Best MPG cars in 2025

The XCeed scores very well in terms of real MPG, with a score of 109%, meaning on average, owners better the manufacturer figures. That's around 45mpg for the 1.0-litre petrol models, 40-43mpg for the 1.4-litre petrol versions and around 55mpg for the diesel. 

So it's the diesel you want for sipping fuel, then, although the caveat here is that the 1.6-litre CRD-powered XCeed is no long sold. Happily, there are a decent number of these on the used market to choose from. 

There's also a plug-in hybrid offering around 200mpg, but that'll be a very hard figure to extract in real-world driving, and is only possible if you drive around most of the time using electricity alone. Not enough PHEV owners have responded to Real MPG to give a percentage score for this particular XCeed.

Despite the plug-in hybrid performing dismally in the Real MPG stakes (funnily enough, few owners can replicate the ~200mpg factory figure for the PHEV), the 3 Series has an excellent real MPG score. 

The best-scoring car of the lot is the M340d, which is both powerful and frugal, with a Real MPG figure of 46.3mpg and a score of 111%. The 320d MHEV (mild hybrid) is the one you want for super-low fuel usage, though, with a Real MPG of 59.9mpg, or 102% of the official number.

The 3 Series Touring fares very well too, and would be our pick of the two. It's practical, stylish and great to drive. This version of the 3 Series has also been around long enough for depreciation to work its magic, so it needn't be an expensive buy. 

The Suzuki Swift might not be the first small hatchback that comes to mind, especially given all the more obvious rivals it must contend with. But it’s roomy for four, impressively economical and it costs less to buy than most competitors. It also offers stylish looks and more fun on the road than the likes of conservative competitors like the Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo.

Granted, it’s not the comfiest car of its type, nor does it have the best interior. But, if you can look past that, the previous-generation version of Suzuki’s little hatch has some excellently smooth and quiet engines - including the 1.2 Dualjet SHVS. Simply put, that’s Suzuki’s 1.2-litre engine, assisted by a mild hybrid SHVS system and a four-wheel-drive. If you want a small car with a few luxuries and a modicum of off-road ability, it's one of the very few choices you have. It also sees around 65mpg.

The Swift certainly won’t suit everyone, with a ride that isn’t quite as refined as Ford can offer and a boot that’s on the small side. While we’re on the Swift’s cons, it also costs a comparatively huge amount to insure due to a poor three out of five star Euro NCAP safety rating. Yet, if you want something a little unique and more stylish than the usual crop of small hatchbacks while also being quite economical, the Swift might be right up your alley.

It would be preposterous to talk about fuel economy without having hybrids in this list. Enter, the Toyota Prius. For lots of people, the word Prius is synonymous with the word hybrid - and for good reason. The previous-generation version definitely doesn’t look as good as some self-charging hybrid rivals (nor the new, plug-in hybrid-only Prius) - but the Toyota is an accessible car for anyone who wants practicality and low running costs.

As more manufacturers have added hybrid and electric models to their ranges, the Prius fell a bit behind in a class where it used to sit almost alone. But the Prius still offers a very impressive 64.7mpg on the road thanks to its 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Unlike a plug-in hybrid, the Toyota Prius replenishes its batteries by gaining back energy that would otherwise be lost, via regenerative brakes of the engine diverting power to boost the battery pack. That means no plugs or charging – though Toyota does offer a plug-in version.

So, how good is the Prius in other areas? Well, the Prius isn’t shy with its looks, and the bold style is carried through into its interior. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but competent enough. It’s also well-built, reliable and there’s a good amount of standard equipment in all, especially from Business trim upwards. But the Prius is first and foremost about the economy, and that’s reflected in the way it drives. It isn’t sporty or particularly engaging, but it does its job well enough - just look at how many are used as taxis and Ubers.

The Corolla isn’t just good for a hybrid, it’s also one of the best hatchbacks around. It's great quiet and smooth on the move, economical, reliable and well-equipped even in the most basic trims. What’s more, Toyota hybrids hold their value well. But this does mean it’s likely to cost more than rivals on the used market.

Being a Toyota, long-term reliability is a given, and it comes with a five-year warranty. Around town at slow speeds, the Corolla is relaxing to drive, but the 1.8 hybrid - found in the Toyota Prius and Toyota C-HR - feels plenty quick enough, not just from a standstill but at motorway speeds too. You’ll get a return of around 63mpg, too.

Okay, so we can't argue that the Toyota GT86 is massively fuel efficient but it wins its place on this list because its real MPG figure is actually better than claimed – on average it achieved 102% of its claimed 35mpg. Some owners recorded economy as high as 43mpg. 

It makes the sporty GT86 a surprisingly usable car. Sure, the interior lacks flair and isn't the most practical, but it feels robust and small kids will fit in the back seat or you can use it for luggage. The boot is also pretty big – much larger than a Mazda MX-5's.

Believe it or not, the GT86 (and the later GR86 for that matter) is also more fun to drive than the Mazda. Its lack of grip at the rear and itas limited-slip differential means it's an excellent way to learn car control at relatively slow speeds and its 2.0-litre engine is reasonably brisk if worked hard. Who said economy can't be fun?

Yep, it's another sports car whose owners are reporting better MPG figures than the official numbers, with a score of 103%. Only owners of the 2.0-litre automatic version are getting less MPG than Mazda's figures, and it's not like those cars are far off, with a score of 99%. 

The difference here is unlike the GT86, the Mazda MX-5 can be quite frugal, especially with the entry-level 1.5-litre engine, which some owners are getting as much as 50mpg from. Impressive indeed.

As mentioned, it's not as practical as the GT86 nor quite as good to drive as the Toyota, and it certainly doesn't handle as sweetly as the GR86, which is even sharper than its predecessor. But you can actually buy one - the GR86 sold out almost immediately after it went on sale, and a subsequent batch opened up for the UK market didn't last long either. 

The MX-5, though, happily soldiers on. While not using a great deal of fuel, it seems.

The Ford Fiesta needs no introduction, but we’re going to give it one anyway. In short, it was the UK’s most popular car for a long time, outselling all other models pretty consistently. That’s due in large to the huge array of trims, engines and specs that lets buyers hone the car to their exact needs. There was the hot hatch Fiesta ST and off-roady Fiesta Active versions for even more variation on the theme, and a diesel engine (the 1.5 TDCi) that’ll get you just over 63mpg.

Combine all that with the fact that the Fiesta was arguably the best hatchback going when it was still on sale (fun to drive and packed with kit) and it’s no surprise to see them absolutely everywhere. Whether it’s as a first car fresh from ripping up the L-plates, a dependable sole vehicle or the backup car in the family, the Fiesta does it all and does it very well.

Sadly, the Fiesta is no longer on sale, but given its popularity, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a used example that suits your needs.

The previous generation Octavia was a big seller for Skoda, meaning there are plenty of examples on the used market with as many or as few extras as you want. Thankfully, all models are well-specced with a touch-screen infotainment system, hill start assist, climate control, stop/start and USB as standard.

As can be expected, the most efficient engine is a diesel option - the 1.6 TDI, which produces 105PS and gives drivers a return of around 63mpg. The engine is both quiet and refined, even at motorway speeds. The steering is precise and the ride is comfortable on most roads, even those plagued by potholes and bumps.

The Skoda Octavia isn’t an exciting choice but it offers a composed drive and a sensible, decidedly upmarket interior. The boot is also a massive 590 litres with the seats in place or 1580 litres with them folded down. If you want something safe, comfortable and practical - look no further, just don’t expect bucketloads of performance.

The newest Dacia Duster hasn't been around long enough for Honest John Real MPG to collect enough data from owners, but the outgoing model fared very well in this regard, with an average of 95%. Two versions - the 1.5-litre DCi diesel and the 0.9-litre DCE petrol (each in two-wheel drive form) actually get better results than the factory figures, each rated at 104%. 

Granted, it looks a bit frumpy compared to the new one and isn't quite as refined, but it's still a great do-it-all car that's great value on the used market. Plus, you can get one with a diesel engine, which isn't possible with the latest Duster. 

Generous ground clearance means they're actually pretty handy off-road compared to a lot of rivals, especially if specced with a four-wheel drive system. Just bear in mind that thusly specced Dusters are less economical, both on paper and judging by Real MPG submissions.