The sticker price is only the beginning. Fuel, insurance, servicing, tyres, registration and depreciation all add up over a five-year hold. The ranking below leads on the two things we can source properly, which are the manufacturer's combined fuel or energy figure and the published servicing terms. The rest are modelled estimates on stated assumptions, and we have flagged which is which.
What goes into these numbers
Two of these come from published figures. The other four are estimates on the assumptions listed, and they are the reason two cars a few hundred dollars apart should be read as a tie:
- Fuel/Electricity (published). the manufacturer's combined-cycle figure, run at 15,000km/yr, $1.90/L petrol, $1.85/L diesel, $0.30/kWh electricity
- Servicing (published where offered). the manufacturer's capped-price or scheduled servicing terms. Not every car has them, and where one does not we have said so rather than guessed
- Insurance (estimate). assumes a 35-year-old in a metro postcode with a clean record and a $1,000 excess. Your quote will differ, sometimes by a lot
- Tyres (estimate). replacement cost spread over typical tyre life
- Registration (estimate). varies by state, so this is a middle figure
- Depreciation (estimate). a typical retention curve for the vehicle class. We do not hold used sale prices, so this is a modelled shape, not a valuation
The Top 10
1. MG MG3. ~$5,800/year total
The MG3 wins on sheer purchase price. From ~$21,000 driveaway, depreciation in dollar terms is the lowest in the market. Fuel cost is modest at 6.4L/100km, and servicing is capped at $199/service.
2. Suzuki Swift. ~$6,100/year
The Swift is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars at 4.6L/100km. It's tiny, but if you're a single commuter or student, the running costs are hard to beat. Insurance is cheap due to the low value and good safety rating.
3. Toyota Yaris. ~$6,200/year
Toyota reliability means servicing costs are predictable and resale is strong. The Yaris loses less to depreciation than almost any small car. The hybrid version drops fuel to 3.3L/100km.
4. Kia Picanto. ~$6,300/year
One of the smallest and most affordable new cars in Australia. Kia's 7-year warranty means no surprise service bills for nearly a decade. Fuel is 5.3L/100km. The catch: it's very small and only has a 5-star ANCAP rating.
5. Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid. ~$6,500/year
Here's where it gets interesting. An SUV that costs less to run than most hatchbacks. The hybrid system returns 3.8L/100km, annual fuel is under $1,100, and Toyota resale means depreciation is minimal. This is the sweet spot for many buyers.
6. Suzuki Vitara. ~$6,800/year
A proper small SUV with ground clearance and available AWD, yet running costs rival city hatchbacks. The 1.5L mild hybrid returns 5.8L/100km. Suzuki servicing is among the cheapest in Australia.
7. Hyundai Venue. ~$6,900/year
Hyundai's smallest SUV hits a value sweet spot. Under $30k with 5-star ANCAP, Apple CarPlay, and 6.5L/100km. The 5-year warranty covers most of the ownership period.
8. MG MG4 (Electric). ~$7,000/year
Among the more affordable EVs in Australia at ~$37,990. Electricity costs are only ~$700/year (vs $2,000+ for a petrol equivalent). Zero servicing costs for oil, filters, and brakes. The catch: higher insurance and uncertain long-term depreciation.
9. Toyota Corolla Hatch (Hybrid). ~$7,100/year
The Corolla Hatch (hybrid variant) is one of the most popular cars in Australia for a reason. 4.2L/100km, bulletproof reliability, and depreciation that makes accountants smile. It's not exciting, but it's arguably the smartest car purchase you can make.
10. Honda HR-V. ~$7,200/year
Honda's Magic Seat system gives the HR-V one of the most versatile interiors in the small SUV class. Running costs are kept low by Honda's efficient 1.5L engine and strong resale values.
Calculate Your Own Costs
These numbers assume average driving patterns. Your costs will differ based on how much you drive, where you live, and your driving style. Use our fuel efficiency filter to find the most efficient cars, or compare any cars to see a full ownership cost breakdown.
Our Fuel Cost Calculator on every comparison page lets you adjust your weekly driving distance and fuel price to see real numbers for your situation.
Methodology
Fuel and energy figures are the manufacturer's combined-cycle claims. Servicing uses capped or scheduled pricing where the manufacturer publishes it. Insurance, tyres, registration and depreciation are estimates on the assumptions set out above, not quotes or valuations, and we do not hold used sale prices for any car. All figures cover a typical 5-year ownership period. Not financial advice. See our full methodology.