How to Save on Fuel Costs: The Best Car Models for Maximum Efficiency

Author: Nikhil Ramchandani •Published on: 9/14/2025•7 min
Overview:With rising fuel prices, increasing road congestion and high daily commute demands, fuel efficiency has become one of the top priorities for most Indian buyers as it impacts the overall cost of ownership in the long term. Whether you're navigating city traffic or heading out for long weekend trips, a fuel-efficient car can save a significant amount of money every year. If you're also in the market to save money on fuel, we have detailed the most fuel-efficient mass-market cars on sale in Indian in 2025. Plus, we've also included some driving tips to help you learn how to save money on fuel and stretch every litre further. However, first, let's understand why fuel efficiency is essential.
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Significance of High Fuel Efficiency


  • Lower running cost: The higher the mileage, the more you save on fuel expenses. For example, if your car gives you a mileage of 18 kmpl, 2 kmpl more than your usual fuel efficiency, and your average monthly running is about 1500 km, then you'll end up saving approximately Rs 1000 per month at a fuel price of Rs 100/litre.

  • Higher resale value: There's a high demand for fuel-efficient cars in the used car market, as buyers in this segment are particularly cost-sensitive.

  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Lower fuel consumption results in reduced emissions.

Best Fuel-Efficient Cars In India for 2025


1. Toyota Hyryder/Maruti Grand Vitara (Strong-Hybrid Version)


Claimed Mileage - 27.97 kmpl

Ex-Showroom Price (for strong-hybrid version)

  • Rs 16.18 - 19.99 lakh (Toyota Hyryder)
  • Rs 16.99 - 20.52 lakh (Grand Vitara)

The first on the list is the strong-hybrid versions of Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, which share the same underpinnings and powertrain. They come equipped with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a self-charging parallel hybrid system, generating a combined output of 116PS and 141Nm.


Both the Creta-rivalling SUVs are also available with a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol engine, with the segment-first all-wheel-drive option. A factory-fitted CNG kit is also on the cards, which claims a fuel efficiency of 26.6 km/kg.


2. Honda City e:HEV


Claimed Mileage - 27.26 kmpl

Ex-Showroom Price - Rs 19.90 lakh


Next on the list is the Honda City e:HEV, which is essentially a strong-hybrid version of the popular sedan. It also features a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system. It delivers a combined power output of 126 PS and a peak torque of 253 Nm.


3. Maruti Celerio


Claimed Mileage - 26 kmpl (AMT), 24.97 kmpl to 25.24 kmpl (MT), 34.43km/kg (CNG)

Ex-Showroom Price - Rs 5.64 - 7.37 lakh


Despite having a smaller, non-hybrid 1-litre petrol engine, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio can outperform strong-hybrid cars in terms of fuel efficiency. Its 3-cylinder engine makes 67PS/89Nm in petrol and 57PS/82Nm in CNG guise, and can be driven with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for added convenience. The latter is limited to just petrol-only variants.


4. Maruti Swift and Dzire


Model

1. Swift

Claimed Mileage - 25.75 kmpl (AMT), 24.80 kmpl (MT), 32.85 km/kg (CNG)

Ex-Showroom Price - Rs 6.49 - 9.64 lakh


2. Dzire

Claimed Mileage - 25.71 kmpl (AMT), 24.79 kmpl (MT), 33.73 km/kg (CNG)

Ex-Showroom Price - Rs 6.84 - 10.19 lakh


Both the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Dzire share the same 1.2-litre Z12E series 3-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 82 PS and 112 Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission.


5. Maruti S-Presso


Claimed Mileage - 25.30 kmpl (AMT), 24.16 kmpl to 24.76 kmpl (MT), 32.73 km/kg (CNG)

Ex-Showroom Price - Rs 4.26 - 6.12 lakh


The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is designed for both urban and rural audiences seeking a compact hatchback with high ground clearance and excellent fuel efficiency. It shares its powertrain with the Maruti Suzuki Celerio.


6. Maruti WagonR


Claimed Mileage - 25.19 kmpl (1-litre Petrol AMT), 24.35 kmpl (1-litre Petrol MT), 33.47 km/kg (CNG), 24.46 kmpl (1.2-litre Petrol AMT), 23.56 kmpl (1.2-litre Petrol MT)

Ex-Showroom Price - Rs 5.79 - 7.62 lakh


Maruti Suzuki cars are renowned for their low maintenance and high fuel efficiency, and the WagonR is no exception among its peers. It comes with two engine options: a 1-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (86PS/91Nm) and a 1.2-litre DualJet DualVVT 4-cylinder petrol engine (91PS/114Nm). Both engines get the option of manual and AMT units. Its smaller 1-litre engine is also available with a factory-fitted CNG kit.


7. Maruti Alto K10


Claimed Mileage - 24.90 kmpl (AMT), 24.39 kmpl (MT), 33.40 km/kg

Ex-Showroom Price - Rs 4.23 - 6.21 lakh


Maruti's most affordable hatch, the Alto K10, is next on our list, which shares its engine options with the S-Presso.


8. Hyundai Venue (Diesel)


Claimed Mileage - 24.20 kmpl (MT)

Ex-Showroom Price (Diesel Variants) - Rs 10.80 - 13.53 lakh


The Hyundai Venue is the first diesel car on our list, which offers a claimed fuel efficiency of nearly 24 kmpl. It comes equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine (116PS/250Nm), paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.


Hyundai also offers the Venue with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine, catering to a broad section of the audience.


9. Kia Sonet (Diesel)


Claimed Mileage - 24.10 kmpl (MT), 19 kmpl (AT)

Ex-Showroom Price (Diesel Variants) - Rs 10 -15.64 lakh


The Kia Sonet shares its engine options with the Hyundai Venue; however, it also gets the convenience of a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission with the oil burner.


10. Tata Altroz (Diesel)


Claimed Mileage - 23.6 kmpl (MT)

Ex-Showroom Price (Diesel Variants) - Rs 8.99 - 11.29 lakh


Last on our list is the Tata Altroz, which has recently received a mid-life facelift update, featuring new design elements both inside and out, along with numerous additional features. Powering it is a 1.5-litre diesel engine, generating 90PS of max power and 200Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.


Tata also offers the Altroz with a 1.2-litre petrol mill, along with a factory-fitted CNG kit option.


Tips to Maximise Fuel Efficiency


Even the most fuel-efficient car won't save you money on fuel if you drive inefficiently. Follow these simple tips: -

  • Keep optimal tyre pressure.
  • Get your vehicle serviced regularly.
  • Avoid sudden acceleration and harsh braking.
  • Use control on highways, if available.
  • Avoid fuel stations with questionable quality.

The Road to Lower Fuel Costs


Fuel costs are often one of the biggest expenses for any car owner, and they directly affect the overall ownership cost of a vehicle. Choosing a fuel-efficient car isn't just about short-term savings at the pump; it's about long-term financial planning. However, one should never forget that it's not only about the car model but also how you drive and maintain it. Combining both efficiently will significantly reduce your running costs.


FAQs


1. Are diesel cars still worth buying in 2025?

If you have a high monthly budget, diesel cars are still a great value, though options are fewer in the market due to BS6 emission norms.


2. Which SUV offers the best mileage?

The hybrid versions of the Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are the best mileage offering SUVs.


3. Is CNG safe for long-term use?

Yes, factory-fitted CNG cars are considered safe and reliable. However, CNG cars offer lower performance and reduced boot space compared to their non-CNG counterparts.