Best Fuel Efficient Used Cars

Kia took a three-pronged approach when it launched the Niro, releasing it with electric, plug-in hybrid and ‘regular’ hybrid setups so that it could suit all types of drivers. While the plug-in hybrid does grab the headlines with its consumption figures, we’re still very impressed by the 58.9mpg you can get from the standard hybrid – and it’s a great pick if you’ve not the option of charging up at home.

Inside, you’ll find a well-made cabin with lots of standard equipment while the boxy design means it’s got more headroom to offer those sitting in the back than you might expect. Plus, Kia offers a seven-year warranty on its cars, so you might be able to get a late-model Niro with some of this cover intact – it’s transferrable between owners.

The Prius is a car which people often think about first when efficiency is mentioned. It’s often seen as the ‘first’ hybrid and one which kickstarted the electrically assisted car boom. This generation of Prius wasn’t just available as a ‘regular’ hybrid, either, but as a full-fat plug-in hybrid that can return up to 235mpg.

As with all plug-in hybrids, this generation of Prius needs to be charged up to be at its most efficient, so you’re going to have to think about how you’re able to top it up before diving into a purchase. However, if that works for you, then the Prius offers a comfortable and quiet driving experience.

If a no-nonsense but efficient car is what you’re after, then look no further than the Suzuki Swift. Suzuki has excellent form in producing small, clean and easy-to-maintain models and the Swift is a prime example of this. We’re big fans of this second-generation Swift, too, as it’s a very inexpensive option that is commonplace on the used market, while parts are in excellent supply as well.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine in the most efficient Swift is surprisingly peppy for such a small-capacity unit and while this Suzuki is definitely most at home around town, it remains composed enough on the motorway to ensure that longer trips aren’t a slog.

When it comes to the best MPG cars, the Ford Fiesta is a car which consistently comes out on top. Sure, it doesn’t have the massive headline-grabbing figures of a plug-in hybrid, but the Fiesta’s over-50mpg is a figure that makes a big impact on a day-to-day basis and it’s one that can be achieved without having to drive too carefully.

The Fiesta’s sharp and nimble handling is what makes this car feel so good to drive, while the peppy response of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine adds some character to it all, too. Inside, you’ve got a well-made cabin with lots of features while the boot isn’t as small as you might expect for a car of this size.

The Outlander was one of the cars which kicked off the plug-in hybrid revolution. Here was a car which delivered the same space and practicality as a ‘regular’ SUV, but could be powered for a fraction of the cost – providing it was charged up, of course.

While the Outlander may not feel quite as pioneering today as it did when it was launched back in 2014, it’s still a great option for drivers who want space and efficiency. All models come equipped with plenty of equipment while the Outlander’s reliability has always been impressive, which adds another string to its bow.

The Fiat 500 isn’t just a great small car, it’s also one of the best fuel-efficient cars out there. With its compact proportions and light steering it’s superb to drive around town, while its compact engines deliver some excellent fuel consumption figures with the clever TwinAir unit being particularly frugal.

You’re also getting a healthy dose of style with the 500 thanks to its smart exterior design and cleverly packaged interior. Of course, those after a very spacious car should look elsewhere, but if you’re after a car that’ll be easy to park and easy on the finances to run, then the Fiat 500 should certainly be on your list.

Toyota has fine form when it comes to fuel-efficient cars and, of course, was the maker of the iconic Prius which we’ve also featured in this list. It’s got the same great reliability track-record as the Prius, too, and while the Auris might not be the most exciting of cars it’s superb when it comes to efficiency and ease-of-use.

You’ll find plenty of toys onboard the Auris, too, with all cars getting features such as climate control from the off. While there are ‘regular’ petrol versions of the Auris available too, we’d be focusing on the excellent hybrid setup if you’re after the best-possible fuel economy.

The latest generation of Peugeot 508 is arguably one of the French firm’s most striking models to date, so if you’re after a new vehicle with plenty of style, you’ve come to the right place.

But along with those head-turning looks, the 508 also features a super-clean plug-in hybrid engine setup which can deliver up to 235.4mpg – though it’ll need to be fully charged in order to achieve this. Elsewhere, we’ve got a pleasantly made interior with lots of clever tech while the option of either hatchback or estate layouts gives plenty of options. In a change to other Peugeots, the 508 has a sportier suspension setup which does make things firmer, but means that it corners pleasantly.

The Mini Hatch is a car that offers it all – great looks, an excellent driving experience and – importantly for this list – good efficiency as well. We’ve always loved the Mini Hatch for its character, but it’s also got excellent levels of build quality which ensures that even older models still feel solid today.

This third-generation Mini Hatch introduced more spaciousness than before – but it’s still by no means an SUV – while the 1.5-litre petrol-powered Cooper is the one to pick if you’re after the best possible fuel economy. It’s also just as powerful as you’d need in a car like this and, when combined with the Mini’s great dynamics, provide a car that can inspire a grin, even on the most mundane of drives.

We finish with a true Motors favourite – the Volkswagen Up! It’s a car which packs a lot into a small footprint, with this car’s boxy dimensions making it a far better option for taller drivers and passengers than you’d expect.

It’s also remarkably well packaged, meaning that there’s a lot more boot space than you’d get from an equivalently car. However, most importantly for this list, the Up! is also brilliantly efficient, with its 1.0-litre engine delivering excellent fuel economy alongside enough performance to get this compact car up to speed in good enough time. Bear in mind – the Up! does hold its value, so expect to pay a slight premium for a decent example.