How much fuel does a car use per 100km?
In short, most modern gasoline cars consume about 5–8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (L/100km) on mixed driving; hybrids typically use around 3–5 L/100km, and larger or less efficient vehicles can exceed 8 L/100km. Electric vehicles, by contrast, measure energy use in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100km) rather than liters.
Understanding what the numbers mean
The following sections break down typical ranges, what drives those numbers, and how consumed fuel is calculated for different powertrains. Real-world results vary with driving style, terrain, weather, and vehicle maintenance.
What the figures cover
Fuel consumption per 100 km (L/100km) is a standard metric used in many regions to estimate how efficiently a car uses fuel. Many markets also publish city, highway, and combined figures, with the combined figure representing a weighted average of typical driving patterns. For EVs, energy use is presented as kWh/100km instead of liters.
Note: Test cycles (such as WLTP in Europe or EPA in the United States) strive to reflect real-world conditions but can diverge from what a driver experiences day to day. Your actual consumption depends on how you drive and maintain the vehicle.
- Subcompact gasoline cars: 4–5 L/100km
- Compact gasoline cars: 5–6 L/100km
- Midsize gasoline cars: 6–8 L/100km
- Large SUVs and pickups (gasoline): 8–12 L/100km
- Diesel passenger cars: 4–6 L/100km
- Hybrid vehicles: 3–4 L/100km
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) in mixed operation: 2–6 L/100km, depending on how often electric driving is used
- Electric vehicles (energy use): typically 12–20 kWh/100km for efficient models
These ranges are illustrative and can vary by model, manufacturer, and driving conditions. The same car can perform differently on a city crawl versus a highway cruise.
What factors influence fuel use?
Several variables can push mileage up or down. Understanding them helps you estimate real-world consumption and make smarter choices on the road.
- Driving style and speed: rapid acceleration, high speeds, and aggressive braking increase fuel use.
- Terrain and route: hills, mountain roads, and repeated starts raise consumption compared with steady highway cruising.
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics: extra cargo, roof racks, and poor aerodynamics raise demand for power.
- Tire condition and rolling resistance: underinflated or worn tires waste energy and reduce efficiency.
- Climate control and accessories: air conditioning, heating, and electrical loads draw power, especially in extreme weather.
- Maintenance and engine health: dirty air filters, old spark plugs, or degraded components can lower efficiency.
- Fuel quality and octane: using the recommended fuel helps optimize efficiency and performance.
In practice, these factors mean two almost identical cars can show noticeably different consumption figures in the same week.
Practical tips to reduce fuel use
Small changes can yield meaningful savings over time. Here are evidence-based strategies used by drivers and fleets alike to lower consumption.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and avoid hard braking.
- Moderate speeds on highways: keeping a steady pace reduces aerodynamic drag and engine load.
- Use eco or economy modes when available, and consider cruise control on long, flat stretches.
- Lighten the load: remove unnecessary luggage and avoid roof racks when not needed.
- Maintain proper tire pressure and alignment: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance.
- Plan efficient routes: combine trips and avoid idling in traffic.
- Regular maintenance: follow service intervals, replace air filters, and keep the engine tuned.
- Consider fuel-efficient vehicle choices: hybrids or more efficient gasoline/diesel models can offer substantial savings over time.
Adopting these habits can produce measurable reductions in fuel consumption and operating costs.
Powertrain snapshot: how different systems compare
Gasoline and diesel engines
Representative combined consumption ranges for conventional engines in mixed driving are shown below. Values vary by model and drive conditions.
- Gasoline subcompact: 4–5 L/100km
- Gasoline compact: 5–6 L/100km
- Gasoline midsize: 6–8 L/100km
- Gasoline large SUV/pickup: 8–12 L/100km
- Diesel passenger cars: 4–6 L/100km
Diesel engines are often more efficient on highways but may vary with emissions equipment and driving style.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid
Hybrids blend gasoline and electric power to reduce consumption, especially in city driving. Typical combined ranges:
- Hybrid: 3–4 L/100km
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) in mixed operation: 2–6 L/100km depending on electric usage
For PHEVs, frequent charging and frequent electric-only driving can keep petrol use very low, while long trips with depleted batteries push consumption toward the hybrid figures.
Electric vehicles
Electric cars do not burn fuel; instead they consume energy measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers. Typical ranges for efficient models are:
- Efficient compact EV: 12–15 kWh/100km
- Mid-size to large EVs: 15–20 kWh/100km
Factors such as high-speed driving, climate control use, and heavy payload increase energy use in EVs just as they do fuel use in internal-combustion cars.
Summary
Fuel use per 100 km depends heavily on the powertrain, vehicle size, and how you drive. In everyday mixed driving, gasoline cars typically clock around 5–8 L/100km, hybrids are usually lower (about 3–4 L/100km), and larger or more demanding vehicles can exceed 8 L/100km. For EVs, energy use is measured in kWh/100km rather than liters. By understanding measurement standards, recognizing the main factors that influence consumption, and applying practical driving tips, you can estimate and reduce your car’s fuel use over time.
