Best Real MPG cars 2025
Toyota, Suzuki and Nissan star in HonestJohn.co.uk's Real MPG rankings
Unless you drive a fully electric car, stopping at filling stations to buy fuel is one of motoring's unavoidable costs. The more you drive, the more frequently those refills are, significantly denting your household budget. Choosing a fuel efficient model reduces that burden but which are the most economical cars in the real world? HonestJohn.co.uk's Real MPG figures have the answer.
More than 250,000 of our readers have supplied their own Miles Per Gallon figures for different models across the whole spectrum of makes, models, sizes, ages and prices. The higher the number achieved, the lower the fuel bill. Based on the latest Real MPG results it's clear that cars from Toyota, Suzuki and Nissan are proving to be among the most economical on Britain's roads.
Smaller, lighter cars tend to provide the best MPG figures but that doesn't mean you'll need to crowbar yourself in a city-centric model to benefit. Our results analysis confirms that many family cars will deliver impressive fuel efficiency in excess of 50mpg, while the very best in our lists below all beat 70mpg.
Here we're focusing on cars on sale in the past decade as they're the most plentiful as used buys, all with combustion engines, with and without hybrid technology. Although electric cars are growing in number, the range data isn't yet broad enough to provide a fair comparison. But fear not, Real Range is coming soon...
Best MPG cars:
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Petrol cars: Suzuki nets a hat-trick
Petrol has long been the fuel of choice for most British car buyers. Engines that are petrol powered are often quieter and smoother-running than their diesel counterparts, as well as being better-suited to shorter urban journeys because they reach their most efficient operating temperatures faster.
Remarkably, a trio of Suzuki's small hatchbacks have grabbed the top three positions for petrol cars with the best MPG:
1. Suzuki Celerio (2015-2019)
1.0 Dualjet — 70.2mpg
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Small car equals small thirst it seems when it comes to the Suzuki Celerio. Not only did the 1.0 Dualjet version come out on top with a petrol-sipping Real MPG figure, the 1.0 Automatic version wasn't far behind at 64.8mpg. With space for four adults and air-con available on higher specification models, the Suzuki Celerio makes light work of city motoring, saving you money in the process.
2. Suzuki Baleno (2016-2019)
1.2 Dualjet SHVS — 63.5mpg
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A small hatchback similar in size to the Ford Fiesta, the most economical version of the Suzuki Baleno features the brand's SHVS mild hybrid technology to achieve its 63.5mpg rating according to HonestJohn.co.uk readers, although the version without electrical assistance isn't far behind at 58.8mpg. The Baleno's extra space and performance over the Celerio means its more adept at tackling further afield journeys.
3. Suzuki Swift (2017-2024)
1.0 Boosterjet Hybrid — 62.4mpg
Don't be confused by the 'H' word here — the most economical Suzuki Swift is still a mild hybrid and not the self-charging type its name suggests. Similar in size to the Baleno yet more agile and engaging to drive, the least thirsty swift employs a tiny turbocharged engine that helps boost performance and fuel efficiency, suggesting you can have your cake and eat it. At 61.9mpg the 1.2 Dualjet Swift was only just shy of this version, while the non-mild hybrid 1.0 Boosterjet wasn't far off either at 60.4mpg.
Petrol cars: rest of the Top 10
| Ranking | Make/Model | Version | Real MPG |
| 4 | Skoda Citigo (2012-2019) | 1.0 60PS GreenTech | 59.1mpg |
| 5 | Suzuki Ignis (2017-2025) | 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid | 58.9mpg |
| 6 | Mitsubishi Mirage (2013-2021) | 1.2 Automatic | 58.2mpg |
| 7 | Toyota Aygo (2014-2022) | 1.0 VVT-i | 56.4mpg |
| 8 | Skoda Octavia Estate (2013-2020) | 1.0 TSI 115PS | 54.7mpg |
| 9 | Vauxhall Viva (2015-2019) | 1.0i 75PS Ecoflex | 53.6mpg |
| 10 | Volkswagen Polo (2017-on) | 1.0 75PS | 53.1mpg |
Diesel cars: Toyota's top as small cars dominate
When people think of diesel-powered cars they tend to conjure notions of hefty SUVs and large family cars plying the UK's motorway network. Therefore it may come as a bit of a surprise to find that the diesels with the best MPG figures are all small hatchbacks.
Another surprise is in store with a Toyota topping the list given the brand's association with hybrid power. It's the original version of the dinky Aygo although the engine was supplied by the company now known as Stellantis.
In fact, five of the Top 10 diesel cars with the best MPG feature an engine that originated from a French brand:
1. Nissan Micra (2017-2022)
dCi 90 — 69.6mpg
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Topping the diesel-engined fuel efficiency charts — and within sniffing distance of 70.0mpg threshold — is the French-built, most recent generation of the Nissan Micra, propelled by a 1.5-litre diesel engine from its long-time partner Renault. The Mk4 Micra may have lost the cheeky charm of its forebears, but its 'Honey, I Shrunk the Qashqai' styling liberated plenty of room inside its compact dimensions, with high levels of equipment across the range.
2. SEAT Ibiza SC (2008-2017)
1.4 TDI Ecomotive — 66.5mpg
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Silver medal winner among HonestJohn.co.uk readers when it comes to diesel economy is the SEAT Ibiza SC — that's short for Sport Coupe, the slinkier-shaped three-door version of the regular Ibiza five-door hatchback. Ecomotive models have a few extra tricks to improve the Ibiza SC's already slippery shape and extending how far each tank of diesel will get you. SEAT also sold a 1.2-litre TDI version of the Ibiza SC but our readers' Real MPG figures suggest it's a little thirstier than the 1.4-litre, averaging a still-impressive 65.0mpg.
3. Fiat Panda (2012-2025)
1.3 MultiJet — 66.4mpg
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By modern standards, this generation of Fiat Panda enjoyed a long sales run of 13 years before being withdrawn from UK price lists at the start of 2025 ahead of the introduction of the all-new Fiat Grande Panda. Over in Italy where it's consistently been one of the best-selling cars, it's still available, albeit now named Pandina, which translates as Little Panda. Naww! A practical and spacious small car, the Panda's diesel power was provided in the form of the Italian marque's 1.3-litre MultiJet engine which also saw service in a variety of other cars including the Fiat 500, Chrysler Ypsilon and the previous-generation Vauxhall Corsa.
Diesel cars: rest of the Top 10
| Ranking | Make/Model | Version | Real MPG |
| 4 | Mazda 2 (2015-2025) | 1.5 Skyactiv-D | 66.3mpg |
| 5 | Peugeot 208 (2012-2019) | 1.6 BlueHDi | 65.9mpg |
| 6 | Volkswagen Polo (2009-2017) | 1.4 TDI | 65.2mpg |
| 7 | Honda Civic (2012-2017) | 1.6 i-DTEC | 65.2mpg |
| 8 | Mercedes A-Class (2012-2018) | A180 CDI Eco | 64.3mpg |
| 9 | Audi A3 (2012-2020) | 1.6 TDI Ultra | 64.2mpg |
| 10 | Hyundai i20 (2015-2020) | 1.1 CRDi | 63.8mpg |
Hybrid cars: Almost a Toyota clean sweep
Toyota didn't invent the concept of pairing a combustion engine with an electric motor to benefit overall fuel efficiency, but it seized the opportunity to release the technology in the modern era and has benefited from doing so enormously.
That was over a quarter-century ago and its hybrid tech has spread from the confines of the Prius model line to almost its entire range. In fact, there's barely a car manufacturer around today that hasn't sold a hybrid powered car at some point this century.
Yet, Toyota remains the brand most people think of in relation to the tech and its engineering expertise ensures it's relentless honed, which explains why 80% of the top 10 self-charging hybrid cars with the best MPG are Toyota designs, even though one wears Suzuki badges:
1. Toyota Yaris Cross (2021-on)
1.5 VVT-i Hybrid — 70.5mpg
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Small SUVs seem to be selling faster than the proverbial scorching baked goods right now, with barely a single car company not offering such a model, or at worst, having one waiting in the wings for imminent release. Using the Yaris hatchback as a starting point, the Yaris Cross is a little larger in all dimensions making it that bit more convenient in terms of access and interior space. Stick to driving around town when the car will default to electric driving as much as possible and you might soon forget where your go-to filling station's located.
2. Toyota Yaris (2020-on)
1.5 VVT-i Hybrid — 69.6mpg
Toyota's Yaris Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in petrol cars on sale in Britain right now according to our readers' Real MPG figures. Its super-efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine and self-charging battery aren't tuned to be sporty, but there's sufficient pace to suggest the Yaris wasn't designed to be driven slowly — its fine handling backs that up. Generous levels of kit and impressive build quality make this a desirable small hatch.
3. Suzuki Swace (2021-2025)
1.8 Hybrid — 65.5mpg
Its badges might spell 'Suzuki' but the recently discontinued Swace estate is little more than a British-built Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, albeit only available with the 1.8-litre hybrid system — Toyota kept the 2.0-litre and the Corolla hatchback body for itself. Nevertheless, the Real MPG data suggests that the Suzuki's owners are lighter-of-foot than their Toyota counterparts as the 65.5mpg figure trump's the Corolla's 62.7mpg score.
Hybrid cars: rest of the Top 10
| Ranking | Make/Model | Version | Real MPG |
| 4 | Toyota Prius (2016-2022) | 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid | 65.2mpg |
| 5 | Hyundai Ioniq (2016-2022) | 1.6 Hybrid | 61.9mpg |
| 6 | Toyota C-HR (2016-2023) | 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid | 58.1mpg |
| 7 | Toyota Auris Touring Sports (2013-2019) | 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid | 57.9mpg |
| 8 | Toyota Yaris (2011-2020) | 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid | 57.8mpg |
| 9 | Kia Niro (2016-2021) | 1.6 GDI Hybrid | 56.7mpg |
| 10 | Toyota Prius (2009-2016) | 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid | 56.6mpg |
Plug-in Hybrid cars: Another Toyota win
Many people see plug-in hybrid cars as more than just a convenient stepping stone between self-charging hybrids and full EVs, but it's easy to get sucked-in by the official WLTP efficiency figures promising several hundred miles per gallon. Those numbers rely on the battery pack being regularly charged to full and the car being driven in the most efficient manner possible.
So out and about on the UK's highways what are the best MPG figures real customers are actually achieving? Well, the top four — two of which are Toyota Prius Plug-ins of different generations — all return averages of 100mpg:
1. Toyota Prius Plug-in (2017-2022)
1.8 VVT-i Hybrid — 133.5mpg
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Styling changes differentiate this generation of Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid from its self-charging sibling — and given the latter's awkward appearance, those alerations are welcome. Not only does the Plug-in's larger 8.8kWh battery help boost the Prius's overall fuel efficiency, it can deliver up to 34 miles of electric-only running in ideal conditions.
2. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid (2016-2022)
1.6 GDI Plug-in Hybrid — 129.5mpg
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Aerodynamics go a long way to explain why the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid seems to resemble a same-era Toyota Prius in overall shape, although there are plenty of styling differences to be found — plus Hyundai also sold the Ioniq as a fully electric model. An 8.9kWh battery's nestled under the boot and rear seat area that offered up to 39 miles of EV driving. Not the most thrilling of cars to drive but it's as dependable as a morning sunrise.
3. Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (2014-2020)
1.4 TFSI e-tron — 107.3mpg
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Before e-tron became Audispeak for electric car, the name was applied to its plug-in hybrid models, with the A3 Sportback e-tron being the first to go on sale. Although it had some styling modifications to mark it out from combustion engine-only A3s — including the unique grille with the charge point cleverly hidden behind the four-ringed logo — the e-tron was deliberately visually close to the popular and desirable model upon which it was based. Ultimately, that's the path most manufacturers have gone with their PHEVs. Decent performance is on offer as is a claimed electric driving range of up to 31 miles.
Plug-in Hybrid cars: rest of the Top 10
| Ranking | Make/Model | Version | Real MPG |
| 4 | Toyota Prius (2009-2016) | 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid | 103.4mpg |
| 5 | Kia Optima Sportswagon (2016-2019) | 2.0 GDI Plug-in Hybrid | 85.2mpg |
| 6 | Volvo V60 (2010-2018) | D5 Plug-in Hybrid | 80.2mpg |
| 7 | Volkswagen Golf GTE (2015-2020) | 1.4 TSI | 75.8mpg |
| 8 | Kia Niro (2016-2021) | 1.6 GDI Plug-in Hybrid | 74.7mpg |
| 9 | BMW 7 Series (2016-2022) | 740e | 74.0mpg |
| 10 | Ford Kuga (2020-on) | 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid | 65.5mpg |
Worst MPG: Which are the least economical cars?
Okay, you now know which cars could potentially save you more than a few quid, but which are the models that our readers' Real MPG figures suggest could be utterly ruinous financially?
Would you be surprised to learn that they're all fitted with large-capacity, performance-oriented petrol engines and are geared to deliver high-speed thrills? Oh, you wouldn't. That 40% of them are AMG-fettled Mercedes models won't be a shock, either.
Bottom of the pile? That'll be the first-generation (2011-2016) Mercedes C-Class Coupe — pick the C63 AMG version with an engine that sounds angrier than a whole month's worth of EastEnders episodes and you'll be doing something amazing to average more than 17.5mpg.
The least economical cars:
| Ranking | Make/Model | Version | Real MPG |
| 1 | Mercedes C-Class Coupe (2011-2016) | C63 AMG | 17.5mpg |
| 2 | Mercedes M-Class (2012-2015) | ML63 AMG | 17.7mpg |
| 3 | Range Rover Sport (2013-2022) | 5.0 V8 Supercharged | 18.7mpg |
| 4 | Audi RS5 (2010-2016) | 4.2 FSI Quattro | 18.3mpg |
| 5 | BMW X5 (2014-2018) | M | 18.3mpg |
| 6 | Mercedes CLS (2011-2018) | CLS63 AMG | 19.2mpg |
| 7 | Aston Martin Vantage (2005-2018) | V8 | 19.2mpg |
| 8 | Nissan GT-R (2009-2022) | 3.8 V6 | 19.9mpg |
| 9 | BMW M6 (2012-2018) | M6 Gran Coupe | 20.4mpg |
| 10 | Mercedes E-Class (2009-2016) | E36 AMG | 21.1mpg |
Which cars can really achieve over 70mpg?
Analysing the latest Real MPG figures as supplied by HonestJohn.co.uk readers, the top-performing petrol and self-charging models can — and do — exceed averages of more than 70mpg. Additionally, the nine most efficient plug-in hybrids from our reader survey can also beat that figure. Only the most economical diesel falls short of that 70mpg threshold, but only by 0.4mpg.
Can PHEVs genuinely achieve over 100mpg?
How economical a plug-in hybrid proves to be in the real world will depend on the battery's size, how frequently it's charged and how long its typical journeys are. Plugged in after each drive, even most modestly sized PHEV batteries should manage 20 miles of electric driving — it's quite possible the engine might not fire-up at all, in which case the MPG figure can't even be measured. That's rare, yet our readers inform us that the top four PHEVs efficiency-wise have each averaged over 100mpg.
What's the least fuel efficient car around?
According to HJ's reader-supplied Real MPG data, based on average results the thirstiest car you could own is the high performance C63 AMG version of the Mk1 Mercedes C-Class Coupe. If you regularly achieve more than 17.5mpg then you're not driving yours as hard as other readers do.
