How many Litres per 100km is average?
In fuel terms, litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) tell you how much fuel a vehicle typically uses to travel 100 kilometres. There isn’t a single global average; numbers vary by region, vehicle type, and driving conditions. For modern petrol/diesel passenger cars, typical averages cluster around 5–7 L/100km, hybrids often run about 3–4 L/100km, and larger SUVs or trucks commonly sit in the 8–12 L/100km range.
What L/100km means and how it is measured
Litres per 100 kilometres is a fuel-economy metric that translates fuel use into a simple distance-based figure. It is derived from laboratory tests, which can use different cycles (such as WLTP or EPA) and may not fully reflect real-world driving. Hybrid and plug-in hybrids can show different results depending on how much they rely on electricity versus the internal combustion engine.
How it’s calculated
Technical tests estimate how much fuel a vehicle needs to travel a fixed distance under controlled conditions. The result is expressed as L/100km or, for some markets, as a similar metric like L/100 miles. Real-world driving can yield higher or lower numbers depending on speed, terrain, weather, and load.
Testing cycles and real-world numbers
Tests such as WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) and EPA cycles provide standardized figures, but actual driving often yields different results. Real-world numbers tend to be higher in aggressive driving, heavy loads, extreme climates, or when using accessories like air conditioning frequently.
Typical ranges by vehicle type
The following categories reflect common fuel-use ranges seen in consumer information and test data. Individual results vary with driving style and conditions.
- Efficient compact or micro-hybrids: 4–6 L/100km
- Standard sedans and small cars: 5–7 L/100km
- Hybrids (non-plug-in): 3–4 L/100km
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): around 1.5–4 L/100km equivalent when driven mostly on electric power; higher when the petrol engine is used more often
- SUVs and crossovers: 6–12 L/100km
- Diesel variants (petrol and diesel engines in similar classes): typically within the same bands, with diesels often showing slightly lower numbers in some cycles
These ranges illustrate common experiences but real-world numbers can differ widely based on how and where the vehicle is driven.
Regional averages for new cars (rough guide)
Regional averages reflect regulatory standards, market mix, and vehicle technology. They are intended as a general guide rather than a precise figure for any individual car.
- Europe (WLTP-based estimates for new petrol cars): about 5–6 L/100km
- United States (EPA estimates for new light-duty vehicles): about 7.5–9 L/100km (roughly 25–30 mpg)
- Asia-Pacific (mixed markets): around 6–7 L/100km for typical gasoline passenger cars; electrified models can lower the regional average
These regional figures depend on the vehicle mix (petrol, diesel, hybrids, plug-ins) and regulatory requirements across markets.
What affects your actual fuel use
Several factors can push your real-world L/100km above or below the published figures. Understanding these helps explain the gap between numbers and everyday driving.
- Driving style: rapid acceleration, high speeds, and aggressive braking raise consumption
- Terrain and weather: hills, headwinds, and extreme temperatures reduce efficiency
- Vehicle load and aerodynamics: extra weight and roof racks increase drag and fuel use
- Maintenance and condition: tires at incorrect pressures, dirty air filters, or aging engines reduce efficiency
- Fuel quality and type: ethanol blends and fuel grade can influence performance and economy
- Technology and age: newer engines, mild-hybrid systems, and transmission optimizations improve efficiency
Even small changes in these factors can have meaningful effects over time, especially for frequent drivers.
Tips to improve fuel efficiency
Simple, practical steps can help reduce L/100km without sacrificing safety or comfort.
- Drive smoothly: steady speed, gentle acceleration, and early gear changes reduce consumption
- Maintain tires and weight: keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and remove unnecessary cargo
- Plan trips and reduce idling: combine errands and turn off the engine when parked for long periods
- Perform regular maintenance: timely servicing, air-filter cleaning, and using the right fuel
- Use air conditioning judiciously: at higher speeds, minimize A/C use or use recirculation mode
Adopting these practices can yield noticeable fuel savings over time, particularly for daily commuters and long-distance drivers.
Summary
There is no single global average for litres per 100km. Modern fuel consumption varies by vehicle type and region. In general, efficient petrol/diesel cars tend to be around 5–7 L/100km, hybrids about 3–4 L/100km, and larger SUVs often 8–12 L/100km. Regional benchmarks roughly place Europe at 5–6 L/100km for new petrol cars and the United States at about 7.5–9 L/100km. Real-world numbers depend on driving conditions, maintenance, and driving habits. Understanding these factors helps drivers estimate their own fuel use and identify opportunities to save fuel and money.
Is 12 liters per 100km a lot?
Fuel-efficient SUVs and Trucks
Anything under eight L/100km is excellent. If a car uses eight to 12 litres of gas for every 100 kilometres, that's pretty good. This usually fits most medium-sized SUVs and some lighter trucks. Cars that use 12 to 14 litres for every 100 kilometres are average—not too bad, not too great.
How many litres per 100km is good?
A good fuel economy is generally considered to be below 6 L/100km for a passenger car, while 8 L/100km or less is excellent for SUVs and trucks. Lower numbers indicate better fuel efficiency, meaning the vehicle uses less fuel to travel the same distance. For example, a small car might get 5-6 L/100km, while a medium SUV could be considered good at 7-9 L/100km.
What is considered good fuel economy
| Vehicle Type | Good Fuel Economy (L/100km) |
|---|---|
| Small Car / Hybrid | Below 6 L/100km |
| Medium SUV | Around 8 L/100km or less |
| Truck | Below 12 L/100km |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 0-5 L/100km |
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What is considered average or poor
- Average passenger car: 8-10 L/100km
- Average larger SUV/truck: 12-14 L/100km
- Poor fuel economy: Anything over 12 L/100km is generally considered poor.
Factors that influence fuel economy
- Vehicle size and type: Smaller, lighter vehicles and hybrids are more efficient.
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds decrease fuel efficiency.
- Driving conditions: City driving with lots of stops and starts is less efficient than consistent highway driving.
- Vehicle maintenance: A well-maintained engine will be more efficient.
Is 21 liters per 100km good?
Anything that is listed as less than 6-litres/100km or more than 16.5km/1-litre is considered to be pretty good. The first (and most common) reference is litres per 100km (litres/100km).
What's the average L/100km for sedans?
An average North American mid-size car averages 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp)) city, 27 mpg‑US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg‑imp)) highway; a full-size SUV usually averages 13 mpg‑US (18 L/100 km; 16 mpg‑imp) city and 16 mpg‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg‑imp) highway.
