What is a good fuel economy Litres per 100km?
A good benchmark for fuel economy is roughly 5–6 L/100km for a modern petrol car, about 3–4 L/100km for a mainstream hybrid, and around 4–5 L/100km for a diesel — with substantial variation by vehicle size, driving conditions, and drivetrain.
Understanding the metric and what it means to be “good”
Litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) is a simple measure of how much fuel a vehicle uses to travel a fixed distance. Lower numbers indicate higher efficiency. The actual “good” figure depends on a vehicle’s class, powertrain, and typical use—so a compact hybrid may beat a large gasoline SUV in the same metric, while a diesel sedan may outperform a petrol SUV on highway fuel use.
Fuel economy by vehicle type
Below is a snapshot of typical ranges you might expect from common drivetrain options. Use these as rough benchmarks when comparing models within the same class and usage profile.
- Small petrol city cars: commonly about 4–6 L/100km, often near 5 L/100km for efficient modern engines.
- Compact sedans and family cars (petrol): typically 5–7 L/100km, with many efficient models around 6 L/100km.
- Hybrid (non-plug-in): generally 3–4 L/100km, and some highly efficient models can dip below 3 L/100km under ideal conditions.
- Diesel passenger cars: usually 4–6 L/100km, with highway driving frequently toward the lower end of that range.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): highly variable; often 1–3 L/100km when the electric range is used, and 4–6 L/100km if petrol mode dominates.
Real-world results vary considerably based on route, driving style, and vehicle condition. Official test figures often differ from everyday driving, so use these ranges as directional guidance rather than guarantees.
What factors most strongly influence fuel economy?
Multiple variables shape your actual L/100km figures. Key drivers include driving behavior, vehicle load, aerodynamics, tire pressure, maintenance, and climate conditions. Hybrid and electric powertrains also change the calculation, since electricity consumption comes into play for PHEVs and EVs.
- Driving style: smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and early gentle braking improve efficiency.
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics: heavier loads and roof racks raise resistance and fuel use.
- Maintenance: proper engine tuning, clean air filters, and correct tire pressure matter.
- Terrain and climate: hills, temperature, and wind can significantly alter real-world consumption.
- Powertrain technology: hybrids and diesels often have advantages in certain regimes, while older petrol cars may lag.
In practice, choosing the right drivetrain for your typical trips is as important as driving habits in determining fuel economy.
Practical tips to improve fuel economy
Implementing efficient habits and routine maintenance can markedly lower your L/100km. Here are actionable steps drivers can take.
- Drive smoothly: avoid rapid accelerations and hard braking; use cruise control where appropriate.
- Moderate your speed: higher speeds increase aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
- Keep tires properly inflated: underinflated tires raise rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.
- Lighten the load and minimize aero drag: remove unnecessary cargo and roof racks when not in use.
- Plan routes and maintain a steady pace: minimize idling and optimize trip sequencing.
- Maintain the vehicle: follow service intervals, use the recommended oil grade, and replace filters as needed.
- For hybrids and EVs: maximize electric range with efficient driving and timely charging.
Adopting these practices can often bring real-world fuel economy closer to the lower end of the ranges listed above, regardless of the vehicle type.
Global context and unit conversion
Most countries outside the United States report fuel economy in L/100km. In the U.S., miles per gallon (mpg) is more common, and you can convert between the two with simple math: L/100km ≈ 235.214 / mpg, and mpg ≈ 235.214 / (L/100km).
Summary: A “good” L/100km value varies by vehicle category and usage. For many drivers, aiming for roughly 4–6 L/100km in petrol cars, 3–4 L/100km in hybrids, and 4–5 L/100km in diesels provides a practical target. Real-world results depend on driving conditions, so tailor expectations to your specific vehicle and routines, and focus on sustainable improvements over time.
Is 7.7 l per 100km good?
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.
Is 6 L/100km good?
What qualifies as fuel efficient, then? 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). This is how many litres of fuel the car needs in order to travel 100km.
What is considered good fuel economy for L-100km?
It's easy to understand that a car capable of 5 L/100km is more efficient than one rated for 8 L/100km. Fuel-sipping ICE cars and electrified models can be as efficient as 3 L/100km. Most cars and small to medium SUVs can achieve an efficiency of around 5 to 11 L/100km.
How many litres is good fuel economy?
Good fuel economy is generally considered as anything below about six litres per 100 kilometres, with bad fuel economy being anything over around 12 litres per 100 kilometres.
