Skip advert
Advertisement

Top 10 best cars for MPG and running costs

Driver Power asked UK new car buyers about their cars' MPG and running costs. These are the top ten highest rated

  • Covering: Fuel economy, servicing costs and other expenses, such as road tax and insurance
  • Winner: Polestar 2
  • Score: 94.54%

There’s another feather in the cap of the Polestar 2, with owners voting it the most satisfying car to own for running costs, a category it wins by a decent margin. It’s electric of course, which, even with soaring electricity bills, means it has an intrinsic advantage over internal-combustion rivals. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

But while the Polestar gets a pass in the MPG column, two second places for servicing costs and insurance ensure the car earns victory. Runner-up in the category is the MG5, another EV, which tops the insurance cost table and comes sixth for servicing costs.

Taking third is Hyundai’s Ioniq, which comes top of the table for economy, with respondents split 50:50 between hybrid and full-EV versions. A third place for insurance costs is another Ioniq positive, but the car can only manage 22nd for servicing costs, which prevents it from capitalising on other good scores. 

Last year’s running costs winner, the Tesla Model 3, is still in the running too, with an excellent fifth place behind the overall survey-winning Citroen C4.

Your view

“It’s the cheapest car I’ve ever had to insure, which helps to offset its price. Other costs are minimal because the servicing is included for three years.”

MPG and running costs top 10

ModelClassOverall PositionOverall Score

Category Score

1. Polestar 2Premium Mid to Large SUV17th90.94%94.54%
2. MG5Compact Family Car66th87.66%93.24%
3. Hyundai IoniqCompact Family Car11th91.19%93.09%
4. Citroen C4 Mk3Compact Family Car1st93.39%92.78%
5. Tesla Model 3Executive22nd90.71%91.95%
6. Kia Soul Mk3Small SUV18th90.80%91.09%
7. Dacia Duster Mk2Small SUV4th91.75%90.92%
8. Honda Jazz Mk3Supermini32nd90.02%90.43%
9. Citroen C5 AircrossMid to Large SUV56th88.46%89.77%
10. Toyota Prius Mk4Compact Family Car8th91.45%89.50%
Driver Power car ownership

Now tell us about your car in the Driver Power survey...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Long-term test: Toyota Prius Excel
Toyota Prius Excel - header

Long-term test: Toyota Prius Excel

Third fleetwatch report: despite the Prius’ sloping roofline, it has proved surprisingly accommodating to rear passengers
Long-term tests
10 Jul 2026
Best executive cars to buy 2026
Best executive cars 07/26

Best executive cars to buy 2026

The best executive cars add a real touch of class to every journey, and here they are
Best cars & vans
9 Jul 2026
Best family cars to buy 2026
Best family cars July 2026

Best family cars to buy 2026

Family cars come in a variety of shapes, from hatchback to SUV. But which is best for you?
Best cars & vans
7 Jul 2026
Best electric SUVs to buy 2026
Best electric SUVs - header image

Best electric SUVs to buy 2026

The electric SUV market is growing rapidly, so we’re here to help you pick the best ones to buy
Best cars & vans
6 Jul 2026

Most Popular

New Dacia Striker 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date
Ellis Hyde with the Dacia Striker

New Dacia Striker 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date

The rugged yet athletic estate car is, in essence, an Audi A6 Allroad for a third of the price
News
10 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Big-battery Citroen e-C3 Aircross for a tiny £154 a month
Citroen C3 Aircross UK - full front

Car Deal of the Day: Big-battery Citroen e-C3 Aircross for a tiny £154 a month

The Citroen e-C3 Aircross offers space and a decent electric range for a low price. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 8
News
8 Jul 2026
New BYD Dolphin G arrives in the UK for a huge £6k less than key rivals
BYD Dolphin G Goodwood

New BYD Dolphin G arrives in the UK for a huge £6k less than key rivals

The BYD Dolphin G supermini gets big-car technology, with all versions costing less than £30,000
News
10 Jul 2026