When you think fuel prices are finally going down, they end up skyrocketing. Car manufacturers know this all too well, which is why they recently started rolling out more and more fuel-efficient cars – and plenty under $15,000.
If you’re in the market for a new car, these gas-sippers may be exactly what you’re looking for. Below are 5 of the most fuel-efficient cars that you can buy in Canada and how much gas it would cost a year to drive them. If you’re looking for pricier conventional vehicles or an electric vehicle, scroll down for a breakdown.
Who Determines Fuel-Efficiency in Canada?
When you first start searching for the most fuel-efficient cars in Canada, Natural Resources Canada is your best source of information. Each year NRCan puts out a guide that lists specific information pertaining to the fuel-efficiency of each vehicle. While these are determined based on standardized testing models, it’s important to remember that actual fuel consumption may vary on how and where you drive. To learn more about the test and how your vehicle compares, visit the NRCan website here.
What Is The Annual Fuel Cost Based On?
To help you estimate the annual fuel cost for each vehicle, we based our equation on the combined rating, driving 20,000KM a year and paying $1.02/L for regular gasoline. This is just an estimation and may vary on the changing price of gas, how often you drive and your driving behaviour.
The Cheapest Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in Canada
If you’re looking to improve your fuel-efficiency, choosing these cars will surely save you some money.
#1 The Fuel-Efficient 2019 Chevrolet Spark
MSRP: $10,095
Manual Gas Per Year Est. $1,469 ($122/month)
Automatic Gas Per Year Est. $1,448 ($120/month)
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark is not only great on gas, but the price also couldn’t get any better (seriously, it’s the cheapest car in Canada!). Cross-referencing the NRCan site, the manual Spark sits at 8.0L/100KM in the city and a 6.2L/100KM on the highway. When choosing the automatic version, Chevrolet Sparks fuel-efficiency drops to a 7.9L/100KM in the city and a 6.2L/100KM on the highway.
If that’s not enough, the Chevrolet Spark also comes at an affordable price, snagging the title for “Cheapest Cars in Canada.” The base 2LT CVT model comes equipped with a 1.4L ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. While it may not be the sportiest car on the market, its a great decision for those looking to save money on both gas and financing fees. The Spark also comes with 98 horsepower, Bluetooth, 7” Infotainment system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a rear vision camera and air conditioning.
Staying eco-friendly has never looked this good! With four bold colours to choose from, the Spark managed to stay affordable while standing out in a Caribbean Blue or Orange Burst subcompact!
#2 The Fuel-Efficient 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage
MSRP: $10,998
Manual Gas Per Year Est. $1,326 ($110 per month)
Automatic Gas Per Year Est. $1,265 ($105 per month)
Much like the Spark, this stylish subcompact comes as a manual or automatic. The manual transmission currently sits at 7.1L/100KM in the city and a generous 5.8L/100KM on the highway. The automatic trim does even better on gas offering 6.6L/100KM in the city and 5.6L/100KM on the highway. If you do a lot of highway driving, the Mirage is your best option for cheap fuel.
The base ES 5MT model is one of the most economical Cars in Canada and comes with a 1.2L DOHC MIVEC 3 cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The standard features include AF/FM/CD player with four speakers, Auto-off halogen headlamps, front power windows and a rear vision camera. The 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat also offers plenty of storage when on the run.
While the Mitsubishi brand may be underrated, their attention to detail in the interior definitely deserves a shot. If you’re looking for a little bit of added comfort and a modern looking display, the Mirage is your best shot for a great price!
#3 The Fuel-Efficient 2019 Hyundai Accent
Hatchback MSRP: $14,599
Manual Gas Per Year Est. $1,489 ($124 per month)
Automatic Gas Per Year Est. $1,489 ($124 per month)
The fun to drive 2019 Hyundai Accent comes available as both a hatchback and sedan, which is definitely accommodating based on your lifestyle. If you’re in the market for a manual Accent, you’re looking at 8.2L/100KM in the city and 6.3L/100KM on the highway. Interestingly enough, choosing the automatic model will not save you on gas as the specs remain consistent.
Both the 4-door and 5-door are quite a catch, offering a 1.6L GDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission on the base models. Other features include AM/FM/CD/USB/Ipod Audio system, power door locks, electronic stability control, traction control and vehicle stability management.
Another great feature is the spacious trunk, coming in at 47.5 cubic feet – a great amount for those needing flexibility for either work or travel. The best part – it’s great on gas, so taking a road trip won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
#4 The Fuel-Efficient 2019 Nissan Versa Note
MSRP: $14,698
Manual Gas Per Year Est. $1,571 ($130 per month)
Automatic Gas Per Year Est. $1,428 ($119 per month)
This commuter favourite is known for its great fuel economy and enough cargo space for the whole family. The manual Versa sits on the high end at 8.6L/100KM in the city and 6.6L/100KM on the highway. Alternatively, the automatic gets you 7.6L/100KM in the city and 6.2L/100KM on the highway.
This city slicker come equipped with a 1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Coming in at 109 horsepower with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, 7” colour touchscreen and a rear vision camera.
The 40.8” extra inches of headroom and 41.3” of legroom make this an ideal candidate for tall drivers. The extra space is also ideal for families looking for a bit of extra room while maintaining the affordable price point on both the vehicle and on gas.
#5 The Fuel-Efficient 2019 Kia Rio 5
MSRP: $14,995
Manual Gas Per Year Est. $1,530 ($127 per month)
Automatic Gas Per Year Est. $1,530 ($127 per month)
This fourth-generation hatchback is not only great on gas, but it’s reliability rating are nearly perfect. The Rio comes in at 8.5L/100KM in the city and 6.4L/100KM on the highway when choosing both the manual and automatic version.
The base model comes with a 16L GDI 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The Spark gets 130 horsepower and 60/40 split-folding rear bench seats. As for comfort features, you get heated front seats, 5” LCD audio display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity and a rear vision camera.
The Rio was awarded the “Highest Ranked Saml Car in Initial Quality and Dependability” in the U.S. and the spacious cabin and comfortable seating speaks to the award. If you’re in the market for a gas-friendly subcompact, test driving the Rio is an absolute must!
Other Fuel-Efficient Conventional Vehicles
Two-Seater
FIAT 124 Spider: 1.4L, 4 cylinder, 6-speed manual
Consuption: 9.0L/ City and 6.7L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $1,612
Mazda MX-5: 2.0L, 4 cylinder, 6-speed automatic with select shift
Consuption: 9.0L/ City and 6.6L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $1,849
Minicompact
MINI Cooper Convertible: 1.5L, 3 cylinder, 6-speed manual
Consuption: 8.4L/ City and 6.3L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $1,755
Subcompact
Chevrolet Spark: 1.4L, 4 cylinder, continous variable
Consuption: 7.9L/ City and 6.2L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $1,448
Compact
Toyota Prius C: 1.5L, 4 cylinder hybrid, contrinously variable
Consuption: 4.9L/ City and 5.5L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $1,040
Mid-Size
Toyota Prius: 1.8L, 4 cylinder hybrid, continously variable
Consuption: 4.4L/ City and 6.6L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $898
Full Size
Hyundai IONIQ Blue: 1.6L, 4 cylinde, 6-speed automatic manual
Consuption: 4.2L/ City and 4L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $836
Station Wagon: Small
Kia Niro FE: 1.6L, 4 cylinder hybrid, 6-speed automatic manual
Consuption: 4.5L/ City and 4.8L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $959
Station Wagon: Mid-Size
Volvo V90 T6 AWD: 2.0L, 4 cylinder, 8-speed automatic with select shift
Consuption: 11.1L/ City and 7.3L/Highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $2,200
Fuel-Efficient Electric Vehicles
Two-Seater
smart EQ fortwo coupe: 60 kW electric motor, 1-speed automatic
Consuption: 16.9kWh/city and 22.3kWh/highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $502
Minicompact
N/A
Subcompact
BMW i3 (120 Ah):125 kW electric motor, 1-speed automatic
Consuption: 16.8kWh/city and 20.6kWh/highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $481
BMW i3 (120 Ah): 135 kW electric motor, 1-speed automatic
Consuption: 16.8kWh/city and 20.6kWh/highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $481
Compact
Volkswagen e-Golf: 100 kW electric motor, 1-speed automatic
Consuption: 16.8kWh/city and 18.6Wh/highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $452
Mid-Size
Hyundai IONIQ Electric: 88 kW electric motor, 1-speed automatic
Consuption: 13.7kWh/city and 17.4kWh/highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $403
Full Size
Tesla Model S 75D: 386 kW electric motor, 1-speed automatic
Consuption: 20.6kWh/city and 19.9Wh/highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $528
Station Wagon: Small
Chevrolet Bolt EV: 150 kW electric motor, 1-speed automatic
Consuption: 16.4kWh/city and 19.0kWh/highway
Fuel Cost (Year): $458
Station Wagon: Mid-Size
N/A
If you’re looking for economy cars that are both fuel-efficient and affordable, contact Cheap Cars Canada today!