Fuel efficient cars are motor vehicles that use less petrol per kilometre with 4 litres per kilometre considered an indication of good efficiency small cars. With the current fuel crisis in Australia, many drivers have already switched to an electric vehicle to tackle the high prices and supply issues with petrol and diesel. The FCAI reported a surge in electrified vehicle sales in the March 2026 car sales figures. The sector now comprising the highest percentage of total market sales to date, at 14.6%. This surge may be the reason we see Kia just behind Toyota in sales per brand and BYD in third place for March. But despite the panic over fuel and the EV rush, Ranger and HiLux still topped the sales chart for the month.
While many drivers rushed to make the change to EV, not everyone will be ready for a full battery-electric vehicle. But pretty much everyone will be wanting to save on their fuel costs. That may mean placing fuel efficiency as the major priority when comparing vehicles to purchase. Start comparing the most fuel efficient cars on the market and cost-effective financing to make your purchase.
What are fuel efficient cars?
Fuel efficient cars are models which use the least amount of fuel. The efficiency is expressed as litres per kilometre with a lower number representing the most efficient. This will be in the 4s for smaller vehicles and up around 8 for larger SUVs and utes.
Measuring the efficiency of a vehicle is not a straightforward or exact calculation. Buyers will need to rely on ratings given by the manufacturers or by authorities or organisations that have conducted testing.
Fuel usage will vary with the road and traffic conditions and driving style. Higher speeds can use more fuel which is why authorities are currently advising drivers to lower their speed to reduce their fuel consumption and save money. Highway driving can be easier on the tank than zipping around in stop-start city traffic.
Newer models may offer greater fuel economy than second-hand models due to being fitted with the latest technology and fuel-efficient systems. Keeping a vehicle well maintained with regular servicing may contribute to better operation and the use of less petrol.
Efficiency tends to be associated with smaller economical vehicles with smaller engines. But hybrid models, even in the mid to large range, present good value when it comes to petrol use.
Fuel Efficient Cars to Browse
Hybrids offer the best option for efficiency for those not ready to go full battery electric. A mid-way point which may be a great way to ease over to an EV. Save on the current high petrol costs and avoid supply issues, while easing any range fears with longer drives. Models to consider in the smaller category are the Toyota Corolla hybrid and Hyundai i30. In the small vehicle market, Kia Picanto, Mazda 3 and Skoda Scala offer efficiency ratings in the 5.2-5.8 litres per kilometre range.
Medium sized models, especially sedans, have lost much of their market appeal with the surge in the popularity of SUVs in recent years. If you’re looking for greater efficiency, then it may be time to take a second look at a sedan. Do you really need all the features of a SUV? Hybrids still come out on top in the ratings – eg. Camry and Accord, but the Octavia from Skoda is a petrol version to consider.
When it comes to SUVs, the smaller hybrid models from Toyota and Hyundai may be considered. Jumping up to medium SUVs and you’re looking at around the 6+litres per kilometre. In the large SUV market, efficiency for petrol engine models is getting up to the high 6s to 7 litres per kilometre with the Isuzu MU-X and Kia Sorento.
Utes predominantly use diesel with supply a major concern with the current Middle East crisis. Most of the popular ute models including Ranger and HiLux will take around 7-8 litres per kilometre.
If cost and supply reliability are key concerns, possibly consider investing in a small hybrid for those daily drives and keep the current larger and/or diesel vehicle for when it is specifically required. With affordable finance, this may be a very realistic option.
Financing Fuel Efficient Cars
With our competitive interest rates, your financing could be as cost-effective as your new vehicle is fuel effective. Work up loan estimates using our Finance Calculator to see how affordable a car which is easier on the petrol and the hip pocket may be for you.
To calculate finance estimates, use the interest rates we are currently achieving for the loan you require - Secured Car Loans for private buyers and commercial credit facilities for business buyers.
For a specific quote and/or get finance sorted before heading to the dealership, contact one of our brokers for quick, efficient car loan service.
Contact a Jade Car Loans broker on 1300 000 003 for competitive rates on finance for fuel efficient cars.
DISCLAIMER: IN REGARD TO MISREPRESENTATIONS AND ERRORS CONTAINED IN THE MATERIAL AS PRESENTED, LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED. THE DETAILS AND CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR CAR BUYERS AND INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS SEEKING FINANCE PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION. THIS IS NOT PROVIDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION. ANYONE THAT CONSIDERS THAT NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SHOULD SEEK THEIR OWN FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
