Regan Brown
With the annual fuel cost for Canadians reaching 1,962 every 20,000 kilometres, it is no surprise that fuel economy is an important consideration when buying a car. While hybrid and electric vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient, there are still some fuel-efficient gas-powered cars on the market. The most fuel-efficient car in Canada is the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, with a fuel economy of 4.1L/100 km. The Mitsubishi Mirage (CVT) is another top choice, with a combined rating of just 6.2 L/100 km. The Toyota Prius, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and Kia Niro are also great options for fuel-efficient cars. If you're looking for an SUV, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD takes the top spot, with an average fuel efficiency of 6.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 L/100 km on the highway.
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What You'll Learn
Hybrid vs non-hybrid cars
When it comes to choosing a car, one of the key considerations for Canadians is fuel efficiency. This is reflected in the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, which offer valuable fuel economy alongside extra space. While pure electric vehicles are the most efficient option, hybrid cars are currently the best choice for many, offering a transition technology that helps lower emissions while EV charging infrastructure is built.
Hybrid cars, which combine a battery pack, an electric motor, and a gas engine, are generally more fuel-efficient than their non-hybrid counterparts. The electric motor provides extra power at low speeds and when climbing hills, with the gas engine taking over for higher speeds or to recharge the battery. This dual-power source means hybrids utilise energy that would otherwise be wasted, and they achieve, on average, 40% better fuel economy than non-hybrids. For example, the Toyota Sienna has a rating of 6.6 L/100 km, while the non-hybrid Honda Odyssey has a much higher fuel consumption of 12.4 L/100 km. Hybrids also benefit from regenerative braking, which uses the car's momentum as it slows down to create extra electricity.
The improved fuel efficiency of hybrids leads to cost savings over time, and they are also generally quieter and offer a smoother driving experience. However, there are some drawbacks. Hybrids tend to be more expensive to buy and maintain, and they may have higher insurance costs due to their higher upfront price. They can also be slower to accelerate and are often not designed to tow or carry large payloads.
For those seeking a non-hybrid vehicle with good fuel efficiency, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a great option. With a combined rating of just 6.2 L/100 km, it offers a tiny footprint, an affordable price, and impressive fuel economy. The Toyota C-HR is another subcompact crossover with good fuel efficiency, offering 8.2 L/100 km.
In summary, while hybrid cars offer improved fuel efficiency, a smoother driving experience, and lower emissions, they do come with higher costs. Non-hybrid options, such as the Mitsubishi Mirage and Toyota C-HR, can also provide good fuel economy without the added expense of hybrid technology.
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Electric vehicles
As fuel prices reach record highs and environmental concerns continue to grow, Canadian drivers are increasingly seeking out fuel-efficient vehicles. Electric vehicles are an attractive option for those looking to reduce their fuel costs and carbon footprint.
One of the most well-known electric vehicles on the market is the Chevy Bolt EUV, which offers an affordable entry point into the world of electric cars. With a 65 kWh battery, the Bolt EUV has a range of up to 397 km, and its compact size and manoeuvrability make it well-suited for navigating congested city roads.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is another option, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor that generates 227 horsepower. With an estimated fuel economy of 6.2 L/100 km, it offers a balance of comfort and technology, including quilted leather seating and a state-of-the-art driver-assistance package.
For those seeking a more powerful option, Chrysler offers a traditional family minivan with a 3.6-litre V6 engine mated to an electric motor, producing an impressive 260 horsepower. This minivan provides ample space for families without compromising on luxury, featuring leather-trimmed seating, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and flexible Stow 'n Go seating.
In addition to fully electric vehicles, mild hybrids are also gaining popularity in Canada. These vehicles use a self-charging system to provide fuel-free acceleration assist, further reducing fuel consumption. While they cannot drive solely on electricity, their fuel efficiency is impressive, with models like the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-70/CX-90 achieving 9.3 L/100 km.
As the market for electric vehicles continues to evolve, Canadian drivers have an increasing number of options to choose from, making it easier than ever to make the switch to more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly transportation.
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SUVs
The market for SUVs in Canada is evolving, with new models offering improved fuel efficiency. This is in response to the growing environmental concerns and fluctuating fuel prices, which have made fuel efficiency a top priority for Canadian car buyers.
Electric SUVs
The 2020-2025 Tesla Model Y is the most fuel-efficient battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV in Canada. The 2021 Standard Range model is the most fuel-efficient Model Y, rated at 1.8 Le/100 km combined. The Performance models are the least efficient, with a combined rating of 2.1 to 2.2 Le/100 km.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is the most fuel-efficient luxury SUV in Canada. This all-electric compact luxury crossover consumes just 2.3 Le/100 km combined and can cover up to 335 km of range per charge.
Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
The 2020-2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is Canada's most efficient plug-in hybrid SUV, with a combined rating of 2.2-2.3 Le/100 km on battery power and 5.8-5.9 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. With a full battery, the Escape has a range of 60 km, and its hybrid mode adds another 771-790 km.
Hybrid SUVs
The 2022-2024 Toyota Corolla Cross is a gasoline model with a fuel consumption of 7.3-7.4 L/100 km with FWD. Adding AWD increases its fuel consumption to 7.8 L/100 km. The hybrid variant of the Corolla Cross is the most fuel-efficient compact SUV in Canada, consuming just 5.0 L/100 km combined.
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer is a stylish and powerful SUV that combines a robust aesthetic with practical performance metrics. It is designed to optimise fuel efficiency while providing sufficient power for all driving conditions.
The 2021 Lexus NX is a compact crossover with a conventional gas-electric hybrid setup, comprising a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and electric power, producing a total of 240 hp. The NX also offers a plug-in hybrid option, which is less efficient but more powerful.
The 2024 Kia Sportage is a fully redesigned, efficient compact SUV. It achieves excellent fuel economy of 7.4L/100km and is available with two four-cylinder engine choices: a 2.5L that makes 187 horsepower, or a turbocharged 1.6L with 180 horsepower.
The 2020-2024 Nissan Rogue is the most fuel-efficient gasoline or diesel SUV. Its combined fuel consumption with FWD is 7.2 L/100 km, and adding AWD bumps it to 7.6-7.7 L/100 km.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV with good fuel economy numbers. With the 2.0-litre base engine, it has a combined fuel consumption of 7.4-7.5 L/100 km.
Gasoline SUVs
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is the brand's first-ever subcompact crossover. It is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Taos gets its best efficiency in FWD form, which comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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Trucks
The Ford Maverick offers the best fuel economy for a pickup truck, with ratings of 8.7L/100km in the city and 7.1L/100km on the highway. This is achieved through its standard hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. Ford has also used lightweight aluminium body panels on the Maverick, which helps reduce overall weight by up to 90 pounds compared to traditional steel.
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is another fuel-efficient option, with ratings of 12.1L/100km in the city and 9.5L/100km on the highway. It features a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration and towing capability. Ram has also implemented weight savings with aluminium components to improve fuel economy.
Other fuel-efficient trucks include the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV, which offers a balanced mix of power and efficiency with its 3.8L V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. The Honda Ridgeline Sport is also a good option, with a 3.5L V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and efficient performance. The Ford Ranger XL 4x4 SuperCrew is a top contender in the midsize truck segment, with a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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Sedans
If you're looking for a fuel-efficient sedan in Canada, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the top choices:
Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is a compact sedan that offers an impressive combination of power and efficiency. It is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid drive system, resulting in a combined output of 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. According to Natural Resources Canada, the Civic Hybrid has a fuel consumption rating of 4.7 L/100 km in city driving, 5.1 on the highway, and 4.9 combined. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient and powerful hybrid cars in its class. The Honda Civic Hybrid also comes with a range of safety features and driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is another excellent choice for a fuel-efficient sedan. The 2025 model is equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a combined output of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a fuel economy rating of 4.8 L/100 km in city driving, 4.5 on the highway, and 4.7 combined. The Elantra Hybrid stands out for its sleek design, well-appointed interior, and advanced safety features. It is priced in Canada from $33,785.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a midsize sedan that offers a powerful and efficient performance. It is equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and Toyota's hybrid drive system, resulting in a combined output of 225 hp with FWD and 232 hp with AWD. The fuel economy ratings are impressive, with 4.9 L/100 km in city/4.9 hwy/4.9 combined with FWD and 5.3/5.5/5.3 with the AWD XSE. The Toyota Camry Hybrid also comes loaded with safety features, including lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is a fuel-efficient sedan with a posted average fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km and an annual fuel cost of $1,675. While it may not have the same high ratings for crash prevention and headlight performance, it still offers good ratings for moderate front overlap and side impact tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the 2023 Versa a five-star rating.
Lexus ES 300h
The Lexus ES 300h is a luxury sedan that combines upscale amenities with impressive fuel efficiency. It is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, offering a seamless blend of power and efficiency. The ES 300h delivers a luxury driving experience without the typical fuel consumption penalties associated with luxury vehicles. It stands out for its elegant design, superior craftsmanship, and plush interior.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has been titled the most fuel-efficient vehicle in Canada, with a fuel economy of 4.1L/ 100 km in the city and 4L/100 km on the highway.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car in Canada.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD is the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV in Canada, with a fuel economy of 6.7L/100 km in the city and 6.8L/100 km on the highway.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the most fuel-efficient pickup truck in Canada, with a fuel economy of 10.2L/100 km in the city and 7.2L/100 km on the highway.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient small SUV in Canada.
