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

Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2025
Best hatchbacks - header

Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2025

We’ve selected our top 10 best family hatchbacks so you don’t have to
Best cars & vans
9 Jul 2025
Tesla Model 3 review
Tesla Model 3 - front tracking

Tesla Model 3 review

Despite many talented EV rivals, the technology-packed Tesla Model 3 remains one of the very best electric cars around
In-depth reviews
7 Jul 2025
Best car manufacturers 2025
Driver Power - best car manufacturers 2025

Best car manufacturers 2025

Thousands of UK drivers share their real-world verdicts on the manufacturers of the cars they own
News
5 Jul 2025
Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2025: Tesla Model 3
Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2025: Tesla Model 3

Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2025: Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is the 2025 Auto Express Mid-size Company Car of the Year with the BMW i4 and Mercedes C 300 e commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025