)
It’s common knowledge now that living in Nigeria is survival of the fittest. Fuel prices have skyrocketed every year and don’t seem to be returning to their former levels, so Nigerians now have a new reality. As of the writing of this article, a litre of fuel sells for ₦950 per litre, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
With this new development, getting a fuel-efficient vehicle over aesthetics is a no-brainer if you're considering purchasing a new car. It is non-negotiable if you reside in Lagos, where you’ll never know what traffic you will face, and you don’t want your car to break down in the middle of the road with other drivers cursing at you.
Save yourself the headache and read through this list of fuel-efficient cars you should consider buying in the Nigerian economy, along with their estimated prices. You’re welcome.
What is Fuel Efficiency?
Fuel efficiency is how far your car can travel using a certain amount of fuel. For example, if a vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 30 to 40 miles per gallon (mpg), it means that with just one gallon of fuel (roughly 4 litres), the car can cover between 30 and 40 miles before needing a refill.
The higher the mpg figure, the better because the car consumes less fuel to go a longer distance. In other words, a fuel-efficient car helps you save money because you won’t have to buy fuel as often to cover the same journey.
)
)
![Vice President Kashim Shettima. [Facebook]](https://image.api.sportal365.com/process//smp-images-production/pulse.ng/25112024/75845df6-b103-4a42-8bc2-6fc29a7c888f.jpg?operations=autocrop(340:210))
1. Honda Civic
Average Fuel Economy: 6.5L per 100km (about 15-16km per litre)
Nigerians have long loved the Honda Civic for its durability and low maintenance costs, but its fuel efficiency is one of its most underrated qualities. Depending on the model year and engine type, the Civic has a fuel efficiency of 28 to 42 miles per gallon. That’s pretty solid for both city traffic and highway cruising.
Aside from its excellent fuel economy, the Civic’s design is also compact (perfect for squeezing through tight Lagos roads). It’s one of the most reliable cars for young professionals or small families navigating the chaos of Lagos roads.
)
Estimated Price in Nigeria According to AutoChek: ₦4 million - ₦20 million (depending on year and condition)
2. Kia Rio
Average Fuel Economy: 6.4L - 8.4L per 100km (about 12-16km per litre)
The Kia Rio is one of those cars that doesn’t always get the hype it deserves in Nigeria. Still, if you’re looking for a car that’s easy on fuel and reliable enough to handle the everyday madness of Nigerian roads, it’s one to consider.
The Kia Rio is a compact car, meaning it’s not too big or too small; it is just perfect. But the real beauty of the Kia Rio lies in its fuel economy. With fuel prices hitting almost ₦950 per litre (and still threatening to rise), a car like this is pure gold. It has a fuel efficiency of 28 - 37 miles per gallon (mpg).
)
Estimated Price in Nigeria According to AutoChek: ₦1 million – ₦10 million (depending on year and condition)
3. Toyota Corolla
Average Fuel Economy: 6.5L per 100km (about 15-16km per litre)
Toyota Corolla is the king of Nigerian roads. If you’ve never been inside a Corolla, have you lived in Nigeria? It’s known for its durability, easy-to-find spare parts, and, most importantly, its excellent fuel efficiency of 27 - 42 miles per gallon (mpg).
If you’re buying a Tokunbo (foreign used) model or a brand new one, you’re guaranteed a car that won’t bleed your pocket at the fuel station. It’s the type of car that will last you for years without giving you unnecessary stress.
)
Estimated Price in Nigeria According to AutoChek: ₦5 million - ₦20 million
RELATED: 7 Ways To Reduce Electricity Bills for Prepaid Meter Users
4. Hyundai Elantra
Average Fuel Economy: 6.7L per 100km (about 15km per litre)
Hyundai cars are slowly gaining ground in Nigeria because they offer similar benefits to Toyota and Honda, but at a slightly cheaper price point. The Elantra, in particular, is sleek, comfortable, and impressively fuel-efficient, perfect for daily commutes in traffic-heavy areas. With a fuel efficiency of 33 to 43 mpg, this car is built to save fuel while you cruise in its sleek design.
)
Estimated Price in Nigeria According to AutoChek: ₦5 million - ₦22 million
5. Kia Cerato (also called Kia Sedan in Nigeria)
Average Fuel Economy: 6.9L per 100km (about 14-15km per litre)
The Kia Cerato has quietly become a favourite for many Nigerians, thanks to its affordable price tag and great fuel economy. With a fuel efficiency of 27 to 40 mpg, it’s a smart car for anyone who doesn’t want to spend half their salary on fuel. In addition, it has a sporty design and a surprisingly spacious interior.
)
Estimated Price in Nigeria According to AutoChek: ₦4 million - ₦8 million
6. Toyota Fortuner (Diesel Engine)
Average Fuel Economy: 7.6L per 100km (about 11-14km per litre)
The Toyota Fortuner is worth considering if you’re looking for something more rugged to handle rough roads outside the city. While it’s an SUV, its diesel engine makes it more fuel-efficient than many petrol-powered SUVs. It’s also a great car match for Nigerian roads, where potholes and unpaved streets are the norm.
)
Estimated Price in Nigeria According to AutoChek: ₦65 million - ₦88 million
7. Toyota Prius (Hybrid)
Average Fuel Economy: 4.4L per 100km (about 22-25km per litre)
If fuel efficiency were a competition, the Toyota Prius would win hands down. This hybrid car is built to save fuel. It’s a bit more tech-heavy, so finding a knowledgeable mechanic is essential, but if you can handle that, your fuel expenses will thank you endlessly.
It’s excellent for cruising through the city, and although it might not be as common in Nigeria as the Corolla, getting it is one of the smartest choices you’ll make if saving fuel is your top priority.
)
Estimated Price in Nigeria According to Cars45: ₦2 million - ₦11 million
When choosing a car, looks are nice, but fuel efficiency is smarter. Every busy Lagos commuter or those who take occasional road trips need cars like these that combine fuel economy with practicality for the Nigerian environment. Remember that traffic doesn’t warn you before it shows up. Still, with one of these fuel-efficient cars, you won’t be stuck pushing your car in the middle of the road.