Always a prime consideration for Indian auto consumers, fuel efficiency has become an increasingly important priority as domestic petrol prices rise in tandem with global markets. Selecting a vehicle with high fuel efficiency makes all the difference in the long-term expense of vehicle ownership. Though diesel engines were the efficiency standard in days of yore, the latest petrol and hybrid engines have closed the divide with superior power and cleaner exhausts.
In this blog post, we’ll examine the top 5 petrol cars with the highest mileage in India. We’ll compare their official ARAI results with actual results and break down their specifications, price, and what makes them stand out in the present competitive market.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table – Petrol Cars With Highest Mileage in India
| Car Model | Price Range (Ex-Showroom, India) | Transmission Options | ARAI Mileage (km/l) | Real-World Mileage (km/l) |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | ₹4.70 – ₹6.73 lakh | Manual, AMT | 25.24–26.68 | 20 – 22 |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | ₹5.79 – ₹8.80 lakh | Manual, AMT | 24.80–25.75 | 18 – 20 |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | ₹6.26 – ₹9.31 lakh | Manual, AMT | 24.79–25.71 | 18 – 20 |
| Honda City e: HEV (Hybrid) | ₹19.00 – ₹20.50 lakh | e-CVT (Hybrid) | 27.13 | 21 – 22 |
| Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Hybrid) | ₹18.43 – ₹20.09 lakh | e-CVT (Hybrid) | 27.97 | 20 – 23 |
Maruti Suzuki Celerio
ARAI Mileage:
- 25.24 km/l (petrol manual, lower variants)
- 26.68 km/l (petrol automatic / AGS variant)
Real-World Mileage:
- In City: ~23 km/l (MT) / ~19 km/l (AMT)
- On Highway: ~26 km/l (MT) / ~20 km/l (AMT)
- Combined (Mixed): ~21–23 km/l (ARAI: 25.24 km/l MT, 26.68 km/l AMT)
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio has been cited as the best mileage petrol vehicle in India with regular petrol engine configurations. Being light, with an efficient 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, and with a hatchback bodystyle and short profile, it achieves decent fuel efficiency. As an automatic model, it has an edge due to more efficient gearing and fewer losses during idling, particularly in urban stop-and-go travel.
Key Features
- 998 cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine tuned for efficiency
- Available in Manual and AGS (Automatic Gear Shift) variants
- Compact, lightweight chassis to reduce energy wastage
- Basic but effective features to keep weight low
- Adequate interiors and comfort for daily use without overburdening the engine
Price Range
The Celerio is typically priced between ₹4.70 – ₹6.73 lakh (ex-showroom, India), depending on the variant and city.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
ARAI Mileage:
- Petrol Manual: ~ 24.80 km/l
- Petrol AMT / Automatic: ~ 25.75 km/l
Real-World Mileage:
- In City: ~18–20 km/l
- On Highway: ~22–25 km/l
- Combined (Mixed): ~20–22 km/l
(ARAI: 24.80–25.75 km/l)
The Maruti Suzuki Swift has also been dubbed a compromise of economy, style, and performance. In its existing guise with the 1.2-litre inline “Z” series petrol engine, Swift still overperforms on the economy front when it comes to petrol car economy. Whilst it doesn’t quite reach the absolute best-in-class economy, its solid efficiency, matched with rewarding driveability, has ensured it remains a success with customers who seek a balance of excitement and economy.
Key Features
- 1,197 cc Z-series 3-cylinder petrol engine optimised for efficiency
- Available in both Manual and AMT transmission
- Lighter body design to reduce energy loss
- Features like auto start-stop to conserve fuel in idle traffic
- Decent comfort & tech features without a heavy weight penalty
Price Range
The Swift is priced between ₹5.79 lakh and ₹8.80 lakh (ex-showroom, India), depending on the variant and options.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
ARAI Mileage:
- Petrol Manual: ~ 24.79 km/l
- Petrol AMT: ~ 25.71 km/l
Real-World Mileage:
- In City: ~17–18 km/l
- On Highway: ~20–21 km/l
- Combined (Mixed): ~18–20 km/l (ARAI: 24.79 km/l MT, 25.71 km/l AMT)
Maruti Suzuki Dzire is the Swift’s sibling sedan, and it has continuously been one of the most efficient in-class compact sedans in the country. With the same 1.2-litre petrol engine, it offers a spacious boot and excellent fuel economy, making it a very compelling proposition for both fleet and family customers. Its efficiency, as well as Maruti’s extensive servicing network, make it one of the most reliable high-mileage petrol automobiles in the nation.
Key Features
- 1,197 cc petrol engine shared with Swift, tuned for efficiency
- Manual and AMT gearbox options
- Spacious rear seat and a 382-litre boot for practicality
- Light body construction to improve fuel economy
- Safety features like ABS, EBD, and dual airbags are standard across trims
Price Range
The Dzire is priced between ₹6.26 lakh and ₹9.31 lakh (ex-showroom, India), depending on the variant.
Honda City e: HEV (Hybrid)
ARAI Mileage:
- Hybrid e:HEV: ~ 27.13 km/l
Real-World Mileage:
- In City: ~20.15 km/l (CarDekho tested)
- On Highway: ~23.38 km/l (CarDekho tested)
- Combined (Mixed): ~21–22 km/l (ARAI: 27.13 km/l)
The Honda City e: HEV is one of the best hybrids in India and a serious benchmark in petrol car efficiency. It features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a high-powered hybrid powertrain, which enables the car to operate on pure electricity, petrol power on the highway, or both with maximum efficiency, without seeming to break a sweat. This smooth transition from one power source to another is the key to achieving exceptionally high efficiency figures.
Key Features
- 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine combined with dual electric motors
- e-CVT automatic transmission for smooth power delivery
- Advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
- Premium cabin with leather upholstery, 8-inch infotainment system, and connected tech
- Strong hybrid system that reduces running costs and emissions
- Safety features include the Honda Sensing suite with collision mitigation braking system
Price Range
The Honda City e: HEV is priced between ₹19.48 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Hybrid)
ARAI Mileage:
- Strong Hybrid: ~ 27.97 km/l
Real-World Mileage:
- In City: ~20–22 km/l
- On Highway: ~22–23 km/l
- Combined (Mixed): ~21–23 km/l (ARAI: 27.97 km/l)
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid is one of the most efficient SUVs available in India today and a benchmark in terms of petrol car efficiency. It comes with a strong hybrid powertrain, allowing the SUV to operate in EV mode over short distances, thereby minimising fuel consumption in heavy traffic. With SUV practicality, high-feature intensity, and hybrid efficiency, it sets a new standard in terms of mileage in the SUV sector.
Key Features
- 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor in a strong hybrid setup
- e-CVT transmission for smooth, efficient power delivery
- SUV design with bold styling, LED lighting, and modern interiors
- Premium features like panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and connected infotainment
- Safety features include six airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX mounts
- Hybrid technology ensures lower emissions and better city efficiency
Price Range
The Grand Vitara Hybrid is priced between ₹16.63 lakh and ₹19.72 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Conclusion
Petrol car efficiency has been just as major a determining factor in choosing a car in India so far. From subcompact hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Swift, and Dzire to luxury strong hybrids like the Honda City e: HEV and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, current petrol-powered vehicles achieve high efficiency without compromising on comfort or amenities.
For everyday users, an economy like the Celerio offers great value without a hefty price tag. Meanwhile, hybrids demonstrate just how far technology has advanced in terms of petrol efficiency and are best suited for drivers who want better features without compromising on running costs.
Whichever section you pick, these top 5 models prove that investing in the right vehicle with the best petrol car mileage allows you to save on fuel, reduce emissions, and pay cheaper per-trip fares.
FAQs on Petrol Car Mileage
Q. Which petrol car has the highest mileage in India?
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid currently offers the highest petrol car mileage in India with an ARAI figure of up to 27.97 km/l.
Q. What is the real-world mileage of high-mileage petrol cars?
While ARAI figures are higher, real-world petrol car mileage is usually 3–5 km/l lower. For example, cars like the Honda City e: HEV and Grand Vitara return ~20.15 km/l in the city / 23.38 km/l on the highway.
Q. Which hatchback petrol car gives the best mileage?
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the hatchback with the best petrol car mileage in India, delivering up to 26.68 km/l (ARAI) for AMT and 25.24 km/l for MT.
Q. Are hybrid cars better for petrol car mileage?
Yes. Hybrid cars like the Honda City e: HEV and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid utilise electric motors in conjunction with petrol engines, which significantly improves mileage, especially in city driving.
Q. Does petrol car mileage vary between manual and automatic cars?
Yes. In many models, including the Celerio and Dzire, the AMT/e-CVT variants feature higher ARAI figures and deliver slightly better fuel efficiency in petrol cars compared to manual transmissions, thanks to optimised gear shifts and reduced fuel wastage.
Q. Which sedan petrol car has the highest mileage in India?
The Honda City e: HEV (Hybrid) leads the sedan category with an ARAI petrol car mileage of 27.13 km/l.
Q. Why is real-world petrol car mileage lower than ARAI mileage?
ARAI tests are conducted in controlled conditions. In real life, factors like traffic, driving style, road quality, and load can reduce the mileage of petrol cars.
Q. What is the average petrol car mileage for hatchbacks in India?
Popular hatchbacks like the Swift and Dzire typically deliver around 18–20 km/l in real-world conditions, even though their ARAI figures are above 24 km/l.
Q. Which SUV petrol car gives the best mileage in India?
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid tops the list, followed by other hybrid SUVs in Toyota-Maruti’s collaboration.
Q. Is it worth buying a hybrid for better petrol car mileage?
Yes, hybrids are worth it for those who drive a lot in cities. They offer excellent petrol car mileage, lower emissions, and long-term fuel savings, even if the upfront cost is higher.
