The 10 cheapest cars to run, according to their owners
Car changing is a big deal
One thing to consider when choosing your next car is how much it costs to run and maintain. Here are 10 cars whose owners rate their running costs as cheap.
With the cost of living rising and fuel prices still unpredictable, drivers are more focused than ever on saving money where they can. One of the biggest costs of having a car is how much it costs to run and maintain.
But which models have the cheapest running costs? Here are the top 10, based on feedback from more than 100,000 UK motorists in the latest Driver Power survey.
Remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean these are the cheapest cars to own, but rather the cars that owners rated highest based on factors such as fuel/EV efficiency and overall running costs, including insurance and maintenance.
- Kia Niro
- Vauxhall Grandland
- Tesla Model 3
- Vauxhall Frontera
- Hyundai Kona
- Renault Clio
- Peugeot 2008
- MG4
- Vauxhall Mokka
- Toyota Yaris Cross
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. Kia Niro
Claiming first place as the cheapest car to run, according to owners, 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. The hybrid also has official figures of at least 60.1mpg.
Owners praised the Niro for its low running costs, with one saying: “Very economical and plenty big enough for my needs.”
2. Vauxhall Grandland
The Vauxhall Grandland snatched second place for its 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 entry-level hybrid engine is gutless. That said, we did see around 53mpg during our time with it.
That said, the Driver Power survey suggests that it’s cheap to own. “It’s very economical to run and easy to drive,” says one owner.
3. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 completes the podium for low 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 466 miles on a single charge. However, the minimalist interior is a bit tech-heavy. It also has an official EV efficiency figure of 4.6 miles per kWh.
Owners particularly loved it for 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
The Vauxhall Frontera might have just missed out on the podium, but owners still liked 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 respondent in the 2026 Driver Power survey said: “It’s lovely to drive and cheap to run.” It’s also very efficient too, with the official fuel economy coming in at around 54mpg.
5. Hyundai Kona
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. We also saw around 50mpg during our time with the car, showing that it’s fairly efficient.
Owners praised its low running costs, with one saying it’s “very economical and has lots of interior and boot space.”
6. Renault Clio
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. It’s fairly efficient too, with official figures suggesting it’s capable of up to 54.3mpg.
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
Peugeot 2008 owners rate this car highly for its low running costs. This small SUV 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. It also has an official fuel economy of up to 53.2mpg.
One owner described 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
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 great price. Its interior is easy to use too. That said, it has a small boot and it’s noisy on the motorway.
During our time testing the MG4, we saw an efficiency figure of about 3.9 miles per kWh – that would equate to a real-world range of around 250 miles, which is pretty good.
Owners liked the MG4 for its cheap running costs, with one stating that it’s “easy to drive,” while another praised its “performance, quality and design.”
9. Vauxhall Mokka
Also making 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 liked that it has good fuel efficiency – official fuel economy figures are a respectable 49.6mpg – while another said the electric version is “very cheap to run on the correct tariff.”
10. Toyota Yaris Cross
Rounding out the 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. Its official fuel economy comes in at around 60mpg.
Despite some niggles, owners rated it positively for its low 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”.
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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