What’s the cheapest car to run in SA right now, amid the fuel price crisis? Well, as household budgets come under pressure, it’s inevitable that South Africans will start to shift their focus. Beyond the upfront cost of a car, there is also the cost of keeping it on the road.
As such, opting for the cheapest car to run in SA versus others models in the same category can save you as much as R7 000 per year. “With another fuel price increase taking effect on Wednesday 6 May 2026, fuel efficiency is becoming a key consideration in car-buying decisions,” says Antoine Caradonna, founder of VehicleSA.
CHEAPEST CAR TO RUN IN SA
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMRE) announced that petrol (93 and 95 unleaded) will rise by R3.27 a litre, while wholesale diesel prices will rise by R6.19 a litre on Wednesday, despite on-going fuel-levy relief.
As such, consumers are increasingly paying attention to fuel consumption, asking the question, what is the cheapest car to run in SA? “While electric vehicles (EVs) are attracting interest, they remain out of reach for the vast majority of budgets. Buyers are seeking answers to more practical questions,” says Caradonna.
MONTHLY FUEL COST CALCULATOR
To help consumers, VehicleSA has launched a new monthly fuel cost calculator. This shows what motorists can expect to spend on fuel when buying a new car. “Unlike traditional comparison tools, consumers can input their own mileage to generate a personalised estimate and compare fuel spend alongside other ownership costs. This include the likes of monthly repayments and insurance,” Caradonna says.
However, based on an average monthly driving distance of 1 250 km and the current fuel prices, what is the cheapest car to run in SA? Over time, the differences between each car becomes more substantial, with drivers able to save more than R7 000 per year in fuel alone.
CHEAPEST CAR TO RUN IN SA
| RANK | MODEL | PRICE | L/100 KM | MONTHLY COST |
| 1. | Toyota Vitz | R180 600 | 4.2 | R1 226 |
| 2. | Suzuki Celerio | R188 900 | 4.2 | R1 226 |
| 3. | Suzuki Swift | R227 900 | 4.4 | R1 285 |
| 4. | Suzuki S-Presso | R178 900 | 4.4 | R1 285 |
| 5. | Renault Kwid | R178 799 | 4.9 | R1 431 |
But what do you think is the cheapest car to run in SA? And what are you doing to save money amid the fuel crisis? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below …
