A fuel-efficient car is a vehicle that can travel a longer distance using less fuel than a comparable vehicle with a lower fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency of a car is typically measured by its fuel consumption rating, which is expressed in liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg) of fuel consumed.

In general, cars that are fuel-efficient tend to have lower carbon emissions and can save drivers money on fuel costs over the long run. Factors that can contribute to a car’s fuel efficiency include its engine technology, weight, aerodynamics, and transmission. Vehicles with hybrid or electric powertrains tend to have the highest fuel efficiency ratings, but there are also many gasoline-powered cars that offer good fuel efficiency through the use of advanced engine technologies and other design features.

Most fuel-efficient non hybrid cars in Canada

Here are the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars in Canada, based on their combined city and highway fuel consumption ratings, excluding hybrid and electric cars:

1. Mitsubishi Mirage: 6.6 L/100 km
2. Nissan Versa Note: 7.0 L/100 km
3. Hyundai Accent: 7.1 L/100 km
4. Kia Rio 5-door: 7.2 L/100 km
5. Toyota Yaris Hatchback: 7.2 L/100 km
6. Honda Fit: 7.3 L/100 km
7. Kia Forte 5: 7.3 L/100 km
8. Hyundai Elantra: 7.3 L/100 km
9. Toyota Corolla: 7.4 L/100 km
10. Mazda3 Sport: 7.4 L/100 km

Most fuel-efficient hybrid cars in Canada

Here are the top 10 most fuel-efficient hybrid cars available in Canada:

1. Hyundai Ioniq Electric Plus: 1.8 L/100 km
2. Toyota Prius: 4.4 L/100 km
3. Toyota Prius Prime: 1.8 L/100 km
4. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: 4.0 L/100 km
5. Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 4.1 L/100 km
6. Toyota Camry Hybrid: 5.3 L/100 km
7. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 5.5 L/100 km
8. Ford Escape Hybrid: 5.6 L/100 km
9. Honda Insight: 5.2 L/100 km
10. Lexus ES 300h: 5.5 L/100 km

Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

Here are the top 10 most fuel-efficient SUVs in Canada, based on their combined city and highway fuel consumption ratings, excluding hybrid and electric SUVs:

1. Mazda CX-30: 7.6 L/100 km
2. Subaru Crosstrek: 7.9 L/100 km
3. Kia Seltos: 8.0 L/100 km
4. Honda HR-V: 8.0 L/100 km
5. Hyundai Tucson: 8.2 L/100 km
6. Nissan Kicks: 8.2 L/100 km
7. Toyota C-HR: 8.3 L/100 km
8. Subaru Forester: 8.4 L/100 km
9. Mazda CX-5: 8.4 L/100 km
10. Kia Sportage: 8.4 L/100 km

Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Trucks

Here are the top 10 most fuel-efficient trucks in Canada, based on their combined city and highway fuel consumption ratings:

1. Chevrolet Colorado 2WD diesel: 8.0 L/100 km
2. GMC Canyon 2WD diesel: 8.0 L/100 km
3. Ford Ranger 2WD diesel: 8.2 L/100 km
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD diesel: 8.4 L/100 km
5. GMC Sierra 1500 2WD diesel: 8.4 L/100 km
6. Ram 1500 4×2 diesel: 8.4 L/100 km
7. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 diesel: 8.7 L/100 km
8. GMC Sierra 1500 4×4 diesel: 8.7 L/100 km
9. Ford F-150 2WD diesel: 8.8 L/100 km
10. Ram 1500 4×4 diesel: 8.8 L/100 km

Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Minivans

Here are the top 10 most fuel-efficient minivans in Canada, based on their combined city and highway fuel consumption ratings:

1. Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD: 6.5 L/100 km
2. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 6.7 L/100 km
3. Kia Carnival: 8.1 L/100 km
4. Honda Odyssey: 8.3 L/100 km
5. Toyota Sienna: 8.4 L/100 km
6. Chrysler Pacifica: 8.4 L/100 km
7. Kia Sedona: 8.9 L/100 km
8. Dodge Grand Caravan: 9.4 L/100 km
9. Volkswagen Routan: 9.4 L/100 km
10. Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger: 10.9 L/100 km

Least fuel-efficient cars available in Canada

The least fuel-efficient cars are typically those that have large, powerful engines, heavy weights, and poor aerodynamics. These cars may also lack advanced engine technologies, such as direct injection or turbocharging, that can help improve fuel efficiency. Here are some examples of the least fuel-efficient cars available in Canada for the 2022 model year, based on their combined city and highway fuel consumption ratings:

1. Mercedes-AMG G 63: 17.8 L/100 km
2. Lamborghini Urus: 17.8 L/100 km
3. Rolls-Royce Phantom: 16.7 L/100 km
4. Bentley Mulsanne: 16.1 L/100 km
5. Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG: 15.3 L/100 km
6. Mercedes-Benz G 550: 14.9 L/100 km
7. Bentley Flying Spur: 14.7 L/100 km
8. Rolls-Royce Cullinan: 14.5 L/100 km
9. Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S AMG: 14.4 L/100 km
10. Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid: 13.7 L/100 km

The average fuel efficiency of cars in Canada

According to Natural Resources Canada’s Fuel Consumption Guide, the average fuel efficiency of new passenger cars sold in Canada for the 2021 model year is approximately 9.5 L/100 km for city and highway driving combined. This includes all types of cars, including gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles. However, the fuel efficiency of individual cars can vary widely depending on factors such as their size, weight, engine technology, and driving conditions. Additionally, the fuel efficiency of new cars is improving over time as automakers continue to develop and adopt new technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to fuel efficiency of cars in Canada:

1. What is the fuel consumption rating of a car? A car’s fuel consumption rating represents the amount of fuel it consumes per 100 kilometers (km) of driving. The rating is typically expressed in liters of fuel per 100 km (L/100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg) of fuel consumed.
2. What factors affect a car’s fuel efficiency? Several factors can affect a car’s fuel efficiency, including its engine technology, weight, aerodynamics, transmission, and driving style. Other factors such as weather, terrain, and traffic can also impact fuel efficiency.
3. How is fuel efficiency measured in Canada? Fuel efficiency ratings for cars sold in Canada are determined by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) based on standardized testing procedures. The tests are designed to simulate typical driving conditions and measure fuel consumption for both city and highway driving.
4. What is the average fuel efficiency of cars in Canada? The average fuel efficiency of new passenger cars sold in Canada for the 2021 model year is approximately 9.5 L/100 km for combined city and highway driving. This includes all types of cars, including gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
5. What are the benefits of owning a fuel-efficient car? Owning a fuel-efficient car can provide several benefits, including lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and improved environmental sustainability. Fuel-efficient cars may also be eligible for incentives such as rebates or tax credits.
6. What are some of the most fuel-efficient cars available in Canada? Some of the most fuel-efficient cars available in Canada include hybrid and electric vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq, and Tesla Model 3. However, there are also many gasoline-powered cars that offer good fuel efficiency through the use of advanced engine technologies and other design features.
7. Are hybrid and electric cars more expensive than traditional gasoline-powered cars? Hybrid and electric cars may have higher upfront costs than traditional gasoline-powered cars due to the cost of their batteries and advanced powertrain systems. However, they may offer long-term cost savings through improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, some jurisdictions offer incentives such as rebates or tax credits to encourage the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles.
8. How can I improve the fuel efficiency of my car? There are several things you can do to improve the fuel efficiency of your car, including driving at a moderate speed, avoiding aggressive driving maneuvers, maintaining proper tire pressure, removing excess weight from the car, and avoiding idling for long periods of time. Regular maintenance, such as changing the air filter and getting regular tune-ups, can also help improve fuel efficiency.
9. What are some advanced engine technologies that can improve fuel efficiency? Advanced engine technologies such as turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve timing can help improve fuel efficiency by increasing engine power and reducing fuel consumption. These technologies are increasingly common in modern cars, even in non-hybrid and non-electric vehicles.
10. What is the impact of vehicle emissions on the environment? Vehicle emissions can contribute to air pollution and climate change by releasing greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This can have negative impacts on public health and the environment, including respiratory problems, acid rain, and global warming. Improving the fuel efficiency of cars can help reduce these impacts by reducing the amount of fuel consumed and emissions released into the atmosphere.
11. What is the difference between fuel efficiency and fuel economy? Fuel efficiency and fuel economy are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two terms. Fuel efficiency refers to how efficiently a car uses fuel to travel a certain distance, typically measured in L/100 km or mpg. Fuel economy, on the other hand, refers to the number of kilometers or miles a car can travel on a given amount of fuel, typically measured in km/L or mpg. In practice, however, the two terms are often used to mean the same thing.
12. How can I find out the fuel efficiency of a specific car? The fuel efficiency rating of a specific car can be found on the vehicle’s window sticker, which is typically located on the driver’s side window. The fuel efficiency rating can also be found in the car’s owner’s manual or by searching for the car’s make and model on the Natural Resources Canada’s Fuel Consumption Ratings website.
13. Does the size of a car affect its fuel efficiency? Yes, the size and weight of a car can affect its fuel efficiency. Generally, smaller and lighter cars tend to be more fuel-efficient than larger and heavier cars. However, advances in engine technology and design features such as aerodynamics can help improve the fuel efficiency of larger cars.
14. Are diesel cars more fuel-efficient than gasoline cars? Diesel engines tend to be more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, especially at high speeds and in heavy-duty applications such as towing. However, diesel engines can also be more expensive to purchase and maintain than gasoline engines, and they may produce more emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change.
15. How do electric cars compare to traditional gasoline-powered cars in terms of fuel efficiency? Electric cars are much more fuel-efficient than traditional gasoline-powered cars, as they consume no gasoline or diesel fuel and rely solely on electricity to power their motors. However, the fuel efficiency of electric cars can vary depending on factors such as driving style, terrain, and weather, as well as the size of the car’s battery and electric motor.
16. Are there any downsides to owning a fuel-efficient car? While owning a fuel-efficient car can provide several benefits, there may also be some downsides to consider. For example, some fuel-efficient cars may have higher upfront costs than traditional gasoline-powered cars, and they may require specialized maintenance or repair services. Additionally, fuel-efficient cars may have smaller engines and lower power output than larger, less fuel-efficient cars, which may impact their performance in certain driving conditions.
17. How can I compare the fuel efficiency of different cars? One way to compare the fuel efficiency of different cars is to use the Natural Resources Canada’s Fuel Consumption Ratings website, which provides fuel consumption ratings for all makes and models of cars sold in Canada. Another option is to compare the estimated annual fuel costs of different cars using online tools or calculators that take into account factors such as fuel prices and driving distance.
18. What is the impact of cold weather on a car’s fuel efficiency? Cold weather can negatively impact a car’s fuel efficiency, as it can cause the engine to take longer to warm up and can increase rolling resistance on tires due to snow or ice on the road. Additionally, using the car’s heater or defroster can consume additional fuel. To help mitigate the impact of cold weather on fuel efficiency, it’s recommended to keep the car in a garage or sheltered area when possible, warm up the engine before driving, and avoid idling for long periods of time.
19. Can I improve the fuel efficiency of an older car? While newer cars tend to offer better fuel efficiency due to advances in engine technology and other design features, it’s still possible to improve the fuel efficiency of an older car. This may involve regular maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups, using the proper grade of motor oil, and ensuring the tires are properly inflated. Upgrading the car’s air filter or replacing worn spark plugs may also help improve fuel efficiency.
20. How can I learn more about fuel efficiency and car emissions in Canada? Natural Resources Canada offers a variety of resources and information related to fuel efficiency and car emissions in Canada, including the Fuel Consumption Ratings website, which provides fuel consumption ratings for all makes and models of cars sold in Canada. Additionally, the Government of Canada’s Climate Action website provides information on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability in the transportation sector.