Which car gives best mileage in Canada?

What Cars Get the Best Gas Mileage?

With gas prices on the rise (and seemingly no end in sight), many people are on the lookout for something to get them from point A to point B without too much damage to their bank account.
Here’s a short list of fuel-efficient, wallet-friendly vehicles from 2001 to 2022. (All fuel mileage data is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.) Average mpg depends on weight class and vehicle type. In 2019, the average mpg for a non-electric vehicle was 24.9.

Note: Hybrid car vehicles work by combining a traditional combustion engine with at least one electric motor. In short, the electric motor recaptures some of the energy expended by the combustion engine and the act of braking, and uses that to recharge the battery powering the electric motor. Hybrids are generally more fuel-efficient than their gas-only counterparts especially when driven to conserve fuel.

1. Mitsubishi Mirage

Since 2014, the Mirage has continued to rank as one of the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid cars. Not only is the gas tank easy on the wallet, but sticker prices aren’t bad either, considering the 2021 models starting at around $14,000.

• Combined Miles Per Gallon (MPG): 41
• City MPG: 37
• Highway MPG: 44
• Cylinders: Inline 3
• Engine Size in Liters: 1.2
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2014-2021

2. Hyundai Ioniq

One of the more popular hybrids, the Ioniq has a well-earned reputation and isn’t going to break your bank if you make the swap. Ioniqs range from $17,000 to $30,000, and are well worth the investment. As with any hybrid, it has a better mpg overall.

• Combined MPG: 58
• City MPG: 57
• Highway MPG: 59
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 1.6
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2017-2022

3. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a staple for anyone looking to improve their mpg. With hybrid and gas-only options, the Civic has something for just about anyone needing more fuel bang for their buck. If buying used, that’s even better, as its average starting price (for various years) is just over $12,000. The Honda Civic is the 2022 North American Car of the Year. Compare the Toyota Prius and the retired Honda Insight.

• Combined MPG: up to 44
• City MPG: up to 43
• Highway MPG: up to 44
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 1.5
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2012-2022

4. Chevrolet Malibu

No, not that beauty from the 60s. If you want to save money and know you have a reliable vehicle, the Malibu is still delivering, though most models before 2010 aren’t fuel-friendly; since then, though, they’ve ranged from 26 to 32 combined mpg, unless you spring for the hybrid. Even still, some models start at just under $12,000, while others are a bit higher.

• Combined MPG: up to 46 (including hybrids)
• City MPG: up to 49
• Highway MPG: up to 47
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 1.8
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2010-2022

5. Toyota Prius Eco

The Toyota Prius is among one of the most well-known vehicles for fuel efficiency in gas-only vehicles. While hybrid models are available, here are some stats for these long-standing fuel champs. Even back in 2001, these minis were running at 41 combined mpg. If you’re willing to make the switch, sticker shock shouldn’t be a factor — some earlier models of the Prius start at $3,000!

• Combined MPG: up to 56 (excluding hybrids)
• City MPG: up to 58 (excluding hybrids)
• Highway MPG: up to 53 (excluding hybrids)
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 1.8
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2001-2023

6. Lexus UX

Looking for a luxury SUV? The Lexus UX is a great place to start. Though it has a bit higher of a sticker price than the others (usually around $29,000 used), it makes up for it with its excellent mpg and a bit more leg room.

• Combined MPG: up to 42
• City MPG: up to 43
• Highway MPG: up to 41
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 2
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2019-2022

7. Kia Optima

The Kia Optima is nothing short of a go-getter. With options for gas-only, hybrid, and electric models, the choices are abundant. Since electric versions are going to be more gas-efficient, the following set of specs excludes them, (but for the curious, some of the plug-ins sit rather prettily at 103 mpg). Just as nice, you can find a non-electric model with a starting price around $13,000.

• Combined MPG: up to 42
• City MPG: up to 40
• Highway MPG: up to 45
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 2
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2013-2020

8. Subaru Crosstrek

Another SUV makes it onto this list for many reasons, but mostly for its mpg. The Crosstrek has a gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in versions. For our purpose here, we’re excluding the electric (though 90 mpg isn’t something to sneeze at!). You can snag a Crosstrek for less than $20,000.

• Combined MPG: up to 31
• City MPG: up to 29
• Highway MPG: up to 33
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 2.0
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2014-2023

9. Nissan Altima

Whether it’s an ’07 or ’22, the Altima is another car with a nice mpg option. As a mid-sized sedan, the Altima is worth the money you’re going to save in the gas tank and at the car lot, starting around $9,000.

• Combined MPG: up to 34
• City MPG: up to 35
• Highway MPG: up to 33
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 2.5
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2007-2022

10. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (AWD)

Aesthetically pleasing to many, the Rav4 Hybrid certainly is worth checking out. There is an electric version of the RAV4, the RAV4 EV, but it doesn’t stack up against other electric vehicles. For the gas-only models, the RAV4 isn’t likely to break the bank with a price tag starting around $24,000.

• Combined MPG: up to 40
• City MPG: up to 41
• Highway MPG: up to 38
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Size in Liters: 2.5
• Transmission: CVT
• Similar Models: 2016-2022

This is not a fully comprehensive list. To compare prospective or currently owned vehicles, visit the United States Department of Energy.

First published in 2011 and rewritten in Summer 2022 to reflect the current market.

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Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles in Canada: 2022

Drivers looking for a more sustainable way to motor will likely want to get behind the wheel of one of the many impressive EVs that are now available in Canada. Some drivers, meanwhile, aren’t able or ready yet to make the switch to a car they need to plug in, but still want better fuel economy. Luckily, there are still many impressive and efficient hybrid vehicles on sale here that offer excellent fuel economy without the associated costs and lifestyle adjustments that EVs require.

Here are the top 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in Canada that don’t need to be plugged in.

10. Ford Escape Hybrid – 5.8 L/100 km

With a combined fuel consumption rating of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres, the front-wheel-drive version of the Ford Escape Hybrid is the 10th most fuel-efficient vehicle currently available in Canada. An all-wheel-drive version of the Escape Hybrid is also offered, which also has a very respectable fuel consumption rating of 5.9L per 100 kilometres.

9. Kia Niro Touring / Lexus ES 300h – 5.3 L/100 km

Ninth position is a tie between the Kia Niro Touring and the Lexus ES 300h luxury sedan, which both have a combined fuel consumption rating of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres. This is an impressive result for the Lexus ES in particular, as this is a rather heavy mid-size luxury sedan that manages to be more efficient than many small hatchbacks.

8. Toyota Camry Hybrid SE/XLE/XSE – 5.1 L/100 km

The Toyota Camry Hybrid in the SE, XLE, and XSE trim levels is the eighth-most fuel-efficient vehicle in Canada with a fuel consumption rating of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Like the Lexus ES, this is a rather impressive fuel economy rating for a mid-size sedan such as this. That said, there is a more efficient variant of the Camry Hybrid available in Canada, but you’ll have to keep scrolling to learn more about it.

7. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 5.0 L/100 km

Another mid-size sedan, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid finds itself in seventh position with a fuel consumption rating of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Sonata Hybrid also excels in highway driving with a very impressive highway fuel economy rating of 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres. This sedan has a unique design and is even available with a solar panel roof that can be used to charge the hybrid’s battery.

6. Toyota Camry Hybrid LE – 4.9 L/100 km

The more fuel-efficient variant of the Toyota Camry Hybrid is the lesser LE trim level, which is lighter than the SE / XLE / XSE by virtue of having less standard equipment. What it lacks in standard features it makes up for with an efficient fuel-sipping powertrain that consumes just 4.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres of driving on the combined cycle.

5. Toyota Prius AWD – 4.8 L/100 km

The all-wheel-drive version of the Toyota Prius hybrid offers an impressive fuel economy rating of 4.8 L/100 km. While there are more fuel-efficient versions of the Prius available in Canada, this variant will appeal to Canadians who want extra traction and capability in the winter months and in other inclement weather without the impact on fuel economy.

4. Kia Niro Hybrid – 4.6 L/100 km

The Kia Niro Hybrid is one of the top five most fuel-efficient vehicles available in Canada, boasting a fuel consumption rating of just 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres. This car also excels in city driving with a rating of 4.4 L/100 km.

3. Toyota Corolla Hybrid / Toyota Prius – 4.5 L/100 km

The Toyota Prius is well-established as a highly fuel-efficient vehicle and tied for the third-most fuel-efficient vehicle in Canada with the closely related Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Both of these hybridized four-doors have a combined fuel consumption rating of just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Smart packaging also means these cars are convenient and spacious despite their compact size.

2. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid – 4.4 L/100 km

The hybrid version of the familiar Hyundai Elantra is the second-most fuel-efficient vehicle in Canada, boasting a combined fuel economy rating of 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres. This is a direct competitor to the above-mentioned Corolla Hybrid, so anyone considering purchasing either of these cars should take a test drive in both before making their final decision.

1. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid – 4.2 L/100 km

With a combined fuel economy rating of just 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient vehicle available in Canada today. This car offers a good middle ground between a gasoline compact car and a battery-electric vehicle, as it is very eco-friendly but does not have the same high cost of entry or range limitations.

Sam McEachern

Sam McEachern

Sam loves to drive and write, so naturally, he combined the two! A freelance automotive journalist with over five years of experience and a Journalism diploma from St. Clair College, Sam loves to make all sorts of high-quality content related to the automotive industry.

8 Used Trucks With The Best Gas Mileage

Let’s face it. If you’re in the market for a pickup truck, expecting to haul trees and concrete (together) while achieving Prius gas mileage, you’re either crazy or dreaming. The highest mileage pickup trucks of today, if you’re wanting V8 torque, won’t get higher than 20 and if they do it’s because they’re switched off and sitting in the driveway, which could probably net you a cool 35-1000 mpg.

For the rest of us who actually drive our trucks, your options are more limited. Bear in mind that finding a truck that’s good on mileage is harder than finding the Easter bunny training a unicorn for the circus, but these are all trucks that claim at least 25 mpg (highway of course), so it’s a start. We’ll have to point out now that no truck on this list has a V8, or makes anything close to V8 power.

2013 Toyota Tacoma

• 2.7-liter inline-four
• $23,900
• 25 MPG

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma equipped with a 2.7-liter inline-four boasts 25 mpg. They have a blue book value of around $14,000 and can come with a manual transmission. Towing goes up to 3,500 pounds and they only make around 160 horsepower but, for basic trucking and general truck merriment, the Tacoma is a solid choice.

With a full truck bed and a trailer filled with motorcycles (well, probably two at the most), the Tacoma can still easily and comfortably reach freeway speeds without breaking a sweat. Of course, if you do all of that the mileage will go down.

2015 RAM 1500 Ecodiesel

• 3.0-liter v6
• $20,900
• 27 MPG

Dodge’s RAM division had high hopes for this truck, advertising it as a 30 MPG economical workhorse. With a 240 horsepower 3.0-liter diesel engine that only gets marginally better mileage than the previous RAM, one has to wonder why you should get this truck over the former. Drive both and see which one you like. The engines are different, so it’s possible the 3.0-liter engine performs smoother and better. It all depends on your preference. But as another decent MPG truck, it’s a solid option.

2015 Ford F-150

• 2.7-liter v6
• $26,000
• 26 MPG

You can’t go too far back in terms of age if you want to find an F-150 that can make this list. Nevertheless, it is possible with the 2015 model that comes with the smaller Ecoboost engine. The impressive thing is it still makes more than 300 horsepower while managing the low cost and decent mpg. F-150s have been known to be the best trucks on the market, so for some consumers, the decision has already been made for them.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

• 2.5-liter
• $25,000
• 27 MPG

Diving back into Tacoma territory is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. Out of its 2.5-liter inline-four engine, the Colorado gets just 200 modest horsepower which is more than the Toyota but less than the RAM, however, the Colorado gets a whole 27 mpg on the highway.

2017 Honda Ridgeline

• 3.5-liter v6
• $31,000
• 26 MPG

Speaking of depreciation, you may notice that there is one brand new truck on this list and that is the Honda Ridgeline. Since it’s still new you might want to wait a couple years to buy one, but once you do you’ll have a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes about 280 horsepower and pushes 26 mpg.

The truck can tow up to 5,000 pounds as well. This all makes the Ridgeline possibly the most well-rounded truck for everyday use, as well as towing a boat or trailer into the mountains. MSRP starts at around $29,500, but keep an eye out for these after a couple years.

2016 GMC Canyon

• 2.5-liter inline-four
• $29,000
• 27 MPG

One of the newer cars that made our list is the 2016 GMC Canyon. There are two options for what kind of engine you want under the hood, but if you want that incredible fuel efficiency you’re going to need the 2.5-liter inline-four engine. It only makes about 200 horsepower so it won’t be breaking any speed records, but that’s better mileage than a newer Honda.

Early 1980s VW Rabbit Pickup Truck

• 1.6-liter diesel
• $10,000
• 45 MPG

The truck that might be able to claim the best truck mpg ever is an early 1980s American built Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup. People have reported finding them for around $10,000 which sounds a little steep for a truck that was built in the ‘80s on a passenger car platform, but your ears might perk up when you learn it’s got a 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that accomplishes 45 mpg. You might be thinking it’s not powerful enough to haul anything, but by rights, the Rabbit Pickup has been known to tow at least 1100 pounds.

Ultimately whatever truck you pick, make sure it can do what you need it to do. If you are in the camp of towing horses, other cars, or houses then the faster you realize 20mpg is a stretch, the easier time you’ll have. Otherwise, for simple daily driving to various job sites, your options are much wider.

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