Best MPG cars in 2026

With a high score for Real MPG of 109%, Kia XCeed owners typically average greater levels of fuel efficiency than the official test results. You should expect around 45mpg from 1.0-litre petrol models, 40-43mpg for the 1.4-litre petrol versions and around 55mpg for the diesel-engined choices. 

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

There was also a Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid offering around 200mpg, but that will be a very hard figure to match in real-world driving, only being possible if you drive around most of the time using electricity alone. So far, an insuffcient number of PHEV owners have responded to the Real MPG survey to give a meaningful score for these particular XCeeds.

Despite the 330e plug-in hybrid performing dismally in the Real MPG ratings – funnily enough, few owners can replicate its circa 200mpg official figure), the BMW 3 Series has other excellent scores to boast of. 

The best-scoring derivative is the BMW M340d, which is both powerful and frugal, with a Real MPG figure of 46.3mpg and a score of 111%. The 320d 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 test result.

The BMW 3 Series Touring estate also fares very well and would be our pick of the two bodystyles. 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 used. 

The previous-generation 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 is more fun to drive than the likes of conservative competitors including the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.

Granted, the Swift’s not the comfiest car of its type, nor does it have the best interior. But, if you can look past those factors, the 2017-2024 vintage of Suzuki’s little hatch has some excellently smooth and quiet engines – including the 1.2 Dualjet SHVS. Simply put, the petrol engine is assisted by a mild hybrid system, with all-wheel drive additionally available should you want it with the Swift 4x4. 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 available, which also returns around 65mpg in the real world.

The Suzuki Swift certainly won’t suit everyone, with a ride that isn’t quite as refined the Ford Fiesta's 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 leftfield and more stylish than the usual crop of small hatchbacks while also being quite economical, the Suzuki Swift should be right up your alley.

It would be preposterous to talk about fuel economy without having hybrids in this list, so enter stage left – the Toyota Prius. For lots of people, the word Prius is synonymous with hybrid – and for good reason. The previous-generation version definitely doesn’t look as good as some self-charging hybrid rivals, nor the latest, 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 alternatives in a corner of the market which used to be entirely its own. 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 braking of the engine, diverting power to boost the battery pack. That means no plugs or charging cables.

So, how good is the Prius in other areas? Well, it isn’t shy with its looks and that 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 specification grades, especially from Business trim upwards. But the Toyota Prius is first and foremost about excellent fuel economy, which is 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 Ubers.

The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports isn’t just good for a hybrid, it’s also one of the best estates 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 significantly 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 – also found in the Prius and Toyota C-HR – feels plenty quick enough, not just from a standstill but at motorway speeds, too. Expect to get a return of around 63mpg.

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, with some owners recording 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 the Mazda MX-5's.

Believe it or not, the GT86 and its Toyota GR86 replacement are more fun to drive than the Mazda. Their lack of grip and limited-slip differential means they are excellent ways to learn car control at relatively slow speeds, yet their 2.0-litre engines are reasonably brisk if worked hard. Who said economy can't be fun?

Yes, it's another sports car whose owners are reporting better MPG figures than the official numbers claim, 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 still buy the Mazda whereas the GR86 sold out almost immediately after it went on sale. A subsequent batch opened up for the UK market didn't last long either. 

The Mazda MX-5, 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 part to the huge array of trims level and engine combinations available that let buyers hone the car to their exact needs. There was the Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch and off-roady Fiesta Active versions for even more variation on the theme, plus diesels including the 1.5 TDCi from which you'll get you just over 63mpg.

Combine all that with the fact that the Fiesta was arguably the best hatchback going when new – 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 for the family, the Fiesta does it all and does it very well.

Sadly, the Ford 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 Skoda Octavia was a big seller for the Czech brand, 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-equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, hill-start assist, climate control, stop/start and USB sockets 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 TCe petrol – actually get better results than the offcial test 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.