*Mileage - As per ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
List of best petrol cars in India (2024 updated list)
Below is the updated (2024) list of petrol cars in India with best fuel efficiency.
1. Maruti Dzire
Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl
The Maruti Dzire is one of the best-selling compact sedans in the country. The car is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, and when it is coupled with a 5-speed AMT gearbox, it delivers an impressive fuel economy of 24.12 kmpl. Currently, the Dzire AMT is the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India. The manual variant of the compact sedan returns a fuel efficiency of 23 kmpl.
2. Maruti Baleno
Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl
Maruti Baleno is a premium hatchback, and it is one of the best-selling cars in its segment. The Baleno offers a perfect blend of premium design, stellar performance and excellent fuel economy. The mild-hybrid variant of the hatchback returns a fuel efficiency of 23.87 kmpl. The impressive handling of the Baleno makes it for a good car for long drives as well as city commutes.
3. Maruti Swift
Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl
Maruti Swift is one of the most popular hatchbacks in the Indian market. Along with the sporty exterior design, the hatchback also delivers excellent fuel efficiency. Under the bonnet is Maruti Suzuki’s tried and tested 1.2-litre petrol engine, which with the combination of an AMT gearbox, returns a fuel economy of 23.76 kmpl. The manual variant of the Swift is equally impressive, with a fuel efficiency of 23 kmpl.
4. Maruti Alto K10
Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl
Maruti Suzuki’s entry-level hatchback Alto K10 is one of the most preferred cars of first-time buyers in the country. Powering the Alto K10 is the frugal 0.9-litre petrol engine with a fuel efficiency of 24.39 kmpl. The combination of high fuel economy and low maintenance makes Alto K10 a value for money proposition. The compact dimensions of the hatchback are suited for daily driving.
5. Renault Kwid
Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl
The Renault Kwid is available with two engine options: 0.8-litre petrol and 1-litre petrol, and the latter delivers fuel efficiency of 22 kmpl when coupled with an AMT gearbox. The 1-litre petrol-manual combination returns a fuel economy of 21.74 kmpl, whereas the 0.8-litre engine is good for 20.71 kmpl with a manual transmission combination.
6. Maruti Wagon R
Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl
Maruti Suzuki’s tall-boy hatchback Wagon R is one of the popular choices amongst first-time car buyers. The reason for it is the fuel-efficient engines. The 1-litre petrol unit delivers an impressive fuel economy of 21.79 kmpl while the 1.2-litre petrol engine returns 20.52 kmpl. With the option of manual and AMT gearbox, the Wagon R is an excellent daily driver.
7. Maruti S-Presso
Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl
Maruti S-Presso sports a unique exterior design that is a combination of a hatchback and SUV. It features the stance of a micro-SUV, but technically it’s a hatchback. The S-Presso is offered with a 1-litre petrol engine delivering a fuel economy of 21.7 kmpl (AMT) and 21.4 kmpl (manual). S-Presso is a well-rounded package with its quirky exterior design.
8. Maruti Celerio/Celerio X
Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl
The Celerio is a compact hatchback, and the Celerio X is the crossover hatchback variant with subtle changes to the exterior design. Both the variants get the same 1-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox. The hatchback returns a fuel economy of 21.63 kmpl (manual and AMT).
9. Maruti Ignis
Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl
The Maruti Ignis is a premium offering retailed through the NEXA dealership network. The hatchback is available with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT transmission. Both the variants deliver 20.89 kmpl, which is excellent considering that the Ignis is a car suited for daily commutes.
List of best diesel cars in India (2024 Updated list)
Here are the diesel cars that deliver the best fuel economy.
1. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl
The Grand i10 Nios is equipped with the smallest diesel engine available in India. The 1.2-litre unit comes mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. When coupled with the manual gearbox, the engine returns an impressive fuel economy of 25.1 kmpl. ARAI has not revealed the mileage for the AMT gearbox variant of the hatchback. However, the AMT variant is likely to be as fuel-efficient as the manual model.
2. Hyundai i20
Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl
The new third generation of the Hyundai i20 comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine which also does its duty on the Venue SUV. The 1,5-litre diesel engine is known for its tractable nature and good fuel economy. On the i20, the engine returns a fuel efficiency of 25.2 kmpl, which is impressive considering it is a premium offering. With a sporty exterior and peppy performance, the i20 is a complete package.
3. Hyundai Aura
Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl
The Aura is Hyundai’s Maruti Dzire rival, and the compact sedan is available with a 1.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The AMT variant is good for 25.40 kmpl, while the manual variant returns a fuel economy of 25.35 kmpl. The Aura is the most fuel-efficient diesel compact sedan in India.
4. Tata Altroz
Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl
The Altroz is Tata Motors' take on the premium hatchback segment, and it rivals the likes of Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20. The hatchback is available with a powerful 1,5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. When coupled with the 5-speed manual transmission, the engine returns an impressive fuel economy of 25.11 kmpl. Overall, the Altroz is a well-rounded package with a sporty exterior, powerful engine, and premium features.
5. Hyundai Verna
Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl
The Verna is a mid-size sedan, and Hyundai has equipped it with a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine which can also be seen on the Creta SUV. The diesel engine, in combination with the 6-speed manual gearbox, returns a mileage of 25 kmpl. However, when coupled with the automatic transmission, the fuel economy drops to 21.3 kmpl. But the automatic gearbox is one of the best in the business in terms of driving experience.
6. Honda Amaze
Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl
The Honda Amaze gets a powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine with a 5-speed manual and CVT gearbox options. The manual variant of the Amaze is claimed to deliver a fuel economy of 24.7 kmpl, and the manual transmission variant returns a mileage of 21 kmpl. However, the CVT gearbox offers a smooth driving experience.
7. Honda City
Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl
The new fifth-generation Honda City draws power from a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. The same engine is also employed on the WR-V SUV. The Honda City has an ARAI rating of 24.1 kmpl, which is impressive for a sedan. Other highlights of the City include tractable low-end power, linear power delivery and refined engine.
List of best petrol SUVs in India (2024 Updated list)
SUVs are the new trend in the Indian automobile market. The reason for it is the introduction of affordable SUVs with impressive mileage. Here is the list (2024) of petrol SUVs with good fuel economy.
1. Nissan Magnite
Fuel efficiency: 20 kmpl
Nissan Magnite is a compact SUV with a funky exterior design. Under the bonnet of the SUV is a 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The manual transmission variant delivers a fuel economy of 20 kmpl, while the CVT variant has an ARAI rating of 17.7 kmpl. Such high mileage figures make the Magnite a value for money SUV.
2. Maruti Vitara Brezza
Fuel efficiency: 18 kmpl
The Maruti Brezza is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the country. It has topped the sales charts for several years due to its affordability and mileage. The SUV gets a 1.5-litre petrol unit with a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic variant returns a mileage of 18.76 kmpl, and the manual is good for 17.03 kmpl.
3. Kia Sonet (Petrol)
Fuel efficiency: 18 kmpl
Kia has made its mark in the Indian market with its SUVs, and the Sonet belongs to the compact SUV segment. Powering the Sonet petrol is a 1.2-litre engine. The manual variant with a 5-speed gearbox returns a mileage of 18.4 kmpl. The automatic model gets a 1-litre petrol engine, and the fuel economy stands at 18.3 kmpl.
4. Hyundai Venue (Petrol)
Fuel efficiency: 18 kmpl
Hyundai Venue is another popular compact SUV in the Indian market. The variant with the 1-litre turbocharged engine delivers the highest mileage. The manual variant with 6-speed MT/iMT gearbox delivers a fuel economy of 18.27 kmpl, and the automatic variant returns 18.15 kmpl. The engine offers a peepy performance along with impressive mileage.
5. Tata Nexon (Petrol)
Fuel efficiency: 17 kmpl
The Nexon is a compact SUV that has made a name in the Indian market with its safety features and fuel-efficient engines. The petrol variant of the Nexon draws power from a 1.2-litre engine coupled with a 6-speed manual or AMT gearbox. Both manual and AMT variants deliver a fuel economy of 17 kmpl. Affordable pricing, excellent build quality and reliable engine are the highlights of Nexon.
6. Mahindra XUV300
Fuel efficiency: 17 kmpl
The XUV300 is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in the country. The XUV moniker has worked well for Mahindra when it comes to the compact SUV segment. The petrol iteration of the SUV draws power from a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The SUV returns an excellent mileage of 17 kmpl.
List of best mileage diesel SUVs in India (2024 Updated list)
Below is the list of diesel SUVs with best mileage figures.
1. Kia Sonet (Diesel)
Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl
The diesel iteration of the Kia Sonet utilises the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is also seen on the Hyundai Venue. When mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the engine delivers a fuel economy of 24.1 kmpl. However, if you opt for the automatic variant, the mileage drops to 19 kmpl. The compact dimensions of the Sonet and the peppy engine makes it an excellent daily driver.
2. Hyundai Venue (Diesel)
Fuel efficiency: 23 kmpl
Hyundai Venue with an oil burner engine is the best choice due to its high mileage. The diesel variant draws power from the same 1.5-litre engine as the Kia Sonet. When coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, the SUV returns a fuel economy of 23.3 kmpl. With the combination of elegant styling, a plethora of features and a fuel-efficient engine, the Venue is a perfect SUV for Indian roads.
3. Tata Nexon (Diesel)
Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl
The Tata Nexon is one of the safest compact SUVs in the Indian market. The Nexon's diesel avatar uses a 1.5-litre engine mated to a 6-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The diesel-manual variant has an ARAI rating of 22.4 kmpl, which is excellent for a compact SUV. Apart from the fuel economy, Nexon offers a lot in the safety and features department.
4. Hyundai Creta
Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl
The new Hyundai Creta is one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. The diesel variant of the SUV is equipped with a 1.5-litre engine. When coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, the engine returns a mileage of 21.4 kmpl. Hyundai has tuned the engine to offer both performance and fuel efficiency.
5. Kia Seltos
Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl
Kia Seltos is a vehicle that revolutionised the SUV segment with its advanced connected car features. The diesel iteration of the Seltos is also a fuel-efficient SUV. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre oil burner mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination delivers fuel efficiency of 20.8 kmpl. The diesel-manual variant of the Seltos is a sensible choice if you are looking for a feature-loaded SUV.
Note: Fuel efficiency figures are as per the ARAI rating.
Also, read: Petrol vs diesel car
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best mileage cars/SUVs in India.