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HomeCar Insurance ResourcesList of Most Fuel Efficient SUVs in Canada

Electric SUVs: (Electric vehicles typically use a measurement called kWh/100km rather than L/km, but I’ll list them here for completeness.)

  1. Tesla Model Y: ~15.7 kWh/100km
  2. Ford Mustang Mach-E: ~16.5 kWh/100km
  3. Volkswagen ID.4: ~17.5 kWh/100km
  4. Nissan Ariya: ~TBD (newer model, check local listings)
  5. Audi e-tron: ~22.5 kWh/100km

Hybrid SUVs: (Note: These are combined fuel consumption figures)

  1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: ~5.7 L/100km
  2. Ford Escape Hybrid: ~5.9 L/100km
  3. Honda CR-V Hybrid: ~6.3 L/100km
  4. Lexus UX 250h: ~6.0 L/100km
  5. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: ~7.0 L/100km

Conventional (Gasoline/Diesel) SUVs: (Note: These are combined fuel consumption figures)

  1. Mazda CX-3: ~7.4 L/100km
  2. Nissan Kicks: ~7.7 L/100km
  3. Hyundai Kona: ~8.0 L/100km (for the gasoline version)
  4. Subaru Crosstrek: ~8.1 L/100km (for the non-hybrid version)
  5. Honda HR-V: ~8.2 L/100km

Fuel efficiency can vary based on specific conditions like driving habits, the condition of the vehicle, and more. Always refer to the manufacturer or local resources for specific fuel economy data, and consider overall vehicle attributes (safety, reliability, comfort, and other features) when making a decision to purchase.

10 most fuel-efficient SUVs (non hybrid)

Kia suv

Here are the SUVs based on their combined fuel consumption figures:

  1. Mazda CX-3: ~7.4 L/100km
  2. Nissan Kicks: ~7.7 L/100km
  3. Hyundai Kona (Gasoline version): ~8.0 L/100km
  4. Subaru Crosstrek (Non-hybrid version): ~8.1 L/100km
  5. Honda HR-V: ~8.2 L/100km
  6. Chevrolet Trax: ~8.7 L/100km
  7. Toyota C-HR: ~8.7 L/100km
  8. Kia Seltos: ~8.8 L/100km
  9. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport/RVR: ~8.9 L/100km
  10. Jeep Renegade: ~9.0 L/100km

Fuel efficiency can vary based on several conditions, including driving habits, vehicle condition, and more. These figures represent combined estimates (combining city and highway driving).

10 Most fuel-efficient 7-seater SUVs in Canada

When considering fuel efficiency for 7-seater SUVs in Canada, the choices generally lie within the midsize and full-size SUV categories. Here are some of the more fuel-efficient 7-seater SUVs. Please note that these numbers might vary based on specific trims and configurations.

  1. Mazda CX-9: ~10.5 L/100km combined
  2. Toyota Highlander: ~10.7 L/100km combined for the non-hybrid versions
  3. Kia Sorento: ~11.0 L/100km combined (when equipped with the four-cylinder engine)
  4. Hyundai Santa Fe XL (previous generation): ~11.2 L/100km combined
  5. Nissan Pathfinder: ~11.6 L/100km combined
  6. Volkswagen Atlas: ~11.8 L/100km combined
  7. Ford Explorer (with the 2.3L engine): ~11.9 L/100km combined
  8. Chevrolet Traverse: ~12.0 L/100km combined
  9. Honda Pilot: ~12.4 L/100km combined
  10. Subaru Ascent: ~12.5 L/100km combined

What is good gas per km for an SUV?

Jeep Suv Cherokee

  1. Subcompact and Compact SUVs:
    • Very Good: Less than 8.0 L/100km
    • Acceptable: 8.0 to 10.0 L/100km
  2. Midsize SUVs:
    • Very Good: Less than 9.0 L/100km
    • Acceptable: 9.0 to 12.0 L/100km
  3. Full-size SUVs:
    • Very Good: Less than 11.0 L/100km
    • Acceptable: 11.0 to 14.0 L/100km

Many hybrid and electric SUVs can achieve even better efficiency than what’s mentioned above. Also, “good” fuel efficiency can be influenced by various factors like the vehicle’s weight, aerodynamics, driving conditions, maintenance, and driving habits.

What speed limit is best for gas?

The optimal speed for fuel efficiency varies somewhat depending on the specific vehicle, its aerodynamics, engine characteristics, and gearing. However, in general terms:

  1. 50-80 km/h (30-50 mph) is often cited as the optimal speed range for many passenger cars and SUVs for maximum fuel efficiency on a flat road without stops. Within this range, many vehicles achieve their best balance of speed and fuel consumption.
  2. Above 90 km/h (56 mph), fuel efficiency tends to decline noticeably. The main reason is aerodynamic drag, which increases exponentially as speed goes up. The faster you go, the harder your engine has to work to overcome this drag.
  3. In addition to aerodynamic concerns, rapid acceleration and deceleration (like in city stop-and-go traffic) can significantly decrease fuel efficiency. Smooth, gentle accelerations and decelerations are better for conserving fuel.
  4. Cruise control can be helpful on highways. It maintains a steady speed, preventing unnecessary accelerations and decelerations.

10 Myths about saving on gas

Myth

There are numerous myths and misconceptions about saving gas. Here are some of the more common ones:

  1. Higher Octane Fuel Improves Mileage: For most vehicles, higher octane fuel won’t improve mileage or performance unless the vehicle is specifically designed for it. Always use the octane rating recommended in your owner’s manual.
  2. Manual Transmissions Always Get Better Mileage than Automatics: Modern automatic transmissions have come a long way and can now often match or even exceed the fuel efficiency of manual transmissions.
  3. Idling Uses Less Fuel Than Restarting the Engine: Modern engines are designed to be efficient. If you’re idling for more than a minute, it’s typically more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it.
  4. Using the A/C Always Uses More Gas Than Opening Windows: It’s true that using the air conditioning can reduce fuel efficiency because it places a load on the engine. However, at highway speeds, open windows can increase aerodynamic drag, which can also reduce fuel efficiency. The impact varies depending on the vehicle and conditions.
  5. Smaller Cars Always Get Better Fuel Economy: Many modern SUVs and larger vehicles are designed to be very fuel-efficient, sometimes outperforming smaller cars, especially when considering hybrid or electric technologies.
  6. Fuel Additives and Gadgets: Many aftermarket products claim to increase fuel efficiency, but few have data to back up those claims. Be skeptical of any device or additive that makes bold promises about drastically improved fuel economy.
  7. Filling Up in the Morning Gives You More Gas: The idea is that cooler temperatures mean denser fuel. While technically true, underground storage tanks at gas stations are insulated and maintain a relatively consistent temperature, making the difference negligible.
  8. Roof Racks Don’t Affect Fuel Economy: Even if they’re empty, roof racks can create additional aerodynamic drag that reduces fuel efficiency. Remove them when not in use.
  9. Cruise Control Always Saves Gas: While cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed and save gas in many scenarios, in hilly terrain, it might cause the vehicle to accelerate more than a human driver would, leading to higher fuel consumption.
  10. Older Cars Get Worse Gas Mileage: This isn’t necessarily true. While engines can lose efficiency over time, regular maintenance can keep a vehicle running close to its original fuel efficiency.

Remember, the best practices for saving on gas are regular vehicle maintenance, smooth driving habits, proper tire inflation, and reducing excess weight and drag.

10 ways to reduce fuel consumption

Save Piggy Bank Money

Here are ten effective ways to reduce fuel consumption:

  1. Drive Smoothly: Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking. Accelerate gently and anticipate stops to brake gradually.
  2. Maintain a Steady Speed: Use cruise control on highways to help maintain a consistent speed, which can be more fuel-efficient than fluctuating speeds.
  3. Limit Idling: Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. Modern engines consume less fuel starting up than they do when idling for extended periods.
  4. Proper Tire Maintenance: Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel efficiency.
  5. Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your car, especially heavy ones. The more weight your car carries, the more fuel it uses.
  6. Limit Use of Air Conditioning: While it’s sometimes necessary for comfort, using the A/C can increase fuel consumption. When driving at low speeds, consider using the vehicle’s vent setting instead.
  7. Aerodynamics Matter: Remove roof racks or carriers when not in use, as they can create extra drag. Also, keep windows and sunroofs closed at high speeds to reduce drag.
  8. Regular Maintenance: Regularly service your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Clean air filters, fresh oil, and properly functioning spark plugs can improve fuel efficiency.
  9. Plan Your Trips: Combine short trips when possible to reduce the amount of time your engine spends cold, as engines are less efficient when they’re cold. Also, planning the most efficient route can help you avoid unnecessary driving.
  10. Choose the Right Octane: Use the grade of gasoline recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Higher octane fuels are more expensive and won’t benefit most engines designed to run on regular octane.

In addition to these tips, consider the way you drive and the conditions in which you drive. For instance, traffic, the condition of the roads, and weather conditions can all influence fuel consumption. Being mindful of these factors and adjusting your driving habits accordingly can also lead to fuel savings.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

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