Most fuel-efficient used cars: petrol, hybrid and longest-range electric
Looking for a fuel-efficient used car? Here are 30 petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric options, their economy figures, and range, as well as some suggestions for who they would best suit.
29 October 2026Overview
The most fuel-efficient used cars fall into three groups: small petrol and diesel cars, hybrids and long-range electric cars. The best one for you depends on how you drive. Small petrol cars, such as the SEAT Ibiza and Kia Picanto, suit short trips and tight budgets. Diesels, such as the Peugeot 208 BlueHDi, are best for drivers who cover plenty of motorway miles. Hybrids, such as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz, are at their best around town and city driving. And used electric cars can now reach well over 300 miles on a single charge.
Below, you'll find 30 cars in three lists, each with the years it has been on sale, official economy or range, its power, and a note on who it suits.
A note on fuel economy and range
Every economy and range figure in this list is an official manufacturer test figure from when the car was new. Cars registered since September 2019 are tested to WLTP, the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. It uses longer test cycles and higher speeds than the older New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test, so it's a fairer way to compare cars. Real-world results will vary due to a number of external factors, such as how you drive, the weather and the load you carry.
Electric range works the same way. As a guide, expect around 70% – 75% of the official figure with mixed UK driving, and a little less at a steady 70mph on the motorway or in cold weather.
Each car is listed with the number of years it has been on sale, so you can match a figure to the right version when you browse used stock. Economy and range can change between versions, engines and trims, so check the details of the car when you buy one in person.
We've split the cars into three lists: petrol and diesel cars, hybrids (including plug-in hybrids) and the longest-range electric cars.
Most fuel-efficient used petrol and diesel cars
These ten cars are all powered by a conventional petrol or diesel engine, and they show that a small engine can still be very frugal.
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Toyota Aygo X 1.0 VVT-i (2022 onwards)
The Aygo X is a city crossover built around a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 71hp. Official economy is 58.9mpg (WLTP), and in real-world driving it averages 52.2mpg. It takes 14.9 seconds to reach 62mph. It's no sprinter, but it's light, easy to park and cheap to run, which is exactly what a town car needs to be.
It suits one or two people who mostly make short urban trips. The Aygo X has four seats, so think of it as a very efficient commuter. Aim for one that has a complete service record.
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Škoda Fabia 1.0 TSI (2021 onwards)
The 1.0 TSI is a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol with 95hp, fitted to the fourth-generation Fabia. Official figures from when the car was new state a fuel economy of up to 61.4mpg and a 0 – 62mph time of 10.8 seconds, which is brisk enough for motorway slip roads.
It suits drivers who want a comfortable, easy-to-drive supermini without a big fuel bill. Trim and wheel size affect the official economy figure, so take a moment to confirm what features the car you're viewing has.
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SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI (2017 onwards)
The 1.0 TSI 95 is a three-cylinder turbo petrol with 94hp. The SE Technology version boasts an official economy of 55.4mpg (WLTP) and a 0 – 62mph time of 11 seconds. In real-world driving, it averages 54.0mpg, so the claimed figure is within reach. Another highlight is the boot, which holds 355 litres.
It shares much of its engineering with the Volkswagen Polo, so it suits drivers who want a sharp-handling small car at a sensible price. During a viewing, spend a few minutes with the infotainment screen to make sure you like how it works.
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Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI (2017 onwards)
The Polo's 1.0 TSI engine produces 94hp and reaches 62mph in 10.8 seconds. Real-world economy averages 51.8mpg, and the boot holds 351 litres. A real jack of all trades, the Polo feels at home both in town and on the motorway.
It suits drivers who want a grown-up, quiet small car. Look for an example with a full service record and try the touch-sensitive controls on a test drive to make sure you can easily work it.
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Kia Picanto 1.0 (2017 onwards)
The Picanto is a tidy city car with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The standard engine makes 66hp, and the 1.0 T-GDi turbo version offers 99hp with a WLTP figure of 53.3mpg (as updated in 2020). The boot holds 255 litres with the seats up.
Kia sold the Picanto with a seven-year warranty when new, so it's worth asking whether any cover remains on the car you like. It suits first-time buyers and city drivers.
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Hyundai i10 1.0 (2020 onwards)
The i10 is only 3,670mm long, with a tight 9.7-metre turning circle, which makes narrow streets and small parking spaces easy. The 1.0-litre manual Advance model produces 67hp, claims 55.4mpg (WLTP) and takes 14.8 seconds to reach 62mph. The boot holds 252 litres.
It suits drivers who want a small, simple car for town use. A well-maintained example with a full service record will feel as easy to live with as the day it was registered.
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Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet (2017 – 2020)
The Swift's 1.2-litre Dualjet is a naturally aspirated petrol engine with 90hp and no hybrid system. Official economy is 55.4mpg (WLTP) and 0 – 62mph takes 11.9 seconds. It's a light, small car, which is the key to its economy.
It's a cheerful hatchback that's good fun on a twisty road and easy to live with in town. It suits drivers who want a small car with a bit of character. Economy varies by trim, so confirm the figure for the car you're viewing.
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Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe (2021 onwards)
The third-generation Dacia Sandero comes with a 1.0 TCe turbocharged three-cylinder petrol. The 91hp version reaches 62mph in 11.7 seconds, while the 100hp version does it in just 9.7 seconds. There's also a Bi-Fuel version that runs on petrol or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
It suits budget-minded drivers who want a roomy, uncomplicated hatchback with low running costs. As with any used car, confirm the engine version and service history before you buy.
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Peugeot 208 1.5 BlueHDi (2020 onwards)
The 208's 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine has the highest official fuel economy figure in this list: 73.6mpg (WLTP) with a six-speed manual gearbox. It also produces 99hp and sits in a smart, modern supermini with a well-finished cabin.
Diesel suits drivers who cover regular longer journeys, because the exhaust particulate filter works best on a long drive, giving the filter enough time to heat up and burn off the soot. Find one with a solid service history, and the Peugeot 208 could be the most economical car you can drive without plugging in.
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Vauxhall Corsa 1.5 diesel (2020 onwards)
The Corsa shares its engine with the Peugeot 208, so you know it’s a winner. The 1.5-litre turbo diesel makes 101hp and has an official figure of 70.6mpg (WLTP). The Corsa is one of Britain's best-selling cars, so there are plenty of used examples to compare.
It suits drivers who do a lot of motorway miles and want a simple, familiar supermini. Look for a car with a complete service record and take a moment to try the touchscreen.
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Most fuel-efficient used hybrid cars
Hybrids pair a petrol engine with an electric motor, potentially giving the best of both worlds. Most of these charge themselves as you drive, while plug-in hybrids must also be charged from the mains.
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Honda Jazz Hybrid (2020 onwards)
The Jazz Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and produces about 107hp. Official economy is 62.8mpg (WLTP). The boot holds 298 litres with the seats up and 1,203 litres with the rear seats folded.
Honda's clever Magic Seat set-up lets you flip up the rear seat bases for tall items. It suits drivers who want a small hybrid with a lot of practicality and a relaxed drive.
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Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2020 onwards)
The Toyota Yaris uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce around 114hp. Official figures run from 68.8mpg – 70.6mpg (WLTP), depending on the version. The boot holds 286 litres.
It charges itself as you drive, so there's no cable to think about. It suits town drivers and commuters who want low running costs and a car that's easy to park.
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Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid (2019 – 2022)
TThe IONIQ Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.56kWh battery for 139hp. It can run on electric power alone at speeds up to 75mph. Hyundai's figures (when the car was updated in 2019) quoted up to 62.8mpg, and the WLTP combined figure is 5.2 litres per 100km (about 54mpg).
A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox gives it a more engaging drive than many hybrids. It suits drivers who want a comfortable, efficient family-sized hatchback.
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Kia Niro Hybrid (2022 onwards)
The second-generation Niro Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, producing 127hp through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The official WLTP figure is 4.4 litres per 100km, which is about 64mpg.
It's a raised crossover, so it's easy to climb in and out of. It suits drivers who want an efficient, practical car with an upright seating position.
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Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid (2020 onwards)
The Clio E-Tech Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a total of 140hp. The official figure when it was new was just over 64mpg (WLTP), and Renault claimed that up to 80% of urban driving could be on electric power. It takes 9.9 seconds to reach 62mph.
The rear seats are best suited to children or short trips. It suits drivers who want a stylish small hybrid for town and the occasional longer drive.
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MG3 Hybrid+ (2024 onwards)
The MG3 Hybrid+ has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, making around 191hp. The official figure is 64.2mpg (WLTP). It went on sale in 2024, so used examples are likely to be nearly new.
It's well equipped for the price, which suits value-minded drivers. Try the hybrid system on a test drive to see how it suits your driving.
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BMW 330e (2019 onwards)
The BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid saloon that pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. When it launched, BMW quoted up to 176.6mpg and an electric range of up to 41 miles. Its 0 – 62mph time is 5.9 seconds in the saloon and 6.0 seconds in the estate, so you don't have to give up performance to save fuel.
Charge it at home and you’ll find that most of your daily trips can run on electricity alone. It suits company-car style commuters and anyone who wants a premium, rewarding saloon with low running costs. Ask for the charging cable when you view the car.
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Mercedes-Benz A250e (2020 onwards)
The A250e is a plug-in hybrid hatchback that combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine with a 15.6kWh battery and an electric motor for 215hp. The official fuel economy figure is up to 188.3mpg (WLTP), with a pure-electric range of 37 – 42 miles. It also boasts a brisk 0 – 62mph time of 6.6 seconds.
Regularly charging at home means you’ll be able to cover many short trips on electricity alone, but if you’re worried about range anxiety, the petrol engine takes over on longer journeys, so it suits commuters who want a smart, well-finished cabin. Make sure to confirm which infotainment screen the car has and ask for the charging cable.
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Vauxhall Grandland Hybrid (2020 onwards)
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The Grandland arrived in 2020 as the Grandland X plug-in hybrid. The four-wheel-drive Hybrid4 produces 300hp and claims 166mpg (WLTP) with an electric range of 32 miles, while the front-wheel-drive hybrid produces 225hp, with up to 34 miles of pure electric power. The latest Grandland, from 2024, also offers a 1.2-litre mild hybrid with 136hp and CO2 emissions of 124g/km.
It's a family SUV with a high driving position and plenty of room. It’s perfect for drivers who want the space of an SUV with a more economical powertrain. Check which hybrid version the car has, as the plug-in and mild hybrid cars suit different driving.
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Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2019 onwards)
The Corolla Hybrid's 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor produces around 138hp. The official WLTP figure is 4.4 litres per 100km, which is about 64mpg. A 2.0-litre version with more power is also available.
It's a comfortable, easy-to-drive family hatchback that charges itself as you go. It suits drivers who cover a mix of town and motorway miles and want a calm, efficient cruiser.
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Longest-range used electric cars
These ten electric cars claim some of the longest official ranges on the used market. Remember that the real-world range is usually lower than the official figure.
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Tesla Model 3 Long Range (2019 onwards)
The first Tesla Model 3 Long Range cars in 2019 claimed 329 miles. Current Long Range versions have a 75kWh battery and claim around 358 miles. They're quick too, with 0 – 62mph in 4.4 seconds.
Tesla's own charging network is a big draw for long journeys. It suits drivers who regularly cover long distances and want strong performance. Make sure to confirm the battery warranty position when you view the car.
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BMW i4 eDrive40 (2021 onwards)
The i4 eDrive40 is a premium electric saloon with an official range of around 348 miles and 0 – 100km/h in about 5.7 seconds. It can rapid-charge at up to 205kW, and a 10% – 80% charge takes around 31 minutes.
It suits drivers who want a refined grand tourer with a premium cabin, as it's a calm, long-distance car.
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Hyundai IONIQ 6 (77.4kWh) (2023 onwards)
The IONIQ 6 has a 77.4kWh battery and an official range of 338 miles. Its streamlined shape has a drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd, which is the lowest in this list and the main reason it can go so far.
It charges up to 233kW, so a 10% – 80% rapid charge takes around 18 minutes. It suits drivers who want a distinctive, efficient electric saloon.
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Polestar 2 Long Range (2020 onwards)
The Polestar 2 Long Range has a 78kWh usable battery. The single-motor car version has an official range of up to 379 miles, while the dual-motor version claims 321 miles in return for all-wheel drive.
It suits drivers who want a stylish, well-built electric hatchback. Choose the single-motor for maximum range, or the dual-motor if all-weather traction matters more to you.
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Kia EV6 (77.4kWh RWD) (2021 onwards)
The EV6 with the 77.4kWh battery and rear-wheel drive has an official range of 328 miles. It uses an 800V electrical system, which allows charging up to 233kW, so a 10% – 80% rapid charge takes around 18 minutes.
That combination of range and charging speed makes it a strong long-distance choice. It suits drivers who want a roomy crossover with brisk charging stops.
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Mercedes-Benz EQE (2023 onwards)
The EQE is a luxury electric saloon with an official range of up to 388 miles and up to 292hp. It reaches 60mph in around five seconds.
Using a 170kW charger, a 10% – 80% charge takes around 32 minutes. It suits drivers who want a quiet, comfortable motorway car with a premium feel.
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Volkswagen ID.7 (2023 onwards)
The ID.7 has a 77kWh battery and an official range of up to 383 miles. It takes 6.5 seconds to reach 62mph and has a sleek, low-drag shape.
It's a spacious hatchback and a relaxed motorway cruiser. It suits families and long-distance commuters who want space and range. A longer-range Pro S version with a larger battery came later, so check the battery size on the car you're viewing.
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Nissan Ariya (87kWh) (2022 onwards)
The Ariya's 87kWh battery gives an official range of around 323 – 329 miles, depending on which version. The front-wheel-drive car produces 239hp and reaches 62mph in 7.6 seconds.
It's a calm, comfortable electric SUV with a spacious cabin. It suits drivers who want a relaxed family car with a good range and a smooth, quiet ride.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range (2021 onwards)
The Mach-E Extended Range uses a larger 88kWh battery, and Ford claims it reaches up to 379 miles for the rear-wheel-drive version when new.
It combines coupé-style SUV looks with a tech-heavy cabin and a sporty drive. It suits drivers who want an electric car with a bit of personality. Make sure to try the large touchscreen on a test drive.
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Audi Q4 e-tron (77kWh) (2021 onwards)
The Q4 40 e-tron uses the 77kWh battery. Audi's official range is up to 323 miles for the Sportback and 316 miles for the SUV.
It's a quietly premium electric SUV with a well-built interior. It suits drivers who want a classy, practical family car with good range. Confirm the body style and battery size when you view a car.
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What to look for at a viewing
- Ask to see the full service history, which is a simple way to confirm a car has been well looked after.
- Confirm the registration year, exact engine, trim and wheel size, as these affect official economy and range.
- Check the MOT history and manufacturer recall status as routine due diligence on any used car.
- For hybrids and electric cars, ask about the charging cable and how the battery has been looked after.
- On a test drive, try a mix of town and faster roads so you can see how the car's economy readout behaves.
Ways to get more from every tank or charge
- Accelerate smoothly and look well ahead, which lets the car coast instead of braking.
- Keep tyres at the pressure in the handbook, as under-inflated tyres use more fuel or energy.
- Take off roof bars and clear out the boot, as extra weight and drag add up.
- In an electric car, warm the cabin and battery while the car is still plugged in to protect range.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the most fuel-efficient used car?
Among the petrol and diesel cars here, the Peugeot 208 1.5 BlueHDi (2020 onwards) has the highest official WLTP figure at 73.6mpg, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa diesel (2020 onwards) at 70.6mpg. Among hybrids, the Toyota Yaris (2020 onwards) claims up to 70.6mpg. Official figures vary by version and year.
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Are hybrids better than diesels for fuel economy?
It depends where you drive. Hybrids usually save the most in town, where the electric motor does much of the work in stop-start traffic. Diesels suit drivers who cover regular longer journeys at steady speeds.
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Is a used electric car a good choice for long journeys?
Many of the cars above claim over 320 miles, and models such as the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Kia EV6 can rapid charge in around 18 minutes. Plan journeys using around 70% of the official range and you'll have a comfortable margin.
Find your next fuel-efficient used car
At Arnold Clark, we have a wide range of used cars across more than 200 UK branches. You can browse stock online, arrange a test drive and ask about part exchange and finance options.
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