Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Cars in India You Can Buy in 2025
In a country where fuel prices remain volatile and urban commutes are increasingly congested, mileage is a top priority for Indian car buyers. As of 2025, with petrol averaging ₹95 per litre across major cities, opting for fuel-efficient vehicles can save thousands annually. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) certifies mileage figures under standardized conditions, providing a reliable benchmark for comparison.
This list ranks the top five petrol cars (including petrol hybrids) based on their maximum ARAI-certified mileage, drawing from popular models like those from Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda. While brands such as Hyundai (e.g., Grand i10 Nios at 25.1 kmpl) and Tata Motors (e.g., Tiago at 23.84 kmpl) offer competitive options, the selected models stand out for their blend of efficiency, affordability, and market presence.
For each, we’ll detail the ARAI mileage, ex-showroom price range, key features, and a verdict on ideal buyers. Data is verified from authoritative sources like Autocar India and CarWale, ensuring accuracy for 2025 models.
India’s car market has seen a surge in hybrid technology, boosting efficiency without fully transitioning to electric. According to industry reports, hybrid sales grew 25% in 2024, driven by models offering over 25 kmpl. These cars not only reduce fuel costs but also lower emissions, aligning with government incentives for greener vehicles. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading, prioritizing ARAI figures ensures long-term savings— a car with 25 kmpl can save up to ₹20,000 yearly compared to one at 15 kmpl for 15,000 km driven.
1. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder / Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Strong Hybrid)
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and its badge-engineered sibling, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, top the list with their strong hybrid powertrain. These compact SUVs combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering seamless efficiency in city and highway conditions. The strong hybrid system allows short electric-only drives, further enhancing fuel savings.
ARAI-Certified Mileage: 27.97
Ex-Showroom Price Range: ₹18.00 Lakh to ₹20.19 Lakh (for hybrid variants)
Key features include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and safety elements like six airbags and electronic stability control. The hybrid setup provides 115 PS combined power, making it peppy yet economical. Real-world tests confirm mileage around 22-25 kmpl in mixed driving, outperforming pure petrol SUVs.
Verdict: Ideal for urban families or frequent highway travelers seeking SUV versatility with minimal fuel stops. If you drive over 1,000 km monthly and value space (460-litre boot), this is a smart pick over non-hybrid rivals like the Hyundai Creta, saving up to ₹15,000 annually on fuel.
2. Honda City Hybrid
The Honda City Hybrid, also known as the City e:HEV, brings sedan elegance to the efficiency game. It pairs a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with two electric motors, offering a smooth, responsive drive. This model has been a bestseller in the midsize sedan segment, blending reliability with advanced tech.
ARAI-Certified Mileage: 27.13
Ex-Showroom Price Range: ₹19.00 Lakh to ₹21.00 Lakh
Highlights include an 8-inch touchscreen, Honda Connect telematics, and ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist in top trims. The hybrid system delivers 126 PS, with EV mode for silent city crawls. User reports indicate real-world efficiency of 20-24 kmpl, ideal for stop-go traffic.
Verdict: Perfect for professionals commuting in cities like Mumbai or Delhi, where comfort and tech matter. If you prioritize a refined ride over SUV height and can afford the premium, it outperforms non-hybrid sedans like the Hyundai Verna, offering better resale value and lower running cost.
3. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio remains a benchmark for affordable hatchbacks, emphasizing compactness and frugality. Its 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine with DualJet technology ensures peppy performance without guzzling fuel, making it a favorite among budget-conscious buyers.
ARAI-Certified Mileage: 26.68 km
Ex-Showroom Price Range: ₹5.64 Lakh to ₹7.37 Lakh
It features a 7-inch touchscreen in higher variants, hill-hold assist, and dual airbags standard. The idle start-stop system aids efficiency, with real-world figures around 20-23 kmpl in urban use. At 55 PS, it’s nimble for city parking and traffic.
Verdict: Suited for first-time buyers or small families in tier-2 cities needing an easy-to-maintain daily driver. If your budget is under ₹8 Lakh and you drive short distances, it’s a better choice than the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, with superior service network and lower ownership costs.
4. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift continues its legacy as a fun, efficient hatchback. The 2025 model uses a 1.2-litre Z-series petrol engine, focusing on lightweight design and advanced fuel management for impressive economy.
ARAI-Certified Mileage: 25.75 km
Ex-Showroom Price Range: ₹6.49 Lakh to ₹9.64 Lakh
Standout elements include a 9-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and six airbags in top variants. With 82 PS, it offers sporty handling, and real-world mileage hits 20-22 kmpl. The AMT option adds convenience without much efficiency loss.
Verdict: Great for young urbanites or enthusiasts wanting a zippy car with low running costs. If you enjoy driving and need something more dynamic than the Tata Tiago, the Swift delivers value, with widespread service and strong resale.
5. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is India’s best-selling sub-compact sedan, updated for 2025 with enhanced efficiency. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine incorporates mild-hybrid tech in some variants, balancing space and savings.
ARAI-Certified Mileage: 25.71 kmpl (automatic variant)
Ex-Showroom Price Range: ₹6.84 Lakh to ₹10.19 Lakh
It boasts a 7-inch infotainment system, keyless entry, and a spacious 378-litre boot. Power at 82 PS ensures adequate performance, with real-world efficiency of 18-22 kmpl. Safety includes dual airbags and ABS.
Verdict: Recommended for cab operators or families needing sedan boot space on a budget. If reliability and low maintenance are key over the Hyundai Aura’s features, the Dzire excels, especially for highway runs.
Official Model Websites
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (India)
https://www.toyotabharat.com/showroom/urbancruiser-hyryder/
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Strong Hybrid / NEXA)
https://www.nexaexperience.com/grand-vitara
Honda City Hybrid (City e:HEV, India)
https://www.hondacarindia.com/honda-city-ehev
Maruti Suzuki Celerio (Arena, India)
https://www.marutisuzuki.com/arena/celerio
Maruti Suzuki Swift (New-Gen, India)
https://www.marutisuzuki.com/swift
Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Arena, India)
https://www.marutisuzuki.com/arena/dzire
Why Focus on These Models?
These selections prioritize ARAI figures while considering affordability and popularity. Maruti Suzuki dominates with three entries, reflecting its market share (over 40% in 2025), but hybrids from Toyota and Honda add premium options. Alternatives like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (25.1 kmpl, ₹5.92-8.56 Lakh) or Tata Tiago (23.84 kmpl, ₹5.65-8.90 Lakh) are worth mentioning for variety, offering similar efficiency in the budget segment. Factors like driving conditions, maintenance, and resale value also influence real savings—always test drive and check local prices.
Final Words
For 2025, hybrids lead the pack for ultimate efficiency, but pure petrol hatches like the Celerio and Swift provide accessible alternatives. With fuel costs rising, these cars represent smart investments, potentially saving ₹10,000-30,000 yearly. Consult dealers for the latest offers and consider your usage—city vs. highway—to choose wisely.
You may also like to read: https://khabarkhabri.com/top-5-safest-cars-in-india-2025/