Buying a car in Australia isn’t just about the purchase price — running costs can make a much bigger difference over time. Fuel prices, servicing costs, reliability, and depreciation all play a role in how much a car really costs to own.
Many Australian buyers focus on the sticker price, but the smarter question is:
Which cars are actually cheapest to run in Australia in 2026?
In this guide, we’ll compare petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles using real Australian driving costs, practical examples, and long-term ownership insights to help you choose a car that saves money every year.
Whether you’re commuting in Melbourne, driving in Sydney traffic, or doing longer trips across regional Australia, this guide will help you understand which vehicles keep costs low.
What Makes a Car Cheap to Run in Australia?
A “cheap-to-run” car usually has four important qualities:
- Excellent fuel efficiency or low electricity usage
- Low servicing costs
- Strong reliability
- Affordable insurance and parts
In Australia, the biggest running cost difference usually comes from fuel consumption, which is why small petrol cars, hybrids, and electric vehicles dominate this category.
For comparison, we’ll use a realistic driving scenario:
- Annual driving: 15,000 km
- Petrol price: $1.90 per litre
- Electricity: $0.30 per kWh
Cost Comparison by Vehicle Type
Before looking at specific models, let’s compare average running costs by vehicle type.
Electric vehicles are the cheapest to run, but hybrids often offer the best balance between purchase price and running cost.
Cheapest Petrol Cars to Run in Australia
Petrol vehicles can still be very economical if they are small, lightweight, and efficient.
These models remain popular across used cars Australia listings because of their low ownership costs.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is one of the most affordable cars to run in Australia.
Typical fuel economy:
~5.5L/100km
Annual fuel cost:
~$1,567
Why it’s cheap to run:
- Lightweight design
- Simple engine
- Low servicing cost
- Affordable tyres and parts
Toyota Corolla (Petrol)
The Corolla is known for reliability and low maintenance costs.
Fuel economy:
~6.0–6.5L/100km
Annual fuel cost:
~$1,710–$1,850
It’s slightly more expensive than the Swift to fuel, but long-term reliability keeps ownership costs low.
Kia Picanto
For city drivers, the Kia Picanto is one of the cheapest petrol cars to own.
Fuel economy:
~5.0L/100km
Annual fuel cost:
~$1,425
This makes it ideal for:
- First-time buyers
- Students
- Short-distance commuters
Cheapest Hybrid Cars to Run in Australia
Hybrid vehicles are becoming extremely popular in Australia because they deliver excellent fuel economy without requiring charging infrastructure.
They perform especially well in city driving conditions.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
One of the most efficient vehicles available in Australia.
Fuel economy:
~4.2L/100km
Annual fuel cost:
~$1,197
Why it’s popular:
- Proven hybrid system
- High resale value
- Extremely reliable
This is often considered one of the cheapest cars to run in Australia overall.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Camry Hybrid is larger but still very efficient.
Fuel economy:
~4.5L/100km
Annual fuel cost:
~$1,282
It’s a strong choice for families wanting low fuel cost without moving to a smaller vehicle.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
SUV buyers in Australia increasingly choose hybrid models.
Fuel economy:
~4.8L/100km
Annual fuel cost:
~$1,368
For an SUV, this is extremely economical.
Cheapest Electric Cars to Run in Australia
Electric vehicles have the lowest running cost because electricity is cheaper than petrol and maintenance requirements are lower.
MG4 Electric
Energy consumption:
~14–15kWh/100km
Annual charging cost:
~$675
This makes the MG4 one of the cheapest cars to run in Australia today.
BYD Atto 3
Energy consumption:
~15kWh/100km
Annual charging cost:
~$675
It combines SUV practicality with extremely low running costs.
Tesla Model 3
Energy consumption:
~13–15kWh/100km
Annual charging cost:
~$600–$700
Even though the purchase price is higher, the long-term running cost is very low.
Comparison Table: Cheapest Cars to Run in Australia
This shows why hybrids and EVs are becoming more attractive in Australia.
Maintenance Cost Differences
Maintenance is another major factor in running costs.
Petrol cars require:
- Oil changes
- Engine servicing
- Transmission servicing
- Exhaust maintenance
Hybrid vehicles reduce engine wear and brake usage.
Electric vehicles require the least maintenance because they have fewer moving parts.
Typical maintenance cost comparison over time:
Real 5-Year Running Cost Comparison
Let’s compare total running cost over five years.
This is why EV ownership is growing in Australia.
City Driving vs Highway Driving
Driving conditions in Australia can change which car is cheapest to run.
City driving:
- Hybrid vehicles perform best
- Regenerative braking saves fuel
- Stop-start traffic improves efficiency
Highway driving:
- Petrol and hybrid efficiency becomes similar
- EVs remain cheapest per kilometre
Why Hybrids Are Booming in Australia
Hybrids are growing quickly because they offer:
- Low fuel cost
- No charging requirement
- Proven reliability
- Strong resale value
For many Australian buyers, hybrids are currently the most practical cheap-to-run option.
Buyer Advice: Choosing the Cheapest Car to Run
Here’s a simple way to decide.
Choose a small petrol car if:
- You drive occasionally
- Budget is limited
- You want the lowest purchase price
Choose a hybrid if:
- You drive daily
- You want strong fuel savings
- You want reliability
Choose an electric car if:
- You can charge at home
- You plan long-term ownership
- You want the lowest running cost
Conclusion
The cheapest cars to run in Australia in 2026 are no longer just small petrol cars.
Hybrid and electric vehicles now offer significantly lower running costs, especially for drivers covering regular distances.
Petrol cars remain affordable to buy, but hybrids and EVs deliver the biggest long-term savings.
For many Australians today:
- Small petrol cars are the cheapest short-term option
- Hybrid cars offer the best balance
- Electric cars are the cheapest long-term choice
Choosing the right vehicle depends on your driving habits, budget, and access to charging.
