As climate change has become a growing topic of concern, we’re seeing more and more customers inquire about the most fuel efficient cars in Canada. Manufacturers are noticing the trend too, and in recent years, more hybrid and electric cars have been hitting the market. The conversation of fuel-efficiency isn’t only for those passionate about environmentalism either. Who doesn’t want to save money on fuel?
Each year, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) shares a Fuel Consumption Guide on its website. It’s a useful resource that compares the energy efficiency performance of all light-duty vehicles (cars, trucks and SUVs) sold in the country. It measures each vehicle by looking at its fuel consumption in the following three circumstances:
- City driving
- Highway driving
- The average of city and highway driving
In addition, NRCan also determines the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) each vehicle emits per kilometre driven. From there, they rate the vehicles on a scale of 1-10 to determine fuel efficiency.
Based on NRCan’s research, we’ve put together our list of the top 10 makes, taking into consideration affordability, safety and practicality. We’ve also included a mix of vehicle sizes and styles on the list to help everyone find something they’re looking for!
Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles in Canada
- Toyota Prius V
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
- Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
- Kia Niro Crossover
- Honda Odyssey Touring
- MINI Cooper Convertible
- Chevrolet Spark
- Chevrolet Colorado
- GMC Canyon Diesel
- Ford F-150 EcoBoost
- Best Cars to Buy in Canada
Toyota Prius
The 2019 model of this crossover seamlessly switches between gas, electric and a combination of the two. Starting in the $27,000 price range and with NRCan estimating fuel costs at just over $900 annually, it becomes an affordable option. Another reason the Prius tops our list: Toyota has more class-leading fuel-efficient vehicles than any other manufacturer in Canada.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
A key reason this vehicle made our list is that it’s extremely fuel efficient without having to be plugged in to recharge it. Plus, the battery is designed to have just as long a life as the vehicle itself. The different drive modes help increase efficiency too, automatically changing the mode from electric to fuel based on the terrain.
Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
What makes this car special: Hyundai’s promise that it can travel over 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of gas. The IONIQ Hybrid technology alternates between electric energy and gas throughout acceleration to maximize fuel efficiency. Its aerodynamic design is another contributing factor to its awesome fuel economy.
Kia Niro Crossover
This is Kia’s first dedicated hybrid crossover with a fuel economy of 4.5L/100km for city driving, making it superior in fuel-efficiency when compared to most other small station wagons on the market. It also includes a coasting guide to help you optimize fuel consumption as well as an autonomous braking system.
Honda Odyssey Touring
In all our research, we found this vehicle to be the most fuel efficient for its size (it carries eight passengers). Its auto-stop technology shuts off the engine during long stops — perfect for city drivers who get stuck in traffic. Its i-VTEC’s cylinder deactivation system preserves fuel, lowering the average annual fuel costs to just above $2,000.
MINI Cooper Convertible
Looking for a convertible that doesn’t cost a fortune? This is the one for you with its newest models starting as low as $30,000. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Mini’s system is carefully monitored and controlled, releasing only the amount of lift necessary to avoid unnecessary losses in mileage.
Chevrolet Spark
This subcompact car has a highway fuel consumption rating of 6.0 L/100 km. If you’re not a fan of the pedal, choose the available automatic transmission, which offers a highway fuel consumption rating of just 6.2 L/100 km. NRCan rated it 7th in its class on its list of more than 1,000 vehicles tested, which is pretty good if you ask us.
Chevrolet Colorado Z71
NRCan selected both the Colorado Z71 and the Canyon to share the spot for most fuel-efficient in the small pickup truck category. It makes our list based off the excellent review Motor Trend gave it, saying its fuel-saving tech helps it achieve a class-competitive EPA rating of 16/18/17 mpg city/highway/combined.
GMC Canyon Diesel
This small truck that shares the top spot for small pickup truck with the Colorado Z71 may cost an average of $2,040 annually in fuel, but it has one of the best fuel economies in its class, according to Driving.ca. The reason it’s further down on our list is that the fuel savings don’t necessarily outweigh the added cost of the vehicle itself.
Ford F-150 EcoBoost
With the Ford-F series being Canada’s best-selling pickup truck, the EcoBoost has a lot to live up to. Although people don’t often buy trucks to save fuel, it does hold its own with the stop/start feature that shuts off the engine in 4×4, tow or sport modes. Despite the high price, the 3.5L EcoBoost puts this Ford F-150 that much further ahead of every other half-ton on the market.
Fuel Efficient Driving Tips
Overall, a vehicle is the most fuel-efficient when it’s well-maintained. Regular oil changes and mechanic visits are needed to keep your vehicle running smoothly. It may seem like you’re dishing out extra money throughout the year for maintenance, but in the long run, it will save you both time and money from spending extra on gas or, worse, having your car break down.
Here are a few other tips we recommend that, according to NRCan, can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 25%:
- Accelerate Gently — The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you consume. Save gas by easing onto the pedal gently.
- Maintain a Steady Speed — Avoid speeding up and slowing down consistently and use cruise control during highway driving when it’s safe.
- Coast Before You Decelerate — Rather than stomping on the breaks, ease to a stop.
- Avoid Accelerating When You Can — Hit the speed limit and stick to it because, ultimately, the quicker you go, the more fuel you burn.
- Anticipate Traffic — Read the road ahead and keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, so you don’t have to slam on the breaks.
At Birchwood Credit Solutions there’s no bad time to secure car financing. We offer competitive rates, and it takes less than two minutes to fill out our easy online application. Get in touch with our knowledgeable finance team to find out how to get pre-approved for a car loan before you start shopping.
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