Ranked by measured energy cost

Running-cost rankings

Every list ranks by one thing: measured fuel or charging cost per mile, computed from exact official EPA records at stated assumptions. No sales data, no “best” claims — just the measured metric.

Cheapest 2026 vehicles to run

The lowest measured energy cost per mile across every 2026 model in our review set — gas, hybrid, plug-in, and electric together on one scale.

#1: 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD · 4.7¢/mi · 20 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 EVs per mile

Every 2026 battery-electric model in our review set, ranked by measured charging cost per mile at residential electricity rates.

#1: 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD · 4.7¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 electric SUVs to run

2026 battery-electric small and standard SUVs, ranked by measured charging cost per mile.

#1: 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD · 4.7¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 hybrid SUVs to run

2026 hybrid small and standard SUVs, ranked by measured fuel cost per mile.

#1: 2026 Kia Niro FE · 7.5¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 plug-in hybrids to run

2026 plug-in hybrids ranked by measured energy cost per mile, using each vehicle's EPA utility factor for the electric share.

#1: 2026 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid · 6.7¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 small SUVs to run

2026 small SUVs across all powertrains, ranked by measured energy cost per mile.

#1: 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD · 4.7¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 standard SUVs to run

2026 standard (larger) SUVs across all powertrains, ranked by measured energy cost per mile.

#1: 2026 Audi Q4 45 e-tron · 5.4¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 midsize cars to run

2026 midsize cars across all powertrains, ranked by measured energy cost per mile.

#1: 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium AWD · 4.9¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 compact cars to run

2026 compact cars across all powertrains, ranked by measured energy cost per mile.

#1: 2026 BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (18 inch wheels) · 5.3¢/mi · 15 vehicles

Cheapest 2026 pickup trucks to run

2026 small and standard pickup trucks across all powertrains, ranked by measured energy cost per mile.

#1: 2026 Rivian R1T Dual Standard (22in) · 7.4¢/mi · 15 vehicles