The average fuel consumption per kilometer for passenger vehicles varies significantly by vehicle type, but a commonly cited value for small cars is approximately 0.06 to 0.07 liters per kilometer (6–7 L/100 km). Mid-sized SUVs typically use about 0.08 to 0.09 liters per kilometer (8–9 L/100 km), while full-sized SUVs and dual-cab utes consume closer to 0.1 liters per kilometer (10 L/100 km)[3]. For North American mid-size cars, average fuel consumption is roughly 0.11 liters per kilometer (11 L/100 km city, 8.7 L/100 km highway), and large SUVs approach 0.15 to 0.18 liters per kilometer[2].
Fuel consumption is often measured as either liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)—where lower numbers indicate better efficiency—or as kilometers per liter (km/L), the reciprocal value. Calculation is straightforward: divide the total liters of fuel used by the total distance in kilometers to find liters per kilometer, or use the formula (L/100 km value) ÷ 100[4].
Individual fuel consumption may vary due to driving habits, traffic conditions, vehicle age and condition, weather, and use of accessories like air conditioning. Laboratory ratings provide a useful comparison, but real-world results often differ[5].