Depending on where you live, chances are you’ve never encountered automobiles that run on anything other than petrol, diesel, and, of course, battery-electric. However, the industry is looking beyond spark-ignited combustion engines and electric propulsion towards other novel alternative energy sources like solar and hydrogen fuel cells. Consequently, the recent breakthroughs in automotive propulsion systems inadvertently left a perfectly sustainable, climate-friendly energy source like compressed natural gas (CNG) all but forgotten.
Nevertheless, CNG propulsion is widely adopted around the world, with Pakistan, Iran, Argentina, and Brazil as the largest CNG users. According to the US Department of Energy, over 175,000 vehicles in the country and some 23 million automobiles worldwide run on natural gas. Note that some natural gas vehicles run only on natural gas, some with two separate fuel systems allowing them to switch between natural gas and gasoline (bi-fuel), while some have fuel systems capable of processing natural gas and diesel (dual-fuel).
If you are a climate-conscious driver interested in a vehicle that burns cleaner than gas-powered cars; or you are a budget-conscious shopper looking to save money on gas, or you're simply tired of spending a good chunk of your earnings fueling your car, CNG cars are good choices for you. Below are 15 CNG-powered cars you can buy right now. You can also read our detailed article on how to convert your petrol car to run on compressed natural gas.
Related: 16 Affordable Cars On The Market That Run On Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
In 2019, Audi launched a new version of its A4 Avant estate car that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) called the A4 Avant g-tron. The car receives motivation from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a decent 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque when running on CNG and can also run on petrol if needed.
The g-tron comes with two CNG tanks with a combined capacity of 17.3 kg, which Audi says provides a range of around 249 to 311 miles on a full tank, in addition to the 25-liter petrol tank that provides a range of around 280 miles.
The A4 Avant g-tron reportedly offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with good handling and braking performance, and also comes with a range of features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Climate-conscious drivers should be impressed with the A4 Avant g-tron’s significantly lower CO2 emissions than its petrol or diesel counterparts, as well as lower levels of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.
According to Audi, its natural gas models (including the Avant g-tron and A5 Sportback g-tron) “combine ecology and economy.” Overall, the A4 Avant g-tron is a practical and environmentally friendly option for those seeking a spacious and versatile station wagon.
Audi introduced this car with the Euro equivalent of $49,700, but we found used models on AutoScout24 priced from $24,000.
Introduced for the first time in 2008, the Toyota Urban Cruiser has now received a CNG variant called the Hyryder, which has arrived at dealerships in India. The subcompact C-SUV receives power from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 103 hp and 102 lb-ft of torque when running on petrol and 75 hp and 76 lb-ft of torque with CNG.
The SUV comes with a 60-liter CNG tank, which the automaker claims provides a range of around 187 to 218 miles on a full tank, in addition to the 48-liter petrol tank that provides a range of around 404 miles.
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder reportedly offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, along with good ride quality and handling. It also comes with tech features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a multi-function steering wheel.
Overall, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a Toyota brand, which means we can confidently expect it to be a practical and cost-effective option for those looking for a fuel-efficient SUV.
The Volkswagen Golf TGI CNG is a natural gas-powered vehicle that offers a more sustainable and eco-friendly driving experience.
In production since 2020, the Golf TGI CNG variant offers customers the benefits of natural gas drive system, which reduces emissions and provides a more cost-effective fuel option.
The Golf TGI is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerful and efficient vehicle. The CNG tanks can hold up to 17.3 kg of natural gas, providing a range of up to 263 miles. In addition to its eco-friendly drive system, the Golf TGI also comes with a range of features designed to enhance the driver's experience.
The car's interior is spacious and comfortable, with features such as a digital cockpit and a touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features include a lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
The Golf TGI also comes with a range of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and park assist. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf TGI is a great option for those looking for a sustainable and efficient vehicle.
With its natural gas drive system and advanced features, the Golf TGI provides a comfortable and eco-friendly driving experience.
In 2021, SEAT began producing a new version of its Leon hatchback car that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) called the Leon TGI. The car's motivation comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque when running on CNG and can also run on petrol if needed.
The Leon TGI comes with three CNG tanks with a combined capacity of 17.3 kg, which the automaker claimed provides a range of around 274 miles on a full tank, in addition to the 9-liter petrol tank that provides a range of around 94 miles.
The Leon TGI reportedly offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with good handling and braking performance, and also comes with a range of features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Similar to the Audi g-tron discussed earlier, the Leone TGI produces significantly lower CO2 emissions than its petrol or diesel counterparts, as well as lower levels of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.
Besides the natural gas variant, the model offered a range of powertrains, including petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.
According to the automaker, the Leon TGI delivers a driving experience “as involving and assured,” regardless of the technology powering it. We found some on AutoScout24 priced from the Euro equivalent of $16,600.
Related: 15 Most Expensive Cars To Own
The Ford F-150 CNG is a pickup truck that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) as well as petrol. Its power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque when running on petrol, and 316 horsepower and 397 lb-ft of torque when running on CNG.
The F-150 CNG comes with a CNG tank with a 23-gallon capacity, which the company claims provides a range of around 466 miles on a full tank, in addition to a 36-gallon petrol tank that provides a range of around 603 miles.
The F-150 CNG is available in various trim levels and comes with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera.
The CNG-ready F-50 got prepped at the factory with "upgraded intakes, exhaust valves, and valve seats," all setting the customer back an extra $315. The truck is then sent to a Ford-approved shop to complete the conversion process, adding fuel lines, injectors, and fuel tanks.
The complete conversion at the shop set the customer back approximately $7,500 to $9,500, depending on the tank's capacity. The good news is that you can now buy this iconic truck at the low price of $12,900 upwards on TrueCar listings.
The F-150 CNG is known for its fuel efficiency and lower emissions, making it a practical and cost-effective option for shoppers seeking an environmentally-friendly pickup truck.
The GMC Sierra 2500HD CNG is a heavy-duty pickup truck that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). It is based on the standard GMC Sierra 2500HD but modified to accommodate the CNG fuel system.
The CNG model is available in a range of configurations, including regular cab, double cab, and crew cab, and can get equipped with either a standard or long bed.
Introduced with a starting price of $36,125 in 2013, prices for this truck now range from $11,995 to $49,871 on TrueCar used car listings. One of the main benefits of the Sierra 2500HD CNG is its lower emissions compared to traditional petrol-powered pickup trucks.
CNG produces fewer emissions than petrol, which can benefit drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, CNG is often less expensive than petrol, resulting in lower fuel costs over the vehicle's lifetime.
The Sierra 2500HD CNG fields a range of features designed to improve performance and efficiency, including a 6.0-liter V8 engine specifically designed to run on CNG.
It also has a range of safety and convenience features, such as a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Overall, the GMC Sierra 2500HD CNG is a versatile and efficient pickup truck that offers the benefits of CNG fuel.
It is a good choice for drivers looking to reduce their environmental impact and operating costs while still enjoying the capabilities and durability of a heavy-duty pickup truck.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire S-CNG is a compact sedan that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly driving experience. It uses a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing 76.4 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 73 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.
The CNG tanks can hold up to 60 liters of gas, providing a range of up to an impressive 622 miles. The Dzire S-CNG comes with a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience, such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and power windows.
The car’s safety features include dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The car also comes with rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
Furthermore, the Dzire S-CNG is a cost-effective option for those looking for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicle. The car reduces emissions and provides a more affordable fuel option with its CNG technology.
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR is a popular hatchback offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit option. The car is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 59 hp and 58 lb-ft of torque when running on petrol, and 50 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque when running on CNG.
The automaker claims that the WagonR CNG offers a mileage of 33.54 km/kg, which is significantly higher than its petrol variant.
The car also comes with a 60-liter CNG tank, which Suzuki says provides a range of around 196 miles on a full tank, in addition to the 32-liter petrol tank that provides a range of around 216 miles.
Most owners report that the WagonR CNG offers “a warm cabin, user-friendly entertainment system, and reliable safety features” complementing a “superb fuel efficiency.”
However, one reviewer accused the interior as "not good," the headlights poor in the dark, and the honk like that of a "two-wheeler scooter." Overall, the Suzuki WagonR appears to be a practical and cost-effective option for those looking for a fuel-efficient car.
Maruti Suzuki plans to launch a new model of its popular hatchback car, the Alto 800, in India next month. The launch date is reportedly slated for 18th August 2023, but we've seen several spy shots of the third-gen Alto A-segment hatchback car on road tests.
We expect the new model to come with several updates and improvements, including a new design, improved features, and more advanced safety options. From the spy shots so far, the new Alto 800 has a more modern and stylish appearance.
Note that there are five variants of the Alto 800, including the petrol-powered STD, petrol-powered LXi, petrol-powered VXi, the VXi Plus, and the LXi S-CNG. The new Alto 800 should come with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, and central locking.
In terms of safety, the new Alto 800 is likely to have dual airbags and ABS as standard features, with additional safety features such as rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
We also expect the new Alto 800 to get its power from the same 0.8-liter three-cylinder petrol engine as the current model, which produces 48 horsepower and 51 lb-ft of torque, with a choice of both manual and automatic transmission options.
The S-CNG, paired with a manual transmission, delivers 31.59 km/kg. Overall, the new Alto 800 is already looking like a significant improvement over the current model and should appeal to customers looking for an affordable entry-level hatchback.