Has there ever been a time when you decided not to put gas in your car, to drive a little longer and hope that the price of gas will drop just before you really needed it? I bet that you have experienced spending a certain amount of money to fill up your car, only to start the engine and realize that the needle on the dial barely moved.
We have all been there!
The latest news is that fuel prices are continuing to rise, and the fuel efficiency of vehicles has become a greater priority than ever before. However, electric or hybrid vehicles are not an option for everyone, either because of price, access to charging stations or other reasons.
Whether you are looking for a car or an SUV, VW Lauzon Boisbriand showcases the most fuel-efficient vehicles in Quebec.
The most fuel-efficient compact cars
With their smaller size, compact sedans can be quite efficient, although not all of them are. So if you are searching for the most fuel-efficient car or the car that offers you the most value for your money, take a look at our list of the best vehicles on the market:
1. Volkswagen Jetta – 6.9 L/km
This may be the first time you've seen the Jetta at the top of such a list, but we can confirm it with figures: the sedan has changed its powertrain for 2022, for both more power and less fuel consumption. It's the same 1.5 L turbo engine as the Taos, developing 158 hp and 184 lb-ft in the Jetta. Combined fuel consumption for the 2023 version is 6.8 L/100 km and 6.9 L/100 km for the 2024 version. It's on the highway that it impresses, with a fuel consumption of 5.6 L/100 km!
Its smooth handling has always been praised by critics, for both the base version and the Jetta GLI, while its interior is comfortable and convenient. There are also some cosmetic changes for 2023. This fuel-efficient car definitely delivers excellent value for money.
2. Hyundai Elantra – 6.4 L/km
The Hyundai Elantra also offers good fuel efficiency, but its most fuel-efficient gasoline version is less fun to drive than the Volkswagen Jetta. That's because its engine only delivers 147 horsepower and 132-lb-ft of torque. Instead of an automatic transmission, this car still uses the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which not everyone likes. Overall, this is a nice compact car that is affordable and well-equipped for its price.
3. Honda Civic - 6.9 L/km
The Civic is a timeless classic, while being a fuel-efficient vehicle, especially its base version. The Civic is equipped with a 158 horsepower 4-cylinder engine that averages 6.9 L/100 km combined. However, the Civic is sometimes criticized for being increasingly heavy, which affects its performance on the open road.
4. Kia Forte – 7.2 L/km
The Kia Forte is just as fuel efficient as the Civic, and also more affordable. This means you are getting great value for money, but it's definitely not the car to choose for driving pleasure. It too is equipped with a CVT, and its suspension is not the smoothest. It is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission, but with it your sedan will consume slightly more fuel. The fact remains that the Kia Forte 2024 offers fuel economy of 7.9 L/100 km in the city and 5.9 L/100 km on the highway.
5. Toyota Corolla – 6.7 L/km
The Corolla is a reliable and affordable car that is extremely popular with consumers. It is without a doubt a durable car that you can always rely on with fuel consumption ratings of 7.4 in the city and 5.7 L/100 km on the freeway in 2024. This is its most important quality, and it is the reason why it has such a loyal following. That being said, it is often described as boring to drive, while also consuming more fuel than the Jetta. So your decision will depend on your priorities!
If your top priority is interior space, you might be wondering, "What about SUVs?" You are not the only one!
Most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs
Despite their reputation, it is quite possible to find a fuel-efficient option in the category of SUVs. If you enjoy their elevated driving position, you can certainly find a fuel-efficient vehicle in Canada in the segment of subcompact SUVs:
1. Volkswagen Taos – 7.5 L/km
Released in 2022, the VW Taos is an entry-level affordable model in the German automaker's SUV segment. Equipped with a turbocharged engine, the car has a combined fuel consumption as low as 7.5 L/100 km for its 2024 version when equipped with front two-wheel drive, and 6.5 L/100 km specifically on the highway!
Its 8-speed automatic transmission was designed to keep fuel consumption to a minimum, while the driving experience is as enjoyable as we have come to expect from the brand. It also boasts a very spacious trunk of 790 L and a total cargo volume of 1,866 L.
2. Toyota Corolla Cross – 7.3 L/100 km
Taking its name from the world's best-selling budget car, the Corolla Cross is a taller version of its sibling. It is yet another contestant in the crossover category that brought 2022, bringing the qualities of the renowned Corolla to the table. Its driving experience is very similar, as both vehicles are based on the same platform. The SUV offers 7.6 L/100km city and 7.0 highway fuel consumption. That being said, this Toyota appears to offer fewer features than the Volkswagen Taos.
3. Subaru Crosstrek – 8.0 L/100 km
The Subaru Crosstrek offers a choice between a gasoline engine and two hybrids. The latest gasoline model still offers good fuel economy, with a rating of 7.1 L/100 km on the highway and 8.8 L/100 km in the city. A 152 hp 2.0 L engine comes as standard with all-wheel drive, one of this vehicle's strengths. A combined fuel consumption rating of 8.0 L/km is offered on its 2024 automatic gasoline model.
4. Hyundai Kona – 7.5 L/km
The small Korean vehicle ranks high in terms of fuel consumption and is pleasant to drive with its 6-speed automatic transmission. It is small and practical, but not quite as spacious as the previous models. Its trunk capacity is 544 L and its maximum cargo capacity is 1,296 L. Its base 2024 model offers fuel consumption of 8.1 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 on the highway. However, if you prefer an AWD model, this one offers a fuel consumption of 8.8 in the city, 8.1 on the highway, for a combined consumption of 8.5 L/100 km.
5. Mazda CX-30 – 8.2 L/km
Similar to the Hyundai Kona in terms of cargo capacity, the Mazda CX-30 was made for having fun behind the wheel, just like the rest of the Mazda line-up. The base model is powered by a 4-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. That being said, it does consume a little more fuel than the other models presented in this blog, with highway fuel consumption of 7.1 and city fuel consumption of 9.0 L/100 km.
A Quick Summary
Whatever your preferences and priorities, there is no denying that Volkswagen is at the top of both categories: it has the lowest fuel consumption and does not sacrifice on technical quality. The German manufacturer Volkswagen sure knows how to please and stands out from the competition. Find your next affordable vehicle at VW Lauzon Boisbriand, located near Laval!