The Least Expensive Car to Operate: What Really Costs the Least per Mile

In most U.S. scenarios today, the least expensive car to operate is a small battery-electric vehicle (BEV) charged at home—think models like the Chevrolet Bolt (new or used), Nissan Leaf, or Tesla Model 3 RWD—which typically run around 5–7 cents per mile for energy plus routine maintenance under average electricity rates. Among gasoline vehicles, high-efficiency hybrids such as the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Toyota Prius are usually the lowest-cost to operate, often around 11–13 cents per mile at typical gas prices. The exact “cheapest” depends on your local electricity and fuel prices, driving mix, insurance, and depreciation.

What “least expensive to operate” actually measures

Operating cost can mean different things. Some shoppers only count the running costs (energy/fuel, routine maintenance, and tires). Others look at total cost of ownership (TCO), which adds insurance, taxes/fees, financing, and the biggest single factor for new cars—depreciation. Because these inputs vary by location and driver, there isn’t one universally cheapest model, but clear patterns emerge.

Cheapest to run on energy and upkeep (fuel/electricity + routine maintenance)

When you focus strictly on what it costs to move the car and keep it serviced (and you can charge at home), small EVs have a significant advantage. Below are examples with typical U.S. assumptions: residential electricity around 12–20 cents/kWh and modern EV efficiency of roughly 24–30 kWh/100 miles. Maintenance estimates reflect the generally lower service needs of EVs.

• Small battery-electric cars (e.g., Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model 3 RWD): about 3–6 cents/mile for electricity plus roughly 1–2 cents/mile for routine maintenance and tires, totaling around 5–7 cents/mile in typical conditions.
• Plug-in hybrids used mostly on electricity (e.g., Toyota Prius Prime, Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in, Kia Niro PHEV): when charged regularly and driven mainly on electric miles, their operating costs approach those of small EVs; on gasoline, they act like efficient hybrids.

The takeaway: if you have reliable home charging and average electricity rates, a small EV is usually the least expensive car to operate on a per-mile basis for energy and maintenance.

Cheapest gasoline or hybrid cars to operate

If home charging isn’t practical, efficient hybrids and small sedans are consistently inexpensive to run. The following examples use typical U.S. gasoline prices near the long-run average and real-world efficiency figures.

• Toyota Prius / Prius Prime (in hybrid mode): often 50–57 mpg real-world; about 6–8 cents/mile for fuel at common gas prices, plus roughly 4–6 cents/mile maintenance/tires.
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid / Hyundai Elantra Hybrid / Kia Niro Hybrid: commonly 45–53 mpg; around 7–9 cents/mile for fuel, plus about 4–6 cents/mile maintenance/tires.
• Non-hybrid compact sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda3) at 32–38 mpg: typically 9–12 cents/mile for fuel, plus about 5–7 cents/mile maintenance/tires.

In gasoline-only categories, high-mpg hybrids generally deliver the lowest per-mile operating costs, with the Prius family and Corolla Hybrid frequently at the front.

Total cost of ownership: when “cheapest to operate” isn’t the cheapest overall

If you include depreciation, insurance, taxes, and financing, the picture can change. Depreciation is the single largest cost for most new cars, and insurance varies widely by driver and zip code. In many cases, a reliable, lightly used compact car (3–5 years old) will minimize total cost even if its fuel cost is slightly higher.

Why used compacts often win on TCO

Because much of the initial depreciation has already occurred, older compact sedans and hatchbacks with strong reliability records tend to have low all-in costs while still delivering good fuel economy.

Key variables that change the answer

The cheapest car for you depends on several controllable and local factors. Keep these in mind when comparing options.

• Electricity price and access to home/off-peak charging (Level 2 at home can cut costs dramatically; public fast charging is pricier).
• Gasoline price in your region and your real-world mpg.
• Annual miles, trip mix (city vs. highway), and climate (cold/very hot weather reduces EV and hybrid efficiency).
• Maintenance profile and reliability of the model you choose.
• Insurance rates in your area and for your driver profile.
• Available incentives (e.g., federal/state EV tax credits or rebates) and local utility EV charging programs. Eligibility changes frequently.

Accounting for these variables will align the “cheapest on paper” with the “cheapest in your driveway.”

Example per-mile calculations you can adapt

Use these quick formulas with your local prices and your vehicle’s efficiency rating (or a trusted real-world estimate):

• EV energy cost per mile = (Electricity price $/kWh) × (kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100). Example: $0.15 × (26 ÷ 100) ≈ 3.9 cents/mile.
• Gasoline cost per mile = (Gas price $/gal) ÷ (mpg). Example: $3.70 ÷ 50 mpg ≈ 7.4 cents/mile (Prius-like); $3.70 ÷ 35 mpg ≈ 10.6 cents/mile (compact sedan).
• Add maintenance/tires: EVs typically ~1–2 cents/mile; hybrids/compacts ~4–6 cents/mile, depending on model and driving.

These back-of-the-envelope calculations will get you within a few cents per mile of real-world operating costs for comparison shopping.

Bottom line

If you have home charging at reasonable electricity rates, a small EV is typically the least expensive car to operate in the U.S., often around 5–7 cents per mile for energy and routine upkeep. Without home charging, high-efficiency hybrids like the Toyota Prius or Corolla Hybrid are usually the cheapest to operate among gasoline-powered options. For the absolute lowest total cost of ownership, a well-maintained, lightly used compact car often beats new-car choices once depreciation and insurance are included.

Summary

Small battery-electric cars charged at home generally have the lowest operating costs; efficient hybrids lead among gasoline vehicles. Your personal “least expensive to operate” choice depends on local energy prices, driving patterns, charging access, incentives, and insurance. Run the simple per-mile math with your local prices to find the true winner for your situation.

What is the least expensive car to run?

Cheapest cars to run 2025

• Dacia Sandero.
• Hyundai i10.
• Kia Picanto.
• Toyota Aygo X.
• MG Motor MG3. Model: MG3 1.5 Hybrid SE.
• Dacia Sandero Stepway. Model: Sandero Stepway 1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel Expression.
• Suzuki Swift. Model: Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion CVT.
• Dacia Duster. Model: Duster 1.0 TCe 100 Bi-Fuel Essential.

What is the cheapest but nicest car?

The 2025 Nissan Versa is frequently cited as the cheapest new car under $20,000, while the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2025 Kia Soul offer impressive value, combining stylish design, modern tech, and great safety features. For an affordable luxury option, consider the 2025 Acura Integra, which blends Honda Civic-based practicality with premium features for its price point. 
Here are some of the top choices for a “cheapest nicest” car, balancing cost with features and quality: 
Best Value for Money:

• 2025 Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabStarting well under $20,000, the Versa offers a surprising amount of standard features for its price, including active safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist. 
• 2025 Hyundai Elantra: Opens in new tabKnown for its low price, intuitive design, and attractive styling, the Elantra is an excellent choice for a stylish and affordable commuter. 
• 2025 Kia Soul: Opens in new tabA budget-friendly option with a unique design and a surprising amount of space, the Soul also comes with a great set of safety features for its class. 

Strong Contenders with Elevated Features:

• 2025 Toyota Corolla: Opens in new tabA reliable and easy-to-drive option, especially the hybrid version, which provides excellent fuel economy at an affordable price point. 
• 2025 Honda Civic: Opens in new tabA highly-rated and affordable car known for its excellent fuel economy and powerful engine, along with a good set of safety features. 
• 2025 Mazda3: Opens in new tabFor a well-rounded compact car, the Mazda3 is a top choice, earning high safety ratings and offering a refined interior and enjoyable driving dynamics for its price. 

Affordable Luxury: 

• 2025 Acura Integra: The most affordable luxury car, the Integra is a solid choice for those seeking a premium feel without the luxury car price tag. It boasts good fuel economy and a practical hatchback design.

What is the least expensive vehicle to operate?

What Cars Are Cheapest to Maintain?

• Toyota Corolla.
• Toyota Prius.
• Honda Fit.
• Mitsubishi Mirage.
• Toyota Yaris.
• Honda Civic.
• Nissan Sentra. The Nissan Sentra is another budget-friendly sedan that’s both dependable and relatively cheap to maintain.
• Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is the company’s first entry on this list.

What is the best maintenance free car to buy?

There is no truly “maintenance-free” car, but models known for extremely low maintenance costs and high reliability include the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Lexus RX, and Subaru Outback. For even lower costs over time, especially on luxury vehicles, the Tesla Model 3 is a leading choice, while the Toyota Camry is consistently ranked among the best for overall low maintenance and repair costs. 
Top Recommendations for Low Maintenance

• Toyota Corolla: . Opens in new tabA global best-seller due to its reliability, sturdy design, and uncomplicated engine, often requiring minimal repairs even after hundreds of thousands of miles. 
• Toyota Prius: . Opens in new tabAn excellent hybrid option known for eco-conscious drivers, featuring a simple dual-engine system and cost-saving benefits. 
• Honda Civic: . Opens in new tabA champion of long lifespan and affordability, the Civic is known for its durability and minimal repair needs, leading to one of the lowest ownership costs. 
• Lexus RX: . Opens in new tabThis luxury SUV combines premium build quality with the reliability and low repair costs often associated with Toyota, a brand known for least maintenance. 
• Subaru Outback: . Opens in new tabOffers a practical, versatile, and dependable all-weather experience with affordability in mind for ownership costs. 

Electric Vehicles with Low Maintenance 

• Tesla (particularly the Model 3): Tesla vehicles, especially the Model 3, are ranked as having some of the lowest maintenance and repair costs over the first 10 years of ownership.

Key Factors for Low Maintenance

• Simplicity: Cars with fewer complex features and uncomplicated engines tend to have fewer things that can go wrong. 
• Reliability: Brands like Toyota and Honda have a long-standing reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles. 
• Parts Availability and Cost: Readily available and affordable parts, a hallmark of models like the Toyota Corolla, contribute to lower ownership costs.