Sylvie Willis
Australians are increasingly opting for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. With fuel being one of the most expensive long-term costs of owning a car, it's no surprise that fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many buyers. Electric vehicles are one way to avoid paying for petrol or diesel, but they are yet to gain traction in Australia due to the lack of infrastructure supporting them. For those seeking a cost-effective, fuel-efficient car, hybrids are a good option. However, they tend to be more expensive to buy and maintain. When it comes to specific models, the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Mazda 2, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Kia EV5 are all known for their fuel efficiency.
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars vs. hybrid models
Electric cars and hybrid cars differ in how they are powered. Hybrid cars are powered by both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, with separate batteries for each, while electric cars use only a battery and an electric motor to run. Electric cars are defined by their complete reliance on electric power, and when their charge runs low, they need to be charged up as there is no internal combustion engine to fall back on.
There are different types of hybrid cars, including regular hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). HEVs replenish their battery packs using the gas engine and regenerative braking, while PHEVs charge their batteries by connecting to an electric charging station or wall socket. Hybrids are sometimes considered the best of both worlds when it comes to efficiency, as they combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, but they still rely on fossil fuels.
In terms of cost, electric cars tend to be more expensive upfront, especially if you want a higher range. However, they have fewer moving parts, which means there are fewer things that can break down. On the other hand, electric vehicle repair costs can be high due to the cost of EV parts and labour. Hybrids are relatively affordable, with many models available in the $25,000 to $35,000 range.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, electric cars are more energy-efficient than hybrid models and contribute to an improved fuel economy. They also have the advantage of producing no tailpipe emissions, although it's important to consider how the electricity used to charge them is generated. If it comes from a power plant fuelled by oil, natural gas, or coal, this can impact their environmental benefits.
In Australia, Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai are among the brands that offer some of the most fuel-efficient cars. The Toyota Yaris, Mazda-2, and Suzuki Swift are popular small-car models known for their fuel efficiency. The Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV also offers a hybrid powertrain option, and other brands such as Honda, Kia, Hyundai, and Lexus provide petrol-electric alternatives.
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Fuel-efficient cars and their impact on the environment
Fuel-efficient cars are those that consume less fuel and have lower carbon emissions. The Toyota Yaris, Mazda-2, Suzuki Swift, Toyota RAV4, and Toyota Camry Hybrid are some of Australia's most fuel-efficient cars. These vehicles have excellent fuel economy, with an average consumption of around 5 litres per 100 kilometres.
The impact of fuel-efficient cars on the environment is significant. Firstly, they reduce tailpipe emissions, resulting in less damage to the atmosphere. Fuel-efficient cars produce lower levels of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. This reduction in emissions contributes to a decrease in pollution and smog, aiding in the fight against global warming and climate change.
Additionally, fuel-efficient cars help reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. By requiring less fuel to run, these vehicles decrease our consumption of non-renewable resources. This leads to a decrease in the need for oil exploration, especially in environmentally sensitive areas, thus preserving wildlife and their habitats.
The way a car is driven also impacts fuel efficiency and the environment. Driving steadily, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, maintaining proper tyre inflation, and using the recommended motor oil can all improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency. These practices not only reduce fuel consumption but also minimise the environmental impact of driving.
While electric vehicles (EVs) are touted as the future of environmentally friendly transportation, it is important to recognise that improving the fuel economy of traditional gasoline vehicles is also crucial. This is especially true for pickups and SUVs, which comprise the highest-emitting part of the vehicle fleet. By focusing on fuel efficiency across all vehicle types, we can make a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions and addressing transportation's contribution to global warming.
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Running costs of fuel-efficient cars
Fuel is one of the most expensive long-term costs of owning a car in Australia. The average Australian spends $68.94 on fuel each time they refill their car. This adds up, with Australians spending much more on fuel than most overseas drivers. In 2022, Australians spent 27% of their yearly car running costs on fuel.
The running costs of fuel-efficient cars are dependent on several factors, including the size and type of the vehicle, the type of fuel it uses, and the way it is driven. Generally, smaller vehicles tend to have lower fuel consumption than larger, less efficient vehicles. For example, a hatchback will be more fuel-efficient than an SUV. Performance-focused cars will also consume more fuel than 'regular' cars, although many have moved to very small turbocharged engines to keep fuel consumption and carbon emissions as low as possible.
There are ways to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. These include driving steadily, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, keeping your tyres properly inflated, and using the recommended grade of motor oil. Driving conditions and your approach to driving can also affect fuel efficiency. For example, vehicle and occupant weight, acceleration, the weather, air-conditioning, windows up or down, tyre pressures, and the route can all impact fuel efficiency.
Some of the most fuel-efficient cars in Australia include the Toyota Yaris, Mazda-2, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai are among the most fuel-efficient car brands in Australia.
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Toyota's fuel-efficient models
Toyota is among the most fuel-efficient car brands in Australia. The Toyota Prius, the first hybrid model ever sold, is widely recognised as the brand's most efficient vehicle. The 2024 Prius features a 2.0L hybrid engine that gets an estimated 57 MPG in the city, 56 MPG on the highway, and 57 MPG combined fuel efficiency. The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers an estimated 45 miles of all-electric range without using any gas, but requires external charging.
The Toyota Corolla is another popular fuel-efficient model offered with a couple of different engines. The standard gasoline powertrain is efficient at 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, while the 2024 Corolla Hybrid features a 1.8L hybrid engine that gets an estimated 53 MPG in the city, 46 MPG on the highway, and 50 MPG combined fuel economy with front-wheel drive. The 2025 Corolla has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 35 mpg combined, while the 2025 Corolla Hybrid has a rating of up to 50 mpg combined.
The Toyota Camry is another fuel-efficient model, with the 2025 model engineered for enhanced efficiency, featuring an all-hybrid lineup with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 51 mpg combined. The 2024 Toyota Crown is also worth mentioning, with a standard 2.5L hybrid powertrain that gets an estimated 42 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on the highway, and 41 MPG combined fuel economy.
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Fuel-efficient SUVs
The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) is the most fuel-efficient medium SUV, with a claimed average fuel consumption of 1.5L/100km. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid e-Power is another good option, consuming 6.1L/100km. The cheapest electric-assisted variant is the five-seat ST-L e-Power, with a sticker price of $49,990 plus on-road costs. The base model Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI is also a good choice, with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and a price of $43,990 before on-road costs. The Renault Koleos, with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, has a claimed average fuel consumption of 8.1L/100km and starts at $37,500.
Toyota's RAV4 is a well-established model that has evolved considerably since its launch in 1994. The GX 2WD Hybrid achieves the best fuel economy with a claimed consumption figure of 4.7L/100km and a price of $42,260 before on-road costs. The Kia Sportage HEV is another closed-circuit hybrid option, starting at $45,950 before on-road costs. It has a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor, producing a total of 169kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Other fuel-efficient SUVs include the Toyota C-HR, which was introduced in 2016 with a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Lexus UX, launched in Australia in 2019, is another option, as is the Hyundai Tucson, which currently has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine but will switch to a hybrid model in 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no simple answer to this question as the fuel efficiency of a vehicle can vary depending on several factors. These include the size and type of vehicle, the type of fuel it uses, and driving conditions. However, some of the most fuel-efficient cars in Australia include the Toyota Yaris, the Suzuki Swift, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Audi Q5, the Hyundai Kona, and the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Fuel is one of the most expensive long-term costs of owning a car in Australia. As fuel prices rise, car manufacturers are working to reduce the amount of fuel their vehicles consume. This also helps to reduce Australia's emission bills.
You can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency by driving steadily, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, keeping your tires properly inflated, and using the recommended grade of motor oil.
Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia are among the most fuel-efficient car brands in Australia.
Yes, electric cars are more energy-efficient than hybrid models and contribute to an improved fuel economy. However, they are also more expensive to purchase and maintain due to the higher purchase price and the scarcity of parts.
