Car Fuel Costs in New Zealand - Fill-Up Costs, Cost Per 100km and Annual Running Costs for 30+ Popular Cars
Our guide explains what it actually costs to fill up and drive 30+ popular cars and utes in 2026. We compare fill-up costs, cost per 100km, and annual fuel bills for hybrids, petrol cars, and diesel utes at today's prices - and at $4.00, $4.50, and $5.00 per litre.
Updated 14 April 2026
Summary
Our guide covers:
Why have we published this guide?
Know This First: How to Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You
- New Zealand’s fuel prices have surged dramatically in 2026 – as of mid-April 2026, 91 unleaded averaged $3.48 per litre while diesel hit $3.90 per litre.
- In the interest of comparison and ensuring every New Zealander is fully informed, we analysed the fuel tank sizes, manufacturer fuel consumption figures, and fill-up costs for over 30 of New Zealand’s most popular cars and utes - to show exactly what each car costs to fill today, what it could cost if fuel costs increase, and what it costs to drive 100 kilometres in each vehicle.
- While there may be a slowdown in increases, we agree with economists that fuel prices tend to go up like “rockets” and come down like “feathers.” You can see the current New Zealand Fuel Prices at a Glance on Gaspy here.
Our guide covers:
- Fill-Up Costs - 20+ Petrol and Hybrid Cars Compared
- Cost Per 100km by Vehicle
- Annual Fuel Costs (12,000km)
- Hybrid vs Pure Petrol - The Cost Gap in Dollar Terms
- Diesel Vehicles - Utes and SUVs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why have we published this guide?
- Fuel is one of the largest recurring costs for New Zealand households, yet most people have no idea how much their car actually costs to run per kilometre - or how that compares to the alternatives.
- We built this guide because the difference between the cheapest and most expensive cars to run on fuel is staggering and the long-term costs add up.
- Whether you're feeling the high costs at the pump right now, weighing up a hybrid or EV against a petrol model, or simply want to understand where your fuel money goes, this guide gives you the numbers for every popular car on New Zealand roads.
- We also publish and regularly update a companion guide to reducing your driving costs, which covers fuel-saving driving techniques, app-based price comparison tools, and strategies for cutting your overall transport spending.
Know This First: How to Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You
- The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive fuel stations can be 20–40 cents per litre, which on a 60-litre fill-up represents $12–$24 in savings. Gaspy, available as a mobile app, is New Zealand’s most comprehensive fuel price comparison tool, sourcing thousands of price observations from retail stores daily.
- We suggest using Gaspy before every fill-up - a 20-cent saving on a 55L tank is $11. Consider Costco (Auckland) if you have a membership and it’s ‘within range’ of where you live, work and/or shop. Our guide to saving money when driving has more information.
Disclaimer:
- This guide is for general information and comparison purposes only. All fuel consumption figures are manufacturer-claimed WLTP combined-cycle values, which are often optimistic. Real-world consumption is typically 10–20% higher depending on driving style, road conditions, load, and terrain.
- Fill-up costs and running cost calculations are based on current average fuel prices as of mid-April 2026 and assume filling from empty. Prices fluctuate daily - always check Gaspy or your local stations for the latest rates.
- The information does not constitute financial, taxation, or vehicle purchasing advice. Individual results will vary. MoneyHub accepts no liability for any decisions made based on this guide. For personalised advice, consult a qualified professional.
Fill-Up Costs - 20+ Petrol and Hybrid Cars Compared
What it costs to fill your car’s tank from empty at six 91 unleaded price points. All vehicles use 91 petrol. Diesel vehicles are shown separately below.
| # | Make & Model | Type | 2025 Sales | Tank (L) | Fill @ $2.80 | Fill @ $3.48 | Fill @ $3.80 | Fill @ $4.00 | Fill @ $4.50 | Fill @ $5.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Hybrid | 10,388 | 55 | $154 | $191 | $209 | $220 | $248 | $275 |
| 2 | Mitsubishi ASX | Petrol | 4,628 | 63 | $176 | $219 | $239 | $252 | $284 | $315 |
| 3 | Mitsubishi Outlander | Petrol | 4,071 | 60 | $168 | $209 | $228 | $240 | $270 | $300 |
| 3a | Outlander PHEV | PHEV | incl. | 46 | $129 | $160 | $175 | $184 | $207 | $230 |
| 4 | Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Hybrid | 3,340 | 43 | $120 | $150 | $163 | $172 | $194 | $215 |
| 5 | Kia Seltos | Petrol | 3,156 | 50 | $140 | $174 | $190 | $200 | $225 | $250 |
| 6 | Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid | Hybrid | 1,894 | 36 | $101 | $125 | $137 | $144 | $162 | $180 |
| 7 | MG ZS (Petrol) | Petrol | 1,861 | 45 | $126 | $157 | $171 | $180 | $203 | $225 |
| 8 | Suzuki Swift Hybrid | Hybrid | 1,709 | 37 | $104 | $129 | $141 | $148 | $167 | $185 |
| 9 | Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Hybrid | 1,625 | 54 | $151 | $188 | $205 | $216 | $243 | $270 |
| 10 | GWM Haval H6 Hybrid | Hybrid | 1,616 | 55 | $154 | $191 | $209 | $220 | $248 | $275 |
| 11 | Mazda CX-5 | Petrol | 1,507 | 56 | $157 | $195 | $213 | $224 | $252 | $280 |
| 12 | Kia Sportage Hybrid | Hybrid | 1,333 | 54 | $151 | $188 | $205 | $216 | $243 | $270 |
| 13 | Nissan X-Trail e-Power | Hybrid | 1,213 | 55 | $154 | $191 | $209 | $220 | $248 | $275 |
| 14 | Subaru Outback | Petrol | 1,041 | 63 | $176 | $219 | $239 | $252 | $284 | $315 |
| 15 | Jaecoo J7 | Petrol | 892 | 55 | $154 | $191 | $209 | $220 | $248 | $275 |
| 16 | Chery Tiggo 7 Pro | Petrol | 891 | 55 | $154 | $191 | $209 | $220 | $248 | $275 |
| 17 | Honda Jazz Hybrid | Hybrid | 845 | 40 | $112 | $139 | $152 | $160 | $180 | $200 |
| 18 | Omoda E5 | Petrol | 764 | 53 | $148 | $184 | $201 | $212 | $239 | $265 |
| 19 | Toyota C-HR Hybrid | Hybrid | ~700 | 43 | $120 | $150 | $163 | $172 | $194 | $215 |
| 20 | MG HS | Petrol | ~650 | 55 | $154 | $191 | $209 | $220 | $248 | $275 |
| 21 | Suzuki Vitara Hybrid | Hybrid | ~600 | 45 | $126 | $157 | $171 | $180 | $203 | $225 |
| 22 | Toyota Yaris Hybrid | Hybrid | ~550 | 36 | $101 | $125 | $137 | $144 | $162 | $180 |
| 23 | Mazda CX-30 | Petrol | ~500 | 51 | $143 | $177 | $194 | $204 | $230 | $255 |
| 24 | Hyundai Kona | Petrol | ~500 | 47 | $132 | $164 | $179 | $188 | $212 | $235 |
| 25 | Honda CR-V | Petrol | ~450 | 53 | $148 | $184 | $201 | $212 | $239 | $265 |
| 26 | Kia Niro Hybrid | Hybrid | ~400 | 42 | $118 | $146 | $160 | $168 | $189 | $210 |
Notes:
- All vehicles use 91 petrol
- Fill-up costs assume filling from empty
- Tank sizes sourced from manufacturer NZ specification pages
Cost Per 100km by Vehicle
Fill-up cost tells you what you pay at the pump, but the cost per 100km determines your annual fuel bill. For example, at a cost of $3.48/L:
- Driving a Toyota Yaris Hybrid costs $10.44 per 100km
- Driving a Mitsubishi ASX costs $29.58, nearly three times the cost of driving a regular car
| # | Make & Model | Type | L/100km | /100km @ $2.80 | /100km @ $3.48 | /100km @ $3.80 | /100km @ $4.00 | /100km @ $4.50 | /100km @ $5.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Yaris Hybrid | Hybrid | 3.0 | $8.40 | $10.44 | $11.40 | $12.00 | $13.50 | $15.00 |
| 2 | Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid | Hybrid | 3.6 | $10.08 | $12.53 | $13.68 | $14.40 | $16.20 | $18.00 |
| 3 | Kia Niro Hybrid | Hybrid | 4.0 | $11.20 | $13.92 | $15.20 | $16.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| 4 | Toyota C-HR Hybrid | Hybrid | 4.0 | $11.20 | $13.92 | $15.20 | $16.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| 5 | Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Hybrid | 4.1 | $11.48 | $14.27 | $15.58 | $16.40 | $18.45 | $20.50 |
| 6 | Suzuki Swift Hybrid | Hybrid | 4.5 | $12.60 | $15.66 | $17.10 | $18.00 | $20.25 | $22.50 |
| 7 | Honda Jazz Hybrid | Hybrid | 4.5 | $12.60 | $15.66 | $17.10 | $18.00 | $20.25 | $22.50 |
| 8 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Hybrid | 4.8 | $13.44 | $16.70 | $18.24 | $19.20 | $21.60 | $24.00 |
| 9 | GWM Haval H6 Hybrid | Hybrid | 5.2 | $14.56 | $18.10 | $19.76 | $20.80 | $23.40 | $26.00 |
| 10 | Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Hybrid | 5.4 | $15.12 | $18.79 | $20.52 | $21.60 | $24.30 | $27.00 |
| 11 | Kia Sportage Hybrid | Hybrid | 5.4 | $15.12 | $18.79 | $20.52 | $21.60 | $24.30 | $27.00 |
| 12 | Suzuki Vitara Hybrid | Hybrid | 5.7 | $15.96 | $19.84 | $21.66 | $22.80 | $25.65 | $28.50 |
| 13 | Nissan X-Trail e-Power | Hybrid | 6.1 | $17.08 | $21.23 | $23.18 | $24.40 | $27.45 | $30.50 |
| 14 | Honda CR-V | Petrol | 6.6 | $18.48 | $22.97 | $25.08 | $26.40 | $29.70 | $33.00 |
| 15 | Hyundai Kona | Petrol | 6.8 | $19.04 | $23.66 | $25.84 | $27.20 | $30.60 | $34.00 |
| 16 | MG ZS (Petrol) | Petrol | 7.1 | $19.88 | $24.71 | $26.98 | $28.40 | $31.95 | $35.50 |
| 17 | Mazda CX-30 | Petrol | 7.2 | $20.16 | $25.06 | $27.36 | $28.80 | $32.40 | $36.00 |
| 18 | Subaru Outback | Petrol | 7.3 | $20.44 | $25.40 | $27.74 | $29.20 | $32.85 | $36.50 |
| 19 | Mazda CX-5 | Petrol | 7.4 | $20.72 | $25.75 | $28.12 | $29.60 | $33.30 | $37.00 |
| 20 | Mitsubishi Outlander | Petrol | 7.5 | $21.00 | $26.10 | $28.50 | $30.00 | $33.75 | $37.50 |
| 21 | Jaecoo J7 | Petrol | 7.5 | $21.00 | $26.10 | $28.50 | $30.00 | $33.75 | $37.50 |
| 22 | Kia Seltos | Petrol | 7.6 | $21.28 | $26.45 | $28.88 | $30.40 | $34.20 | $38.00 |
| 23 | MG HS | Petrol | 7.7 | $21.56 | $26.80 | $29.26 | $30.80 | $34.65 | $38.50 |
| 24 | Omoda E5 | Petrol | 7.7 | $21.56 | $26.80 | $29.26 | $30.80 | $34.65 | $38.50 |
| 25 | Chery Tiggo 7 Pro | Petrol | 7.8 | $21.84 | $27.14 | $29.64 | $31.20 | $35.10 | $39.00 |
| 26 | Mitsubishi ASX | Petrol | 8.5 | $23.80 | $29.58 | $32.30 | $34.00 | $38.25 | $42.50 |
Important: Fuel consumption figures are manufacturer-claimed combined cycle (WLTP). Real-world consumption may be 10-20% higher. Our table is sorted cheapest to most expensive at current prices.
Annual Fuel Costs (12,000km)
The average New Zealander drives approximately 12,000km per year. Here’s what that costs in fuel alone:
| Vehicle | L/100km | Annual Cost @ $3.48 | Annual Cost @ $5.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Yaris Hybrid | 3.0 | $1,253 | $1,800 |
| Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid | 3.6 | $1,504 | $2,160 |
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid | 4.1 | $1,712 | $2,460 |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 4.8 | $2,004 | $2,880 |
| GWM Haval H6 Hybrid | 5.2 | $2,172 | $3,120 |
| Kia Sportage Hybrid | 5.4 | $2,255 | $3,240 |
| Honda CR-V (Petrol) | 6.6 | $2,756 | $3,960 |
| Mazda CX-5 (Petrol) | 7.4 | $3,090 | $4,440 |
| Kia Seltos (Petrol) | 7.6 | $3,174 | $4,560 |
| Mitsubishi ASX (Petrol) | 8.5 | $3,550 | $5,100 |
Hybrid vs Pure Petrol - The Cost Gap in Dollar Terms
Side-by-side comparison of similar-sized vehicles at the current NZ average of $3.48/L for 91 unleaded:
| Comparison | Hybrid Cost/100km | Petrol Cost/100km | Saving per 100km | Annual Saving (12,000km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid vs Mazda CX-5 | $16.70 | $25.75 | $9.05 | $1,086 |
| Corolla Hybrid vs Kia Seltos | $14.27 | $26.45 | $12.18 | $1,462 |
| Tucson Hybrid vs MG HS | $18.79 | $26.80 | $8.01 | $961 |
| Swift Hybrid vs MG ZS | $15.66 | $24.71 | $9.05 | $1,086 |
| Yaris Cross Hybrid vs Hyundai Kona | $12.53 | $23.66 | $11.13 | $1,336 |
Know This: These savings are calculated at today’s prices. If fuel reaches $5.00 per litre, the annual saving of a RAV4 Hybrid over a CX-5 increases to $1,560. Over five years of ownership at elevated prices, you’re looking at nearly $8,000 in fuel savings - and that’s before considering the hybrid’s stronger resale value.
Diesel Vehicles - Utes and SUVs
Diesel prices have risen even more dramatically than petrol. For tens of thousands of New Zealanders who drive diesel utes and SUVs, the cost increases are significant.
| # | Make & Model | 2025 Sales | Tank (L) | Fill @ $2.69 | Fill @ $3.90 | Fill @ $4.50 | Fill @ $5.00 | Fill @ $5.50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Ranger | 8,849 | 80 | $215 | $312 | $360 | $400 | $440 |
| 2 | Toyota Hilux | 6,346 | 80 | $215 | $312 | $360 | $400 | $440 |
| 3 | Ford Everest | 3,107 | 80 | $215 | $312 | $360 | $400 | $440 |
| 4 | Mitsubishi Triton | 2,988 | 75 | $202 | $293 | $338 | $375 | $413 |
| 5 | Nissan Navara | 2,177 | 80 | $215 | $312 | $360 | $400 | $440 |
| 6 | Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | 2,090 | 80 | $215 | $312 | $360 | $400 | $440 |
| 7 | BYD Shark 6 (PHEV) | 1,746 | 65 | $182 | $226 | $247 | $260 | $293 |
| 8 | Isuzu D-Max | 858 | 76 | $204 | $296 | $342 | $380 | $418 |
Diesel Cost Per 100km
| # | Make & Model | L/100km | /100km @ $2.69 | /100km @ $3.90 | /100km @ $4.50 | /100km @ $5.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Everest (2.0L) | 7.2 | $19.37 | $28.08 | $32.40 | $36.00 |
| 2 | Isuzu D-Max | 7.4 | $19.91 | $28.86 | $33.30 | $37.00 |
| 3 | Toyota Hilux Diesel Hybrid | 7.5 | $20.18 | $29.25 | $33.75 | $37.50 |
| 4 | Nissan Navara | 7.6 | $20.44 | $29.64 | $34.20 | $38.00 |
| 5 | Ford Ranger | 7.7 | $20.71 | $30.03 | $34.65 | $38.50 |
| 6 | Mitsubishi Triton | 7.9 | $21.25 | $30.81 | $35.55 | $39.50 |
| 7 | Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | 8.9 | $23.94 | $34.71 | $40.05 | $44.50 |
| 8 | BYD Shark 6 (PHEV)* | 2.6 | $7.28 | $9.05 | $9.88 | $10.40 |
Know This: Road User Charges Add Significantly to Diesel Running Costs
- The tables above show fuel costs only - but diesel vehicle owners pay an additional cost that petrol drivers don't - Road User Charges (RUC). Because diesel isn't taxed at the pump the way petrol is, diesel vehicles must purchase RUC licences based on distance travelled.
- For light diesel vehicles (up to 3,500kg - which covers every ute and diesel SUV on this page), the current RUC rate is $76 per 1,000km, or $7.60 per 100km. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (like the BYD Shark 6) pay a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km ($3.80 per 100km). There's also an administration fee of $12.44 per licence purchased online.
- What this means in practice: When you add RUC to the diesel fuel cost per 100km figures above, the true running cost of a diesel ute or SUV rises significantly:
| # | Make & Model | Fuel Cost/100km (@ $3.90/L) | + RUC/100km | True Cost/100km | Annual Cost (12,000km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Everest (2.0L) | $28.08 | $7.60 | $35.68 | $4,282 |
| 2 | Isuzu D-Max | $28.86 | $7.60 | $36.46 | $4,375 |
| 3 | Toyota Hilux Diesel Hybrid | $29.25 | $7.60 | $36.85 | $4,422 |
| 4 | Nissan Navara | $29.64 | $7.60 | $37.24 | $4,469 |
| 5 | Ford Ranger | $30.03 | $7.60 | $37.63 | $4,516 |
| 6 | Mitsubishi Triton | $30.81 | $7.60 | $38.41 | $4,609 |
| 7 | Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | $34.71 | $7.60 | $42.31 | $5,077 |
| 8 | BYD Shark 6 (PHEV)* | $9.05 | $3.80 | $12.85 | $1,542 |
Important:
- At 12,000km per year, RUC alone costs a diesel vehicle owner $912 annually - on top of fuel. This is why the BYD Shark 6's total running cost is dramatically lower than a conventional diesel ute despite a similar purchase price: its PHEV drivetrain slashes both fuel consumption and the RUC rate.
- For anyone weighing up a diesel ute against a PHEV alternative, the combined fuel-plus-RUC gap is stark. A Ford Ranger owner pays roughly $4,516 per year in fuel and RUC at today's prices, while a BYD Shark 6 owner pays around $1,542 - a difference of nearly $3,000 a year.
- RUC rates sourced from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. RUC licences can be purchased online via the NZTA website or app. Petrol vehicles do not pay RUC - fuel excise duty is included in the pump price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the fuel consumption figures in this guide?
We use manufacturer-claimed combined-cycle figures - we believe real-world consumption is typically 10–20% higher, depending on driving style, terrain, urban vs highway split, and vehicle load.
For a conservative estimate, add 15% to the figures in our tables. We've chosen manufacturer figures because they provide a consistent, comparable benchmark across all vehicles.
For a conservative estimate, add 15% to the figures in our tables. We've chosen manufacturer figures because they provide a consistent, comparable benchmark across all vehicles.
Why do hybrids cost so much less to run than similar-sized petrol cars?
Hybrid vehicles recover energy during braking and use electric power at low speeds, which dramatically reduces fuel consumption - especially in stop-start urban driving.
Our data shows hybrids typically consume 3.0–6.1 litres per 100km, compared to 6.6–8.5 litres for comparable petrol models. At $3.48/L, that translates to annual savings of $960–$1,460 over 12,000km.
Our data shows hybrids typically consume 3.0–6.1 litres per 100km, compared to 6.6–8.5 litres for comparable petrol models. At $3.48/L, that translates to annual savings of $960–$1,460 over 12,000km.
​Why doesn't this guide include maintenance and insurance costs?
This guide isolates fuel and RUC costs because they're the variable running costs most affected by price changes and driving behaviour. Total cost of ownership - including insurance, servicing, tyres, depreciation, and financing - varies significantly by individual circumstances. We cover insurance costs in our car insurance guide and broader vehicle ownership costs in our guide to reducing your driving costs.
Data Sources and Methodology
- Vehicle sales data: MoneyHub’s Fleet Sales, sourced from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Vehicle Fleet Open Data - all vehicles with a 2025 vehicle year registered as of 30 November 2025.
- Fuel prices: Gaspy NZ, database updated 13 April 2026.
- Tank sizes: Individual manufacturer NZ specification pages
- Fuel consumption: Manufacturer-claimed combined-cycle figures (WLTP, where available). Real-world consumption may be 10–20% higher.
- Cost calculations: Fill-up cost = Tank size (L) x Price per litre. Cost per 100km = L/100km x Price per litre.
- Annual cost based on 12,000km average.
