The most fuel-efficient cars in Canada often included hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. Here are some of them by category:

Electric Cars (Efficiency is given in kWh/100km for electric vehicles):

• Chevrolet Bolt EV: Approx. 15.7 kWh/100km
• Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus): Approx. 15 kWh/100km
• Nissan Leaf: Approx. 17.1 kWh/100km for the standard range model
• Hyundai Kona Electric: Approx. 15.0 kWh/100km
• Kia Soul EV: Approx. 17.3 kWh/100km

Plug-in Hybrids (Efficiency is given in a combined value, factoring in both gasoline and electric usage):

• Toyota Prius Prime: Approx. 1.8 L/100km (gasoline) and 17.2 kWh/100km (electric)
• Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in: Approx. 2.0 L/100km (gasoline) and 11.4 kWh/100km (electric)
• Chevrolet Volt: Approx. 5.6 L/100km (gasoline) and 17.8 kWh/100km (electric)
• Kia Niro PHEV: Approx. 2.2 L/100km (gasoline) and 13.8 kWh/100km (electric)

Traditional Hybrids:

• Toyota Prius: Approx. 4.4 L/100km combined
• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Approx. 4.1 L/100km combined
• Honda Insight: Approx. 4.6 L/100km combined
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Approx. 4.5 L/100km combined
• Kia Niro Hybrid: Approx. 4.7 L/100km combined

Conventional Vehicles:

• Honda Civic:
  • Sedan with CVT: Approx. 7.7 L/100km (city) and 6.0 L/100km (highway)
• Toyota Corolla:
  • CVT: Approx. 7.9 L/100km (city) and 6.1 L/100km (highway)
• Hyundai Elantra:
  • IVT: Approx. 7.5 L/100km (city) and 5.7 L/100km (highway)
• Kia Forte:
  • IVT: Approx. 7.9 L/100km (city) and 5.9 L/100km (highway)
• Mazda3:
  • Automatic: Approx. 8.7 L/100km (city) and 6.4 L/100km (highway)

These numbers are approximate combined averages, and actual fuel consumption can vary based on several factors, including driving conditions and habits, maintenance, and specific trims or configurations. For precise figures, always consult the manufacturer’s official resources or Natural Resources Canada’s fuel consumption ratings.

The Most Fuel-Efficient Gas Cars (That Aren’t Hybrids)

1. Mitsubishi Mirage:
   • Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder
   • Transmission: CVT
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 6.6 L/100km combined
2. Chevrolet Spark:
   • Engine: 1.4L 4-cylinder
   • Transmission: CVT
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 7.1 L/100km combined
3. Kia Rio:
   • Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder
   • Transmission: IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 7.2 L/100km combined
4. Hyundai Accent:
   • Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder
   • Transmission: CVT
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 7.3 L/100km combined
5. Toyota Yaris:
   • Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder
   • Transmission: Automatic/Manual
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 7.4 L/100km combined
6. Honda Fit:
   • Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder
   • Transmission: CVT
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 7.6 L/100km combined
7. Nissan Versa:
   • Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder
   • Transmission: CVT
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 7.7 L/100km combined

What is the best Litres per 100km?

The term “best” in the context of fuel efficiency typically refers to the lowest number of litres consumed per 100 kilometers (L/100km). A lower L/100km value indicates better fuel efficiency.

For example:

• If Car A has a fuel consumption rate of 5 L/100km and Car B has a rate of 7 L/100km, then Car A is more fuel-efficient.

When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), they do not consume traditional fuel, so their efficiency is often expressed in terms of kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100km). The lower this number, the more efficient the EV is at using its battery power.

Generally, for conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles:

• Below 5 L/100km can be considered very good fuel efficiency, especially for highway driving.
• Hybrid vehicles and smaller cars often have ratings in this range or even lower.
• Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, tend to have higher L/100km values due to their size, weight, and engine characteristics.

To find the best fuel efficiency for a specific vehicle type or category, one should compare the L/100km ratings among the options in that category.

Average fuel efficiency of cars in Canada

Compact and Sedan Cars:

• Honda Civic: Approx. 7.7 L/100km combined (city and highway)
• Toyota Corolla: Approx. 7.5 L/100km combined
• Hyundai Elantra: Approx. 7.6 L/100km combined
• Mazda3: Approx. 7.7 L/100km combined
• Ford Focus: Approx. 8.0 L/100km combined

Midsize Sedans:

• Toyota Camry: Approx. 8.3 L/100km combined
• Honda Accord: Approx. 8.2 L/100km combined
• Mazda6: Approx. 8.7 L/100km combined
• Hyundai Sonata: Approx. 8.3 L/100km combined
• Chevrolet Malibu: Approx. 8.8 L/100km combined

SUVs and Crossovers:

• Toyota RAV4: Approx. 8.7 L/100km combined
• Honda CR-V: Approx. 8.7 L/100km combined
• Mazda CX-5: Approx. 9.0 L/100km combined
• Hyundai Tucson: Approx. 9.1 L/100km combined
• Ford Escape: Approx. 9.8 L/100km combined

Trucks:

• Ford F-150: Approx. 11.8 L/100km combined (depends heavily on the engine variant)
• Chevrolet Silverado: Approx. 12.2 L/100km combined (depends on the variant)
• Ram 1500: Approx. 12.0 L/100km combined (variant-dependent)
• Toyota Tacoma: Approx. 12.4 L/100km combined
• GMC Sierra: Approx. 12.2 L/100km combined (depends on the variant)

15 Fuel-efficient driving techniques

Fuel-efficient driving techniques, often referred to as “eco-driving,” involve operating your vehicle in a manner that optimizes fuel consumption. By adopting these techniques, you can save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease wear and tear on your vehicle. Here are some effective fuel-efficient driving tips:

1. Smooth Driving:
   • Accelerate smoothly: Gentle acceleration uses less fuel than gunning it.
   • Brake gently: Try to foresee the need to slow down or stop, and brake gently to conserve momentum.
2. Maintain a Constant Speed:
   • Use cruise control: On highways, cruise control can help maintain a constant speed, which can be more fuel-efficient than varying your speed.
3. Avoid High Speeds:
   • The faster you go, the more wind resistance you encounter, which increases fuel consumption. Every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.15-$0.30 per gallon for gas (depending on the vehicle and current fuel prices).
4. Shift Properly (for manual transmissions):
   • Shift to higher gears as soon as possible without laboring the engine.
   • Driving in the highest gear possible without laboring the engine is fuel-efficient.
5. Limit Idling:
   • Turn off your engine if you anticipate a prolonged wait. Modern engines consume less fuel turning off and on than they do idling for long periods.
6. Minimize Air Conditioning Use:
   • Use the vehicle’s air vents to circulate air. If you must use the air conditioner, use it at higher speeds where it’s less of a drain on efficiency than at slower speeds.
7. Reduce Drag:
   • Keep windows closed at high speeds.
   • Remove roof racks when not in use.
8. Lighten the Load:
   • Carry only essential items, especially on long trips. Additional weight reduces mileage.
9. Proper Maintenance:
   • Tire pressure: Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency.
   • Regular tune-ups: Ensure your engine is tuned properly. A poorly tuned engine can decrease fuel efficiency.
   • Oil changes: Use the recommended grade of motor oil. Some oils contain friction-reducing additives and can improve fuel efficiency.
10. Plan Trips:
    • Combine errands to minimize driving.
    • Avoid peak rush hours.
    • Use navigational tools to find the shortest or most efficient routes.
11. Drive Less:
    • Consider alternatives like biking, walking, carpooling, or public transportation.
12. Use Overdrive Gears:
    • Overdrive gears, when your car has them, are designed to reduce engine speed, which can save fuel.
13. Avoid Rapid Stops and Starts:
    • Anticipate traffic conditions and adjust speed gradually.
14. Limit Use of Heated Seats and Defrosters:
    • These can increase fuel consumption.
15. Choose a Fuel-Efficient Route:
    • Opt for routes with less stop-and-go traffic, fewer traffic signals, and less congestion.

By adopting these practices and driving habits, you can make a significant difference in your fuel consumption, saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.