How many Litres of fuel does a car use per 100km?
Typically, a modern petrol or diesel car uses about 5 to 8 litres per 100 kilometres under mixed driving.
Fuel consumption is measured as litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) and depends on many variables, including engine efficiency, vehicle weight, aerodynamics, tire pressure, climate control use, and driving style. Official figures come from testing standards such as WLTP or EPA, and real-world results often differ due to road conditions, traffic, and weather. This article explains what the numbers mean, outlines typical ranges by vehicle type, and shows how you can estimate your own consumption.
What the numbers mean in practice
Understanding where the figure comes from helps you compare cars and manage expectations. The following ranges are indicative for typical passenger vehicles under normal use; individual results will vary.
- Small city cars and compact petrol vehicles: about 4–6 L/100km.
- Subcompact and compact sedans: about 5–6.5 L/100km.
- Medium to full-size family cars: about 6–8 L/100km.
- Large SUVs and light trucks: about 8–12 L/100km.
- Hybrids (non-plug-in): about 3–4.5 L/100km.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): around 1.5–3 L/100km when mostly driven on electricity; 3–6 L/100km if the gasoline engine is relied upon more often.
- Diesel-powered equivalents in similar classes: about 4–7 L/100km.
Below are approximate consumption ranges by common vehicle types to give a sense of scale in everyday driving.
These ranges are starting points. Real-world results depend on how the car is driven, maintenance, weather, and terrain.
How to calculate your own fuel consumption
To estimate your personal fuel efficiency accurately, perform a tank-to-tank measurement. The steps below guide you through a simple calculation.
- Fill the tank to full and reset a trip odometer or note the starting distance.
- Drive normally until you need to refill the tank.
- Fill the tank again and record the number of litres added and the distance travelled (from the trip meter or odometer).
- Compute your fuel consumption: litres used divided by kilometres travelled, multiplied by 100 (L/100km).
- Repeat over multiple tanks for a more accurate average, especially if your driving conditions change.
Using this method helps you compare your actual experience with official figures and can highlight differences caused by driving style, load, or climate control usage.
Practical tips to improve fuel efficiency
Small changes can add up to noticeable savings over time. Consider these practical steps to reduce fuel use without sacrificing comfort.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Reduce weight and remove roof racks when not in use.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Limit air conditioning use and consider recirculation to reduce engine load; in cooler weather, keep windows closed at highway speeds.
- Regular maintenance: timely oil changes, clean air filters, and spark plugs in good condition improve efficiency.
- Plan trips to avoid unnecessary short trips and combine errands to minimize cold-starts.
Adopting efficient habits and keeping up with maintenance can lower consumption:
Incorporating these practices can bring you closer to the official fuel-economy figures and reduce running costs over time.
Summary
Fuel use in litres per 100km varies widely by vehicle type, engine technology, and driving conditions. Typical ranges span from roughly 4–6 L/100km for small petrol cars to 8–12 L/100km for large SUVs, with hybrids and diesel engines generally offering lower figures. Plug-in hybrids can show very low numbers when charged and used primarily on electricity. To know your car’s real consumption, perform a tank-to-tank measurement and track over several tanks to account for variation. By driving more efficiently and maintaining your vehicle, you can achieve results closer to the published figures and save on fuel costs.
