23 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in the Philippines for 2023

You can do one of two things to save money when buying a car: go with a cheaper vehicle regardless of how it performs on the road, or buy a fuel-efficient one to minimize trips to the gas station. With gasoline and diesel prices today in the Philippines at an all-time high, the latter choice just makes more sense. It’s a good thing that there are plenty of fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines.

Like it or not, owning a car entails spending money on car-related expenses, especially fuel. Choosing a car without considering how much fuel it consumes is a rookie mistake you should avoid, lest you deal with lasting consequences. Before you spend thousands or millions on your car, you better make sure you’re bringing value to every buck by making an informed decision.

How is Fuel Efficiency Measured?

In simple terms, fuel efficiency measures the distance a car travels per one liter of gasoline. It determines how good a car’s fuel consumption is. The higher the value, the more likely it will save you gas money. The U.S. and U.K. measure fuel efficiency by miles per gallon (MPG) while the rest of the world, including the Philippines, uses kilometers per meter (km/L).^[1]

Fuel efficiency is also measured in two ways: through a city-run test and an open highway test. A city-run test measures a car’s fuel consumption on a regular road with the usual volume of traffic. On the other hand, an open highway test measures it on roads with little to no traffic. The average of both tests is computed to get the final efficiency rating of a car.

Note that the fuel efficiency rating is just an estimate. The real-life efficiency of your car will still depend on how well you drive and take care of it. While the most ideal way to reduce fuel consumption is to not drive the car at all, you don’t want to be stuck inside a fuel-hungry vehicle when you need to drive one.

That’s why you need to consider buying from a long list of fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines instead of just buying the newest model or cheapest used car.

Why Drive a Fuel-Efficient Car?

There are many smart reasons you should check out the most fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines this 2023. Here are some of them:

✔️ It Helps You Save Money

Car fuel prices these days are high. Every drop of your gasoline or diesel counts. If you want to save money, get a car that doesn’t require or waste a lot of fuel. Car ownership comes with a lot of costs, such as mortgage, insurance, and maintenance. Make gas prices the least of your worries by getting a fuel-efficient car.

✔️ It’s Good for the Environment

Cars powered by gas and diesel produce greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. If you want to help Mother Earth thrive, do your part and go for a car that doesn’t burn fuel quickly. If you choose a fuel-efficient car, you also help in reducing the country’s dependence on oil purchase.

✔️ You Reduce Trips to the Gas Station

This is something you’ll notice when you own a fuel-efficient car. Since your auto doesn’t burn fuel instantly, you won’t have to visit the gas station as often as you used to. Ultimately, you save time, which you can spend on more important matters.

Top Fuel-Efficient Cars in the Philippines for 2023

From hatchbacks to SUVs, here are your choices for the best fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines.

Suzuki Celerio

Highway rating: 28.3 km/L
Vehicle type: Hatchback
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Price: Starts at ₱708,000

Suzuki’s affordable hatchback makes it on this list of the most fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines, as its fuel consumption can go around 28 km per liter,^[2] as reported by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). Despite its compact size, the Celerio can fit a family of five with ample legroom, headroom, and elbowroom, plus cargo worth 254L.

Suzuki Dzire

Highway rating: 26.5 km/L
Vehicle type: Sedan
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Price: Starts at ₱609,000

Suzuki’s entry-level sedan is a value-for-money option if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient car priced under ₱700,000. One of its variants comes with the Auto Gear Shift technology that automates gear shifting for the driver, ultimately leading to less fuel consumption. This feature makes the Suzuki Dzire one of the best sedans you can buy right now.

Toyota Prius

Highway rating: 26.1 km/L
Vehicle type: Hybrid sedan
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: CVT

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and fuel-efficient sedan and don’t mind searching for a secondhand model, look no further than Toyota’s hybrid car. As a hybrid, the Prius emits less carbon dioxide and consumes less fuel than most diesel-powered and gasoline-powered vehicles.

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid

Highway rating: 26 km/L
City rating: 10 km/L
Vehicle type: MPV
Fuel type: Hybrid
Transmission: Automatic or Manual
Price: Starts at ₱954,000

The MPV category is rife with units boasting sophisticated facades. The Ertiga strays from the convention with a rather homely and wholesome appearance.

But what makes it wildly different from its contemporaries is its hybrid set-up, which makes fuel efficiency possible. This specifically benefits families who want to save a lot of money on fuel expenses and comfortably fit in a spacious car.

Kia Picanto

Fuel economy rating: Up to 25.6 km/L
Vehicle type: Hatchback
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Price: Starts at ₱700,000

Money-savvy car buyers will never go wrong with a Kia Picanto. While the price for the latest model has gone up to ₱700,000, the Kia Picanto remains to be one of the cheapest cars in the Philippines. Plus, its fuel efficiency is still among the top ones, thanks to its compact size and excellent steering.

Honda City

Fuel economy rating: 25.17 km/L
Vehicle type: Sedan
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: CVT
Vehicle price: Starts at ₱953,000

From its 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine to its Eco Assist technology, this Honda sedan makes a great choice for a fuel-efficient car. It’s also a good choice for car owners looking to convert their vehicles into a TNVS service.

Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid

Highway rating: Up to 24 km/L
City rating: Up to 29 km/L
Vehicle type: Sedan
Fuel type: Hybrid
Transmission: CVT
Price: Starts at ₱1,595,000

It’s no surprise that another hybrid car made it to the list. This Toyota hybrid car enjoys a highway rating of up to 24 km/L and all the benefits of an electric-powered vehicle. Just make sure your wallet is ready to cover the steep price.

Hyundai Reina

Highway rating: 23.8 km/L
City rating: 14.3 km/L
Vehicle type: Sedan
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic or manual

Hyundai remains one of the most fuel-efficient car brands in the Philippines today. Case in point: the Hyundai Reina records an average fuel efficiency rating of 19.1 km/L.

The Reina is affordable too, so there’s no serious downside to speak of when talking about this car. However, Hyundai has discontinued this model in the Philippines. If you want to buy this fuel-efficient car, you'll have to look into the second-hand car market.

Hyundai Accent

Highway rating: 23 km/L
City rating: 11 km/L
Vehicle type: Sedan
Fuel type: Diesel
Transmission: Automatic

Practicality meets style in one of Hyundai’s most popular sedan series. Aside from its high fuel economy rating, the Accent boasts sophisticated styling for its exterior and lots of storage space in its trunk. If you're interested, you'll also have to look for a secondhand model for this one.

Nissan Kicks

Fuel economy rating: 22 km/L
Vehicle type: Crossover
Fuel type: Hybrid
Transmission: Automatic
Price: Starts at ₱1,224,000

What is the most fuel-efficient car in the Philippines? That question may be difficult to answer, but one thing is for sure: Nissan Kicks has a fighting chance. Its e-POWER technology provides drivers with the perks of an electronic vehicle without the need for plug-in charging.

With a hybrid engine, Nissan Kicks’ fuel efficiency is pegged at around 22 km/L. This means that you can travel for around 900 km per full tank (although it will still depend on driving conditions).^[3]

Suzuki S-PRESSO

Highway rating: 22 km/L
Vehicle type: Hatchback
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Price: Starts at ₱620,000

Another Suzuki model on this list of the most fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines is the S-PRESSO. It has not only impressive fuel mileage but also one of the cheapest vehicle prices in the country. Truly, these things make Suzuki S-PRESSO one of the practical hatchbacks for budget-conscious car buyers.

Changan CS35 Plus

Highway rating: 21.5 km/L
Vehicle type: Crossover
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Price: Starts at ₱1,039,000

Changan looks to impress with one of its premium SUVs, the Changan CS35 Plus. The company conducted a fuel economy run as observed by the AAP, and it recorded an average fuel efficiency rating of 18.4 km/L. Changan touts the powerful Blue Core technology at the heart of the Changan CS35 Plus as the source of its fuel-saving performance.

Kia Seltos

Highway rating: Around 21 km/L
City rating: Around 11 km/L
Vehicle type: Compact SUV
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: CVT
Price: Starts at ₱1,235,000

A sporty and muscly compact SUV may sound like a big fuel consumer. But Kia’s Seltos proves this wrong. With a highway rating of around 21 km/L, the Seltos is one of the top fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines this 2023.

It comes with various creature comforts, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, six speakers, and automatic climate control, that will make every ride an enjoyable experience.

Kia Soluto

Highway rating: Around 20 km/L
City rating: Around 16.7 km/L
Vehicle type: Sedan
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Price: Starts at ₱780,000

When it comes to sedans, the likes of Toyota Vios and Honda City reign over the game. But if you’re looking for something different, consider the Soluto, Kia’s entry to the sedan category.

On top of being relatively affordable, this unit helps you save money on fuel costs, owing to the fact that it has a highway rating of around 20 km/L. And unlike other entry-level sedans, the Soluto is already outfitted with advanced features, such as a touch-screen entertainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Honda CR-V

Highway rating: 20 km/L
Vehicle type: Compact crossover SUV
Fuel type: Gasoline or diesel
Transmission: Automatic
Price: Starts at ₱1,763,000

The Honda CR-V is perfect for families, given its balance of performance, versatility, and efficiency. This seven-seater SUV is equipped with technologies, such as the Eco Assist System, that lead to low fuel consumption—earning its spot among the top fuel-efficient SUV cars in the Philippines.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Highway rating: 20 km/L
Vehicle type: Sedan
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: CVT or manual
Price: Starts at ₱769,000

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is known not only as a budget-friendly vehicle but also as one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines. At Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ fuel-economy run held in 2021, the Mirage G4 registered a fuel economy rating of 22.8 km/L. The car was driven at an average speed of 80 kph along SCTEX and TPLEX.

MG ZS T

Fuel economy rating: Around 20 km/L
Vehicle type: Crossover
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Price: Starts at ₱1,198,888

An MG car price in the Philippines is relatively inexpensive, especially for the brand’s entry-level category. But if you’re willing to spend more to enjoy advanced features, go for the MG ZS T. With a price tag of more than ₱1 million, you get a luxurious crossover with rich features, such as a 10-inch color display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and power steering.

Another attractive feature of this car is its fuel efficiency, which is pegged at around 20 km/L. All these and more justify the steep MG ZS price in the Philippines.

Hyundai Stargazer

Highway rating: Around 18 km/L
Vehicle type: MPV
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: CVT
Price: Starts at ₱1,038,000

The Stargazer is Hyundai’s entry to the country’s MPV segment. This is one of the top fuel-efficient MPV cars in the Philippines this 2023 for families who want a vehicle with luxurious looks and money-saving features under the hood.

With a streamlined, futuristic body, the Stargazer can easily turn everyone’s heads. This entry-level variant is outfitted with generous safety and security features, such as electronic door locks, speed-sensing door locks, and airbags for the driver and the front passenger.

Kia Sportage GT Line

Highway rating: Around 18 km/L
City rating: Around 16 km/L
Vehicle type: Crossover
Fuel type: Diesel
Transmission: Automatic
Price: ₱1,820,000

If you’re looking for a stylish crossover that will help you save some money in the long run, check out Kia’s offerings, particularly the Sportage. It produces a robust drive with 182 hp of power output and 400 Nm of torque, making it your ideal ship on both city roads and freeways.

Despite that, it doesn’t burn fuel quickly. It gives you a fuel economy rating of around 18 km/L, depending on the terrain you’re conquering.

Toyota Wigo

Fuel economy rating: 15.2 km/L to 19.37 km/L
Vehicle type: Hatchback
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic or manual
Price: Starts at ₱578,000

Wigo is one of the most popular Toyota models in the Philippines, mainly for its cheap price and compact size. But one of its lesser-known yet noteworthy features is its low fuel consumption. This Toyota hatchback helps save money on gas with its ability to travel farther per liter.

Peugeot 3008

Fuel economy rating: 7.00 L/100 km or around 14.28 km/L
Vehicle type: SUV
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Price: Starts at ₱2,090,000

This premium SUV from a world-renowned French automaker has an engine that’s powerful yet fuel-efficient. Its smaller engine displacement consumes less fuel than larger engines, making it one of the best SUVs in the Philippines.

Just take note that this car is on the pricier end, so you’ll definitely need deeper pockets if you want to drive a Peugeot 3008.

Mazda CX-5

Highway rating: 12.75 km/L
City rating: 10.2 km/L
Vehicle type: Compact crossover
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Price: Starts at ₱1,890,000

SUVs and off-road cars are not really known for fuel efficiency, but the Mazda CX-5 has still managed to rise to the top. If you need a car with bigger space and a more powerful engine but that still allows you to save on long-term fuel costs, consider getting Mazda’s small SUV.

Chevrolet Spark

Highway rating: 12 km/L
Vehicle type: Hatchback
Fuel type: Gasoline
Transmission: CVT or manual
Price: Starts at ₱694,888

Chevrolet has also entered the small sedan game, and its offerings perform well in tandem with its premium models. Chevrolet Spark may be small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in fuel efficiency. With a rating of around 12 km/L, the Spark adds fire to the already fierce competition for affordable vehicles.

How to Maximize Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

If you buy an already fuel-efficient car, is there a way to further maximize its fuel efficiency? The answer is yes. There are things you can actively do as a responsible car owner and driver to improve your car’s fuel consumption.

Here are some quick tips:

Avoid hard braking. Unless you’re a professional drifter, you probably shouldn’t step on your brakes too hard. This prevents you from consuming more gas than usual.
Choose a route with better traffic flow. This tip can also improve your driving experience. Always use a navigation app on your smartphone to find a better route with less traffic.
Use the right fuel type. Don’t buy any random type of fuel just because it’s the cheapest option available to you. Your car will perform better when you feed it the right type of fuel, so don’t skimp on this area.
Check your car’s tire pressure. Both over- and under-inflated tires can drag your car’s fuel efficiency.
Unless you’re in traffic, don’t idle. You may not realize it, but idling can cost you money since your car is using fuel.
Travel light. If it can be helped, drive with as little cargo as possible because every 45 kilograms of weight can reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 2%.

Final Thoughts

Finding fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines isn’t difficult at all, as modern vehicles come equipped with technologies and innovations that reduce fuel consumption and help drivers save money on gas. Whatever car you choose, don’t forget to equip it with a car insurance policy that fits your driving habits.

Sources:

^[1] Fuel Efficiency: Everything You Need to Know (Car and Driver, 2021)
^[2] Suzuki Introduces the All-New Celerio (Manila Bulletin, 2022)
^[3] Nissan Kicks

Save While Driving: 23 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in the Philippines

Jay Pagkatotohan

How is Fuel Efficiency Measured?