The most economical petrol, diesel and hybrid cars you can buy right now, ranked by real-world MPG.
With fuel prices remaining high, choosing an economical car makes more sense than ever. But manufacturer MPG claims rarely match reality - so we've focused on real-world figures from actual owners.
This list covers cars you can actually buy in the UK, from affordable hybrids to efficient diesels. We've excluded pure electric vehicles since they don't use fuel in the traditional sense, but included plug-in hybrids that can run on petrol.
| Rank | Car | Type | Real MPG | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Yaris Hybrid | Hybrid | 60-65 MPG | £22,630 |
| 2 | Toyota Prius | Hybrid | 58-65 MPG | £32,000 |
| 3 | Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | Hybrid | 55-62 MPG | £28,000 |
| 4 | Kia Niro Hybrid | Hybrid | 55-60 MPG | £29,000 |
| 5 | Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Hybrid | 52-58 MPG | £28,000 |
| 6 | Skoda Octavia iV | Plug-in | 50-200+ MPG* | £35,000 |
| 7 | Peugeot 208 1.5 BlueHDi | Diesel | 55-65 MPG | £23,000 |
| 8 | Renault Clio E-Tech | Hybrid | 50-58 MPG | £22,000 |
| 9 | Honda Jazz Hybrid | Hybrid | 52-58 MPG | £23,000 |
| 10 | Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | Petrol | 45-52 MPG | £18,000 |
*Plug-in hybrid MPG varies significantly based on how often you charge
The Yaris Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in car on sale in the UK. It's particularly impressive around town where the hybrid system can run on electric power alone at low speeds. Owners consistently report 60+ MPG in mixed driving.
The car that started the hybrid revolution is still one of the best. The latest Prius looks far better than previous generations and remains incredibly efficient. It's bigger than the Yaris, making it more practical for families.
Hyundai's answer to the Prius offers similar efficiency with a more conventional look. It comes well-equipped as standard and has one of the best warranties in the business - 5 years unlimited mileage.
The Niro is a practical crossover that doesn't sacrifice efficiency for style. It offers more boot space than most hybrids and comes with Kia's impressive 7-year warranty. Great for families who want to go green without compromising on space.
If the Yaris is too small and the Prius too expensive, the Corolla sits in the sweet spot. Available as a hatchback, saloon or estate, it offers genuine practicality with Toyota's proven hybrid tech.
The Octavia iV is a plug-in hybrid with around 40 miles of electric range. If you can charge at home and have a short commute, you could rarely use any petrol at all. Even when the battery's flat, it returns around 50 MPG.
Proof that diesel isn't dead yet. The 208's small diesel engine is remarkably efficient, especially on longer journeys. It's also one of the best-looking small cars on sale, with a stylish interior that punches above its weight.
Renault's hybrid Clio uses F1-derived technology to deliver strong efficiency. It's one of the more affordable hybrid options and still feels like a proper small car to drive, unlike some eco-focused rivals.
The Jazz might not be the most exciting car, but it's incredibly practical. The "Magic Seats" fold in multiple ways, creating van-like space when needed. Now only available as a hybrid, it's efficient and reliable.
The Fiesta proves you don't need a hybrid to achieve decent fuel economy. Ford's 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine is a gem - small but punchy, and capable of 50+ MPG on a run. It's also the best small car to drive, full stop.
The right car depends on how you drive:
Want to see how much you could save by switching to a more efficient car? Try our MPG calculator to compare your current fuel costs.
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