The Cost of Driving: A Comprehensive Look at the Cheapest and Most Expensive Cars

As car prices continue to hover near record highs, prospective buyers are increasingly seeking ways to minimize their vehicle expenses. A recent study by iSeeCars sheds light on this issue, providing a detailed analysis of the cheapest and most expensive cars to drive based on cost per 1,000 miles. This information is invaluable for car shoppers looking to make informed decisions in a challenging market.

Key Findings from the Research

The iSeeCars study reveals several important insights into the costs associated with driving new vehicles. Here are some highlights:

• Average Driving Cost: The average cost of driving a new car is approximately $3,593 per 1,000 miles. This figure is derived from the current prices of new vehicles and the average annual mileage driven by consumers.

• Cheapest Vehicles: The study identifies the Mitsubishi Mirage as the cheapest car to drive, followed by the Nissan Kicks as the most economical SUV and the Ford Maverick as the least expensive truck.

• Most Expensive Vehicle: At the other end of the spectrum, the Porsche 911 stands out as the most expensive car to drive, costing a staggering $60,708 per 1,000 miles. This represents a nearly $60,000 difference in driving costs between the least and most expensive vehicles.

Fuel Type Analysis

In addition to examining individual vehicles, the study also breaks down costs by fuel type:

• Hybrids: According to iSeeCars, hybrid vehicles are the most economical option, averaging $2,978 per 1,000 miles driven. This makes them a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Conversely, electric vehicles are the priciest to operate, with an average cost of $6,428 per 1,000 miles. This stark contrast highlights the financial implications of choosing an EV over a traditional gas vehicle.

• Comparison with Gas Vehicles: The research indicates that hybrids cost 15% less per mile compared to gas vehicles, while electric vehicles are 85.5% more expensive to drive than their gas counterparts.

Methodology Behind the Study

To compile this extensive list, iSeeCars analyzed odometer readings and historical new car prices from over 1 million three-year-old used cars sold between November 2024 and April 2025. The average new car price during this period was found to be $44,223, with an average annual mileage of 12,307 miles.

The Lists: Cheapest and Most Expensive Cars to Drive

20 Cheapest Cars to Drive

1. Mitsubishi Mirage
2. Nissan Versa
3. Kia Soul
4. Toyota Corolla
5. Toyota Camry
6. Honda Civic
7. Hyundai Elantra
8. Subaru Impreza
9. Mazda3
10. Ford Fiesta
11. Chevrolet Spark
12. Nissan Sentra
13. Kia Forte
14. Honda HR-V
15. Toyota RAV4
16. Hyundai Kona
17. Subaru Crosstrek
18. Ford Escape
19. Chevrolet Trax
20. Jeep Compass

20 Most Expensive Cars to Drive

1. Porsche 911
2. Mercedes-Benz SL Class
3. Lexus LC 500 Convertible
4. Chevrolet Corvette
5. BMW M5
6. Audi R8
7. Jaguar F-Type
8. Tesla Model S
9. Maserati GranTurismo
10. Land Rover Range Rover
11. Bentley Continental GT
12. Aston Martin Vantage
13. Ferrari Portofino
14. Lamborghini Huracán
15. Rolls-Royce Wraith
16. McLaren 570S
17. Porsche Taycan
18. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
19. BMW 7 Series
20. Lexus LS 500

Conclusion

For car shoppers navigating the current market, understanding the costs associated with different vehicles is crucial. The iSeeCars study provides a clear picture of which cars offer the best value in terms of driving expenses. Whether you’re looking for an economical hybrid or considering a luxury sports car, this information can help guide your decision-making process.

To explore the full survey, including detailed lists of the cheapest and most expensive vehicles, as well as the top 20 cheapest trucks, SUVs, and sedans, click here to visit iSeeCars.

Photo: iSeeCars.com