Which engine is best today? Complete guide 2025 with data, analysis and ranking

In 2025, buying a car has become a far from trivial choice. The variety of engines available, combined with the end of national government incentives, makes it necessary to carefully evaluate each option. This article offers a complete overview of the different technologies on the market today, analyzes sales and fleet data, compares management costs and provides an updated ranking of the most convenient engines for an average Italian motorist.

The main engines compared In 2025, the engines available for cars are divided into very specific categories, each with specific characteristics, advantages and limitations:

• Gasoline: still widely used, especially among small cars. Advantageous for those who travel few kilometers per year, but penalized by higher costs at the pump.

• Diesel: once the queen of long distances, today penalized by environmental regulations and limited traffic zones. Useful for those who travel frequently on the highway.

• LPG: an economical solution for those looking for low running costs. Less power than other engines, but excellent efficiency and reduced tax in many regions.

• Methane: ecological but increasingly marginal, also due to the closure of many distributors. Low management costs, but insufficient network.

• Mild Hybrid (MHEV): a light electric support that reduces consumption without distorting driving. No external charging necessary.

• Full Hybrid (HEV): integrated electric and thermal engine. Excellent for the city, where the electric often comes into play. Limited electric-only autonomy.

• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): allows tens of kilometers in electric mode, but must be recharged to be effective. Expensive and heavy, ideal only if recharged regularly.

• Pure electric (BEV): zero-emission, offers low operating and maintenance costs, but has a high initial cost and depends on charging infrastructure.

Sales data February 2025 According to UNRAE data, in February 2025 in Italy 137,922 cars were registered, with a decrease of 6.3% compared to February 2024. Here is the breakdown by fuel:

• Hybrid (HEV + MHEV): 44.6% of the market

• Petrol: 26.3%

• Diesel: 9.7%

• LPG: 9.9%

• Electric (BEV): 5.0%

• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): 4.5%

These data confirm the constant growth of hybrids, while petrol and diesel continue to lose share. Electric cars maintain a modest but stable share.

Vehicle fleet data (January 2025) The Italian car fleet is still dominated by traditional engines, but new technologies are gaining ground:

• Gasoline: 17.2 million cars

• Diesel: 17.1 million

• LPG: 2.1 million

• Methane: 924,000

• Full Hybrid: 1.55 million

• Plug-in Hybrid: 174,000

• Electric (BEV): 158,000 (over 280,000 considering January 2025)

Cost analysis and available incentives In 2025, the Italian State suspended generalized purchase incentives. However, some regions still offer interesting incentives:

• Electric: 5-year stamp duty exemption in Abruzzo and other regions, then 75% reduction.

• Hybrid (HEV/PHEV): 3-year road tax exemption.

• LPG and Methane: permanent 75% reduction in road tax.

Car manufacturers offer alternative discounts, especially on electrified models. Some municipalities offer scrapping bonuses or incentives for urban mobility.

Ranking of the most convenient engines (2025) Considering the absence of government incentives, management costs, regional concessions and the average use of 15,000 km/year, the ranking is as follows:

1. ✨ Full Hybrid (HEV)

   • Excellent cost/consumption balance

   • Perfect for city and mixed use

   • 3-year stamp duty exemption in many regions

2. ⛽ LPG

   • Cheap and widespread fuel

   • 75% reduction on stamp duty

   • Low maintenance costs

3. 🚗 Mild Hybrid (MHEV)

   • Competitive price

   • Low consumption, no need for recharging

   • Good resale value

4. ⚡ Electric (BEV)

   • Low operating costs

   • Zero emissions, 5-year tax exemption

   • Limited by purchase cost and infrastructure

5. ⚡⛽ Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

   • Versatile, but only if recharged regularly

   • High cost, low incentives

6. ⛽ Petrol

   • No concessions

   • High consumption

   • Only for those who travel very few km

7. ❌ Diesel

   • Penalized by regulations and traffic limits

   • High long-term running cost

Conclusion For the average Italian motorist, today the best choice falls on a full hybrid or a LPG car . Both guarantee real savings, ease of use and ease of resale. Electric cars are valid in urban contexts or with a private charging station, while plug-ins require conscious use. Traditional engines, such as petrol and diesel, remain marginal choices and less advantageous in the medium-long term.

Choosing well today means saving tomorrow. Carefully evaluate your driving habits and find out about regional concessions: the right engine exists, you just have to find it.