When it comes to car buying preferences in Australia across different fuel types, the numbers tell a clear story. The most fuel efficient cars in Australia with attractive pricing are quickly gaining market share. In 2025, electrified vehicles led the charge, with a big spike in demand for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). After all, PHEVs are some of the most efficient powertrains available today, using both an electric motor and a petrol engine to minimise fuel consumption without the range anxiety of an EV. So, if you’re looking for the most gas-friendly cars in Australia, you’re probably looking at one of the PHEV models in this list.
Based on the claimed fuel economy figures from the brands, here are the 10 most fuel-efficient cars in Australia today.
1. MG HS Plus Super Hybrid – 0.7L/100km
The MG HS Plus Super Hybrid is one of the most affordable ways for Australian buyers to achieve impressive fuel efficiency without needing to plug in. Unlike a plug-in hybrid, its self-charging hybrid system manages energy automatically, making it ideal for drivers who don’t have access to home charging or simply want a fuss-free ownership experience. In everyday driving, it keeps fuel consumption low while still feeling smooth and easy around town.
The HS Plus Super Hybrid also offers a comfortable ride, modern infotainment, and a practical cabin that suits small families. Low running costs remain a key strength, with reduced fuel use and competitive servicing helping keep ownership affordable. For buyers wanting strong fuel efficiency at an attainable price point, the MG HS Plus Super Hybrid stands out as one of the most fuel-friendly SUVs available.
| Specifications | MG HS Plus PHEV |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo-petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 24.7kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 220kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 350Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 0.7L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 120km (WLTP) |
2. GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV – 0.8L/100km
The GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV stands out as one of the most fuel friendly cars you can buy in Australia right now. What makes it more impressive is the fact that it promises that kind of fuel economy while still packing impressive performance. The battery size of this plug-in hybrid setup allows most daily commutes to be done on electric power alone, meaning petrol use can drop close to zero if you charge regularly.
When the petrol engine does kick in, it’s smooth and well integrated, making long highway trips easy and efficient. The sporty GT styling also sets it apart from typical hybrid SUVs, proving fuel efficiency doesn’t have to look boring. For buyers wanting low running costs, strong acceleration, and everyday practicality, the Haval H6 GT PHEV ticks all the right boxes.
| Specifications | GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo-Petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 19.09kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 321kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 762Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 0.8L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 180km |
3. BYD Sealion 6 Essential – 1.1L/100km
The BYD Sealion 6 Essential is quickly becoming a favourite among Australian buyers chasing maximum fuel savings without a premium price tag. As a plug-in hybrid, it rewards owners who can charge at home, allowing short trips to be completed using electric power only. This dramatically reduces fuel consumption during daily commutes, making it one of the most economical cars in Australia.
The drive experience of the Sealion 6 remains efficient and easy to live with. It also offers a comfortable ride, generous cabin space, and modern tech, making it a strong all-rounder for families. For drivers stepping into electrified motoring for the first time, the BYD Sealion 6 delivers impressive efficiency in both single-motor and dual-motor variants, without complicated ownership or eye-watering servicing costs.
| Specifications | BYD Sealion 6 |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol engine |
| Battery Capacity | 18.3kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 160kW/ 238kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 300Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 1.1L/100km – 1.4L/100km (SoC 25%-100%) |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 92km |
4. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES – 1.5L/100km
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has long been a benchmark for fuel friendly cars in Australia’s mid-size SUV segment. Its plug-in hybrid system allows drivers to complete most weekday commute on electric power, significantly cutting fuel usage. For longer trips, the petrol engine provides peace of mind without range anxiety.
The Outlander PHEV also appeals to families thanks to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and proven reliability record. Mitsubishi’s long experience with hybrid technology is apparent in the seamless hybrid powertrain experience in everyday driving. If you want one of the most fuel efficient SUVs in Australia, backed by a trusted brand and strong resale value, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV remains one of the best fuel average cars for families.
| Specifications | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV |
| Engine | 2.4L Petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 20kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 185kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 450Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 1.5L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 84km |
5. Kia Sorento PHEV – 1.6L/100km
The Kia Sorento PHEV proves that even large family SUVs don’t have to be fuel guzzlers. Despite its size, the plug-in hybrid system allows the Sorento to deliver the best fuel economy, especially for school runs and city driving, placing it among the most fuel efficient cars in Australia in its class. Owners who charge regularly can rely heavily on electric power for short drives, saving fuel and reducing running costs.
The Kia Sorento also shines for comfort, safety features, and interior space, making it ideal for growing families. On longer journeys, it behaves like a conventional hybrid, balancing efficiency with smooth performance. If you want seven-seat practicality without the pain of frequent trips to the servo, the Kia Sorento PHEV stands out as one of the best fuel efficient cars and fuel friendly cars available today.
| Specifications | Kia Sorento PHEV |
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo-petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 14kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 195kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 350Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 1.6L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 68km |
6. GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-in hybrid – 1.7L/100km
The GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-in Hybrid is redefining what fuel efficiency looks like in the ute segment. Although traditionally known for high fuel consumption in city driving, the Cannon Alpha bucks the trend for pickups. This plug-in hybrid ute allows short trips and job runs to be done on electric power, dramatically lowering fuel use and positioning it among the most fuel efficient cars in Australia for its category. It still offers the toughness and capability expected from a dual-cab ute, making it suitable for both work and family duties.
For tradies and lifestyle buyers wanting to cut fuel costs without sacrificing all sense of utility, the Cannon Alpha PHEV makes a strong case as one of the standout gas saving cars in the ute market.
| Specifications | GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo-petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 37.1kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 300kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 750Nm |
| Drivetrain | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 1.7L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 110-115km (NEDC) |
7. Cupra Formentor VZe – 1.9L/100km
The Cupra Formentor VZe offers something different in the fuel-efficiency conversation by combining sporty driving with plug-in hybrid technology, placing it among the best fuel efficient cars for drivers who still value performance. It’s aimed at buyers who enjoy spirited driving but want to reduce fuel usage during everyday commuting. Short trips can often be handled on electric power alone, while longer journeys benefit from hybrid efficiency. For days where fuel bills are not a concern, Formentor VZe buyers can simply mash the throttle to enjoy the performance traits of the Cupra brand.
The Cupra Formentor also stands out for its sharp styling, premium interior feel, and engaging handling. It proves that choosing from the most fuel efficient cars in Australia doesn’t mean giving up driving enjoyment. For buyers who want efficiency wrapped in a fun, stylish package, the Formentor VZe is an excellent option.
| Specifications | Cupra Formentor VZe |
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo-petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 10.9kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 180kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 400Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 1.9L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 58km |
8. BYD Shark 6 – 2.0L/100km
The BYD Shark 6 was the breakout star for the Australian automotive sector in 2025, marking a big shift in the ute segment that is dominated by the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. It brings impressive fuel efficiency to a segment traditionally dominated by thirsty vehicles, positioning it among the most fuel efficient cars in Australia in the ute category. As a plug-in hybrid ute, it allows drivers to complete daily errands, site visits, or school runs using electric power, dramatically reducing fuel consumption. When more range or towing ability is required, the petrol engine steps in seamlessly.
This makes the Shark 6 particularly appealing to buyers who want a capable ute but are conscious of fuel costs and emissions, placing it among the standout gas saving cars for work and lifestyle use. It represents a new generation of work vehicles that are cheaper to run without compromising too much on practicality.
| Specifications | BYD Shark 6 |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 29.58kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 321kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 650Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 2.0L/100km (SoC 25%-100%) |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 70-80km |
9. Mazda CX-60 PHEV – 2.1L/100km
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV blends a premium feel with impressive fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender for buyers wanting something a little more refined and placing it among the best fuel efficient cars in its segment. Its plug-in hybrid system allows many daily trips to be completed using electric power, keeping fuel consumption low and appealing to buyers seeking fuel friendly cars.
Mazda’s focus on ride comfort, interior quality, and smooth driving dynamics is clear, making the CX-60 easy to live with both in the city and on long trips. It’s particularly well-suited to professionals or small families who want reduced fuel costs without stepping away from a premium driving experience. The CX-60 PHEV proves efficiency and sophistication can comfortably coexist.
| Specifications | Mazda CX-60 PHEV |
| Engine | 2.5L Petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 17.8kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 241kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 500Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 2.1L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 76km |
10. Ford Ranger PHEV – 2.9L/100km
The Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid brings fuel efficiency to one of Australia’s most popular vehicles, helping redefine expectations for dual-cab utes. Designed to suit both work and lifestyle needs, it allows drivers to use electric power for short trips, significantly reducing fuel consumption in everyday use and making it one of the most practical fuel friendly cars in Australia for its segment. This is especially valuable for city driving or commuting, where traditional utes are least efficient. However, the Ranger PHEV’s appeal is diminished by the price tag and specs when compared to the other electrified utes on this list, hence its lower sales.
The Ford Ranger PHEV tries to deliver the toughness and versatility the nameplate is known for, making it suitable for towing, off-road use, and family duties. For buyers who love the Ranger but want lower fuel bills and reduced emissions, it stands out as one of the smarter gas saving cars available in the ute market.
| Specifications | Ford Ranger PHEV |
| Engine | 2.3L Turbo-petrol |
| Battery Capacity | 11.8kWh |
| Power (Combined) | 207kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 697Nm |
| Drivetrain | Full-time AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 2.9L/100km |
| Electric Range (Claimed) | 49km |
Why PHEVs now make the most sense?
Fuel efficiency in Australia has entered a new phase, and plug-in hybrids now dominate the list of most fuel efficient cars you can buy new. PHEVs offer one of the most practical ways to cut fuel costs without the compromises that still come with going fully electric. They suit Australian driving habits, long distances, and mixed city–highway use, while rewarding drivers who can charge at home with genuinely low real-world fuel consumption.
What’s also clear is how much the market has changed. Chinese carmakers have played a major role in pushing fuel efficiency forward, delivering highly efficient plug-in hybrid SUVs and utes at price points that were almost unheard of just a few years ago. Brands like BYD, GWM and MG have raised the bar by launching highly efficient plug-in hybrid SUVs and utes that deliver impressive fuel economy, positioning them among the most economical cars in Australia without luxury-car pricing.
From fuel friendly SUVs to gas saving utes, these models represent the best fuel efficient cars for Australian buyers looking to cut running costs.
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