100,000 drivers agree these are the 10 cheapest cars to run
June 21, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
The Driver Power survey asked 100,000 drivers about running costs – these 10 cars came out on top.
With living costs rising and fuel prices still unpredictable, drivers are more focused than ever on saving money where they can. So which cars are the cheapest to run? We asked over 100,000 drivers in the 2026 Driver Power survey to find out.
Here are the top 10 cheapest cars to run, as voted by you:
- Kia Niro
- Vauxhall Grandland
- Tesla Model 3
- Vauxhall Frontera
- Hyundai Kona
- Renault Clio
- Peugeot 2008
- MG4
- Vauxhall Mokka
- Toyota Yaris Cross
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1. Kia Niro – 84.60%
Taking first place as the cheapest car to run is the Kia Niro. This sensible family SUV offers strong interior quality and plenty of space. That said, it’s not the most fun car to drive, and the hybrid and PHEV versions have a smaller boot than the all-electric model.
Owners praise the Niro for its low running costs, with one saying: “Very economical and plenty big enough for my needs.”
2. Vauxhall Grandland – 84.20%
The Vauxhall Grandland snatched second place for low running costs. This SUV has a quality interior, decent practicality and is comfortable to drive. However, it’s just a bit dull and the petrol engine is gutless.
That said, Driver Power shows that it’s cheap to own. “It’s very economical to run and easy to drive,” says one owner.
3. Tesla Model 3 – 84.04%
The Tesla Model 3 completes the podium for running costs. It also topped the Driver Power survey overall this year, finishing first in three of the main categories. This electric saloon offers strong value, with a range of up to 323 miles on a single charge. However, the interior isn’t as premium as Tesla’s higher-end models.
Owners particularly praise its low total cost of ownership, with one saying: “It’s easy to charge, maintain and drive, and has low running costs.”
4. Vauxhall Frontera – 83.96%
The Vauxhall Frontera might have just missed out on the podium, but owners still love it for its low running costs. It has a smooth, economical engine, a cavernous interior, and a comfortable driving experience. However, the cabin feels cheap, and there’s a lack of rear seat storage.
One owner from the 2026 Driver Power survey says: “It’s lovely to drive and cheap to run.”
5. Hyundai Kona – 83.78%
Completing the top five is the Hyundai Kona. With its space-age styling, this SUV offers plenty of interior space and is a quiet motorway cruiser. However, alternatives are more comfortable over bumps, and its driver assistance alerts can become irritating.
Owners praise its low running costs, with one saying it’s “very economical and has lots of interior and boot space.”
6. Renault Clio – 83.76%
Just shy of the top five is the Renault Clio, a small hatchback with a plush-feeling cabin and a very practical boot. However, it’s not as comfy as alternatives, and the rear seats are tight.
Owners liked it for its low running costs too, with one praising its “fuel efficiency and ease of driving,” while another said it’s “a good size and economical to run.”
7. Peugeot 2008 – 83.71%
Peugeot 2008 owners rate this small SUV highly for its low running costs. It combines a stylish exterior with a well-finished interior. However, rear-seat space can feel tight, and its infotainment system can be frustrating to use.
One owner describes it as a “great SUV that drives well and is economical to run,” while another calls it a “reliable car and a good size.”
8. MG4 – 83.50%
The MG4 is an electric hatchback that’s really fun to drive, has a range of up to 338 miles on a single charge, and comes at a fantastic price. Its interior is easy to use too. That said, it has a small boot and is noisy on the motorway.
Owners loved the MG4 for its low running costs, with one stating that it’s “easy to drive,” while another praised its “performance, quality and design.”
9. Vauxhall Mokka – 82.94%
Completing the top 10 is the Vauxhall Mokka. This SUV gives you decent value for money, head-turning looks, and is well-equipped, with base models reasonably priced. That said, it’s incredibly dull to drive and has a smaller boot than alternatives.
Owners praised its good fuel efficiency, while another said the electric version is “very cheap to run on the correct tariff.”
10. Toyota Yaris Cross – 82.56%
Rounding out our list is the Toyota Yaris Cross. This SUV has a hybrid powertrain that’s incredibly economical, generous standard equipment and excellent visibility from the driver’s seat. However, it’s fidgety over bumps and the engine can be noisy.
Despite some niggles, owners rated it positively for its running costs. One owner said its fuel efficiency is “great” and that it’s a “very comfortable and reliable car that’s quite cheap to run and environmentally friendly”.
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