The 10 most economical cars in the UK, according to owners
Car changing is a big deal
One thing to look out for when getting your next car is how far it can travel on a tank of fuel or a certain amount of charge. Based on the latest owner satisfaction survey, these are the cars owners say are the most economical.
We all want to lower our everyday running costs, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. That’s why fuel and EV efficiency matter: the more miles you can travel per gallon (mpg) or per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh), the more you can save on fuel and charging.
So, which cars have the best fuel and EV economy? Based on feedback from more than 100,000 UK motorists, the latest Driver Power survey reveals the top 10 cars owners think are the most fuel and EV efficient. Spoiler alert: the top three all come from one Japanese manufacturer.
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Toyota Aygo X
- Toyota Yaris
- Vauxhall Frontera
- Hyundai Kona
- Tesla Model Y
- Kia Niro
- Peugeot 2008
- Toyota C-HR
- Hyundai i10
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
1. Toyota Yaris Cross
Taking the gold for efficiency is the Toyota Yaris Cross. We think this small SUV is impressively economical – it achieved around 60mpg in our own tests – so it’s no surprise that it tops the list. That said, its hybrid engine can be noisy, and the car can feel fidgety over bumps.
Its owners, however, were full of praise. One respondent described its fuel efficiency as “great”, while another highlighted its “good fuel economy” alongside its comfortable driving position.
2. Toyota Aygo X
Claiming second place is another Toyota, but this time it’s the jacked-up hatchback, the Aygo X. It’s so impressively efficient that we managed to achieve a whopping 90mpg when we drove it. Better still, it remains refined on the motorway. However, it isn’t the most practical Toyota in the range.
Driver Power survey respondents agreed that efficiency is one of the Aygo X’s biggest strengths. One owner said it’s “reliable and good on fuel”, while another praised its “great mpg, comfortable seats, and easy-to-drive nature”.
3. Toyota Yaris
Rounding out the podium is another Toyota: the Yaris. This excellent small car also features an efficient hybrid engine and returned around 70mpg on our test drive. It’s fun to drive and comes well equipped as standard. However, its large wheels make the ride less comfortable, and rear-seat and boot space are both limited.
Owners particularly praised the Yaris for its efficiency, with one describing its fuel economy as “excellent”. Another respondent highlighted its low running costs, adding that it’s also “easy to drive”.
4. Vauxhall Frontera
The Vauxhall Frontera may have just missed out on a podium finish, but owners still rate it highly for its fuel efficiency. This SUV offers a cavernous interior, a comfortable driving experience and a smooth engine, while official figures claim fuel economy of up to around 54mpg.
Driver Power respondents agreed it’s highly efficient. One owner said its “economy” is its greatest strength, while others praised its “styling, comfort and low running costs”.
5. Hyundai Kona
Rounding out the top five is the Hyundai Kona. This head-turning family SUV has striking styling, is highly practical, and is a quiet motorway cruiser. However, some alternatives are more comfortable over bumps, while the Kona’s driver assistance systems can be infuriating with their constant bings and bongs.
That said, the hybrid version is popular with owners for its impressive fuel economy – we saw around 50mpg during our time with the car. One owner said they liked its “quality, comfort, driving position and performance”, while another praised its “good warranty” and “high levels of equipment”.
6. Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y owners rated this electric SUV highly for its efficiency. It’s got a spacious cabin and generous rear-seat room, making it comfortable for passengers. However, there’s a lack of a parcel shelf and a few cost-cutting interior details.
While our mixed test route of countryside roads, urban streets and motorways yielded 3.3mi/kWh, owners were generally happier with the Model Y’s real-world efficiency. One respondent called it “roomy and lovely to drive”, while another said it was “quiet, smooth, and very efficient with home charging”.
7. Kia Niro
Next up 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 fuel economy, with one saying it’s “very economical and plenty big enough for my needs,” while another praised it for its gadgets and gizmos, as well as its economy.
8. Peugeot 2008
Peugeot 2008 owners rate this small SUV highly for its fuel economy. It combines a stylish exterior with a well-finished interior. However, rear-seat space can feel tight, and the infotainment system can be frustrating to use.
One owner described it as a “great SUV that drives well and is economical to run,” while another said it “has excellent fuel economy, drives well, and is very comfortable.”
9. Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR has also earned a place in our top 10 most economical cars. This oh-so-stylish SUV not only looks great, but also offers a comfortable ride and low running costs. However, we think the rear cabin feels a bit cheap, and the engines can be noisy under acceleration.
When we tested the 140hp 1.8-litre hybrid version, it returned an impressive 56mpg on our test route. Driver Power respondents agreed, with many praising its fuel economy. One owner said: “It’s smooth and ultra reliable. Not to mention it’s very economical and looks great.”
10. Hyundai i10
Last up with the Hyundai i10. This cracking city car comes with cute looks and lots of room inside. That said, we think it’s got a dire automatic gearbox.
However, owners still praised it for its fuel economy. One respondent liked that “it’s compact, and economical to run and maintain”. Another echoed this, saying: “It’s cheap to run, very functional and nicely stylish for a city car.”
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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