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. 

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

Model Class Overall Position Overall Score

Category Score

1. Polestar 2 Premium Mid to Large SUV 17th 90.94% 94.54%
2. MG5 Compact Family Car 66th 87.66% 93.24%
3. Hyundai Ioniq Compact Family Car 11th 91.19% 93.09%
4. Citroen C4 Mk3 Compact Family Car 1st 93.39% 92.78%
5. Tesla Model 3 Executive 22nd 90.71% 91.95%
6. Kia Soul Mk3 Small SUV 18th 90.80% 91.09%
7. Dacia Duster Mk2 Small SUV 4th 91.75% 90.92%
8. Honda Jazz Mk3 Supermini 32nd 90.02% 90.43%
9. Citroen C5 Aircross Mid to Large SUV 56th 88.46% 89.77%
10. Toyota Prius Mk4 Compact Family Car 8th 91.45% 89.50%
Driver Power car ownership

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

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.

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