What is the Most Efficient Car?
Efficiency isn’t just about squeezing the most kilometres out of a litre of fuel (though that’s important!). It’s also about saving money, lowering emissions, and reducing running costs. But it’s mainly about having a really impressive answer when a friend asks you, “How far does it get you?”
Whether you’re team petrol, hybrid, PHEV, or full EV, choosing the most efficient car depends on how (and where) you drive.
Let’s take a look at the top contenders for fuel efficiency, energy use, and overall savings.
What Makes a Car Efficient?
Before we jump into the rankings, let’s clarify what “efficiency” actually means. It’s not just about fuel economy—it’s about:
- Fuel/Energy consumption – How far you can go on a litre of fuel or a full charge
- Energy efficiency – How much energy is used to move the car vs. wasted
- Emissions – The environmental impact of driving Running costs – Ongoing costs like fuel, servicing, maintenance, and depreciation
With that in mind, let's see which fuel-efficient petrol cars, hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs stand out in Australia.
Petrol Cars That Go the Distance 🚗
Still love the sound of a petrol engine? No judgment! While petrol-powered cars aren’t the efficiency kings, particularly if you’re a fan of the sound of a big V8, although you probably won’t find any V8’s on a list of the most efficient cars. Some petrol/diesel have come a long way in terms of fuel savings. Here are some of the most efficient petrol cars on the market.
Efficient petrol cars:
Petrol cars still have a place—especially if you’re not keen on plugging in. But if you want big savings on fuel, hybrids might be your next best bet. Still a petrol head and nothing can change your mind? Check out our full showroom to find the efficient petrol or diesel car that suits your novated needs. But maybe these next few options might sway you (just a little).
Hybrid Cars: The No-Plug, Low-Fuel Option 🔄
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) use a petrol engine plus an electric motor for extra efficiency. They charge their battery through regenerative braking, meaning no need to plug in (ever).
⚡Most efficient HEV: Toyota Prius – 3.4L/100km
⚡Other hybrid options: Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid
Bonus Tip: Hybrids can be leased under a novated lease, bundling all running costs into one simple regular payment, using some of your before-tax salary. Learn how a Fleetcare novated lease could save you thousands here.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs): The Best of Both Worlds 🔌
PHEVs combine electric driving with petrol backup, giving you short EV-only trips while keeping a petrol tank as a safety net.
Most efficient PHEV: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – 1.5L/100km + 84km electric range Other options: MG HS Plus EV, Volvo XC60 Recharge
The Electric Car Discount for PHEVs will end on April 1, 2025 But Fleetcare is still offering the latest PHEV deals in our showroom.
Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs): The Energy Efficiency Kings ⚡
EVs win every efficiency battle because they convert 70%+ of their energy into motion, compared to 30% for petrol cars. Plus, they have zero tailpipe emissions.
🏆 Most efficient EV: Tesla Model 3 RWD – 13.2kWh/100km
⚡ Other top EVs: BYD Dolphin, Hyundai IONIQ 6, MG4
With Australia’s renewable energy mix growing, EVs will only get cleaner and cheaper over time.
Thinking of going electric? A novated lease could make it even more affordable. Find out how Fleetcare can help you switch to an EV the smart way here.
Be Even More Efficient, Act Now!
Want to drive an efficient car without breaking the bank? A novated lease lets you pay for your car and running costs using some of your before-tax, which could cut your overall expenses.
Talk to Fleetcare today and find your perfect efficient car with a smarter finance option!