Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing costs of car ownership in the UK. Choosing a fuel-efficient used car can save you hundreds of pounds every year — and with modern engines and hybrid technology, you do not have to sacrifice comfort, space, or driving enjoyment to achieve excellent MPG.
We have selected 10 used cars that consistently achieve over 50 MPG in real-world driving based on owner reports. All are readily available on the used market in the UK at a range of budgets.
The Top 10 at a Glance
| Rank | Car | Real-World MPG | Used Price From | Annual Fuel Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2020+) | 58–65 MPG | £13,000 | £870 |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2019+) | 55–62 MPG | £16,000 | £920 |
| 3 | Honda Jazz Hybrid (2020+) | 55–60 MPG | £14,500 | £940 |
| 4 | Renault Clio 1.0 TCe (2019+) | 50–55 MPG | £9,500 | £1,020 |
| 5 | Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI (2020+) | 50–55 MPG | £14,000 | £1,020 |
| 6 | Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech (2019+) | 50–55 MPG | £10,500 | £1,020 |
| 7 | Hyundai i20 1.0T (2020+) | 50–54 MPG | £11,000 | £1,040 |
| 8 | Suzuki Swift 1.2 Hybrid (2020+) | 52–57 MPG | £10,000 | £980 |
| 9 | Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost (2017+) | 48–54 MPG | £8,000 | £1,060 |
| 10 | Kia Niro Hybrid (2019+) | 52–58 MPG | £15,000 | £960 |
*Annual fuel cost based on 7,400 miles per year at 140p/litre for petrol. Figures are approximate and based on real-world owner reports.
1. Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2020 onwards)
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the undisputed king of fuel efficiency among non-plug-in used cars in the UK. Its 1.5-litre hybrid system is remarkably effective in urban driving, where it can run on electric power alone at low speeds. Many owners report achieving 60+ MPG with ease in mixed driving, and some report over 70 MPG on shorter urban commutes.
The Yaris is also cheap to tax (around £0–£20 per year for older models) and sits in a low insurance group. Toyota's reputation for reliability means servicing and repair costs tend to be below average.
2. Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2019 onwards)
If you need more space than the Yaris but still want exceptional fuel economy, the Corolla Hybrid delivers. Available as a hatchback or estate, it uses the same hybrid technology as the Yaris but with a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre engine. The 1.8 typically returns 55–62 MPG in real-world driving.
3. Honda Jazz Hybrid (2020 onwards)
The Honda Jazz has always been a practical small car, and the latest hybrid version adds impressive fuel economy to its list of strengths. It uses Honda's e:HEV system which operates primarily as an electric car with a petrol engine acting as a generator. Real-world MPG of 55–60 is typical.
4. Renault Clio 1.0 TCe (2019 onwards)
The Renault Clio offers one of the lowest entry prices on our list while still delivering excellent fuel economy. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is peppy enough for town driving and returns 50–55 MPG in mixed use. It is a strong choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a modern, well-equipped car.
5. Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI (2020 onwards)
The Octavia proves that a family-sized car does not have to be expensive to run. The 1.0-litre TSI engine may sound small for such a large car, but it is surprisingly capable and returns 50–55 MPG. The Octavia's massive boot (600 litres) makes it one of the most practical cars on this list.
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6. Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech (2019 onwards)
The Peugeot 208 combines stylish design with frugal running costs. The 1.2-litre PureTech engine is one of the best small petrol units on the market, winning multiple International Engine of the Year awards. Real-world fuel economy of 50–55 MPG is achievable with a sensible right foot.
7. Hyundai i20 1.0T (2020 onwards)
Hyundai's supermini comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty (transferable to subsequent owners), which is a significant advantage on the used market. The 1.0-litre turbocharged engine returns 50–54 MPG and the i20 is well-equipped even in base specification.
8. Suzuki Swift 1.2 Hybrid (2020 onwards)
The Suzuki Swift is one of the lightest cars in its class, which helps its mild hybrid 1.2-litre engine deliver 52–57 MPG. It weighs under 1,000 kg, which also makes it fun to drive on country roads. Used prices start from around £10,000 for a low-mileage example.
9. Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost (2017 onwards)
Although Ford stopped making the Fiesta in 2023, there are plenty of used examples available and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine remains one of the best small petrol units ever made. Real-world MPG of 48–54 is typical, and the Fiesta remains one of the best-handling superminis on the market.
10. Kia Niro Hybrid (2019 onwards)
The Niro is a crossover SUV that delivers hybrid fuel economy without the compromises of a smaller car. The 1.6-litre hybrid system returns 52–58 MPG in real-world driving, and the Niro offers more interior space and a higher driving position than any other car on this list. It also comes with Kia's 7-year warranty.
How We Calculated Running Costs
Annual fuel costs are based on the UK average annual mileage of approximately 7,400 miles, using a petrol price of 140p per litre. We used real-world MPG figures from owner reports rather than official WLTP figures, as these better reflect what you would actually achieve.
Final Thoughts
All 10 of these cars will save you significant money on fuel compared to the average used car. The best choice depends on your budget, how much space you need, and what type of driving you do most. Hybrids excel in town, while small turbocharged petrols are excellent all-rounders.
Whichever you choose, combining an efficient car with good driving habits will maximise your savings.