pence-per-mile range.
• Australia: Toyota Yaris Hybrid is among the cheapest to fuel at roughly 3.3–3.8 L/100 km (ADR/WLTP), with the Corolla Hybrid close by around 4.0 L/100 km. With petrol near A$2.00/L, the Yaris Hybrid can run near 10–12 Australian cents per mile.
• India: Factory CNG hatchbacks are the clear winners on per‑km fuel cost. Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG and Alto K10 CNG (roughly 33–35 km/kg) often land near ₹2–₹3 per km at typical CNG prices. Among petrol-only cars, Maruti’s small hatches (e.g., Celerio, Wagon R) lead at about 22–27 km/L (ARAI).

The consistent pattern: small, light hybrids deliver the lowest gasoline cost per mile, while CNG city cars can be even cheaper to fuel where that infrastructure exists.

U.S. snapshot: the cheapest gasoline-only cars to fuel (no plug)

Using EPA combined ratings and an illustrative $3.50/gal gasoline price, this ranking shows approximate cents-per-mile for widely available 2024 models. Your number will vary with local prices and driving conditions.

1. Toyota Prius (LE FWD): 57 mpg — about 6.1¢/mile
2. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (Blue): 54 mpg — about 6.5¢/mile
3. Kia Niro Hybrid: 53 mpg — about 6.6¢/mile
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid (LE): 52 mpg — about 6.7¢/mile
5. Toyota Corolla Hybrid (FWD): 50 mpg — about 7.0¢/mile

The Prius retains a small but persistent cost-per-mile edge over other high-mileage hybrids, assuming regular unleaded and similar driving patterns.

Where other fuels fit: diesel, CNG, LPG

Diesel superminis in Europe can match or beat hybrid petrol cars on highway efficiency, but diesel often costs more per liter and faces tighter urban policies. CNG can be the cheapest fuel per kilometer in markets like India, where factory CNG small cars dramatically undercut petrol costs; availability and boot space (for tanks) are the trade-offs. LPG (autogas) fills a similar role in parts of Europe and Turkey, with low per‑liter pricing but limited model choice and infrastructure in many countries.

How to estimate your own cost per mile

With a few numbers, you can compute a realistic fuel-only cost for any car in your area.

1. Find the official combined economy: mpg (U.S.), L/100 km (EU/AU), or km/kg (CNG).
2. Note your local fuel price: per gallon, per liter, or per kilogram.
3. Apply the formula:
   – U.S. mpg: cost per mile = fuel price per gallon ÷ mpg.
   – L/100 km: cost per km = (L/100 km × price per liter); multiply by 1.609 for cost per mile.
   – CNG km/kg: cost per km = price per kg ÷ km/kg.
4. Adjust for your driving: heavy traffic, high speeds, and cold weather can raise consumption by 10–30%.

This quick calculation will usually confirm why small hybrids—and, where available, CNG city cars—lead on fuel spend, no matter the market.

Summary

If you’re shopping for the absolute lowest gasoline cost per mile, the Toyota Prius (non‑plug‑in, FWD) remains the safest bet in most markets where it’s offered. In Europe and Australia, small hybrids like the Toyota Yaris Hybrid are perennial leaders; in India, factory CNG hatchbacks undercut everything on rupees per kilometer. Prices and availability vary, but the winning formula doesn’t: pair top-tier efficiency with the least expensive widely available fuel in your region—and verify with a simple cost-per-mile calculation using your local pump prices.

What car takes the cheapest gas?

Most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars

1. 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Starting price (including destination fee): $34,510 Fuel economy: 52 mpg combined EPA-estimated electric range: 44 miles.
2. 2025 Volvo S60 Plug-in Hybrid.
3. 2025 Volvo S90 Plug-in Hybrid.
4. 2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580e.

What is the cheapest most fuel efficient car?

The cheapest most fuel-efficient new non-hybrid car is often the Mitsubishi Mirage, offering excellent fuel economy for its low price. For overall value, including tech and safety, the Hyundai Elantra is a great option, while the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta are strong contenders for reliable, efficient, and comfortable rides. 
Most Fuel-Efficient Non-Hybrid Options

• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabThis subcompact car is known for its affordability and exceptional fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings often around 39 MPG combined, according to Car and Driver. 
• Nissan Sentra: Opens in new tabA stylish and efficient compact sedan, the Sentra delivers impressive fuel economy, with models achieving an EPA-estimated 30 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. 
• Volkswagen Jetta: Opens in new tabThis practical compact sedan offers a comfortable ride and excellent fuel efficiency, with some automatic transmission models reaching 30 MPG city and 41 MPG highway. 

Hybrid and Electric Options for Ultimate Efficiency 

• Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid: Opens in new tabFor the absolute best fuel economy, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle like the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 or the new all-hybrid 2026 Toyota Camry is worth considering. 
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Opens in new tabIf you have reliable home or work charging, an electric vehicle can offer the most significant savings on fuel costs over time. 

Factors to Consider

• Price vs. Fuel Economy: While the Mirage is a top pick for pure affordability and efficiency, other models like the Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra offer more features and performance for a slightly higher price. 
• Vehicle Type: If you need more space or a different style, consider an efficient SUV like the Nissan Kicks or a small truck like the Ford Maverick hybrid. 
• Your Needs: Think about your typical driving conditions and what features are most important to you when making your final decision.

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 is the cheapest on fuel?

Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars in Australia for 2025

• Toyota Prius Hybrid. Fuel Efficiency: 3.4 L/100 km.
• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. Fuel Efficiency: 3.4 L/100 km.
• Kia Niro Hybrid. Fuel Efficiency: 3.8 L/100 km.
• Toyota Camry Hybrid. Fuel Efficiency: 4.2 L/100 km.
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Fuel Efficiency: 4.7 L/100 km.
• Toyota Noah Hybrid.