Good fuel consumption per 100km typically depends on the type and size of the vehicle, but for most modern small cars, a figure of around 6–7 litres per 100km is considered efficient[1]. Compact sedans and hatchbacks often achieve between 5.2 and 6.5 L/100km in leading markets, while larger vehicles like midsize SUVs and trucks may have averages of 8–10 L/100km or more[1][5]. In contrast, large SUVs can exceed 10 L/100km[1].
Many new hybrid or plug-in hybrid models do even better, often falling below 5 L/100km in real-world use, especially in urban driving conditions[2]. Average values also vary significantly by region. For example, European, Japanese, and Korean vehicles generally achieve between 5.8 and 6.3 L/100km, whereas North American averages are closer to 8.6–8.9 L/100km for new cars due to generally larger and heavier models[5].
For reference, here are broad guidelines for good fuel consumption per 100km:
- Small city cars: 5–7 L/100km
- Midsize cars: 6–8 L/100km
- Midsize SUVs/crossovers: 8–10 L/100km
- Large SUVs/pickups: 10+ L/100km
- Hybrids/plug-in hybrids: Often under 5 L/100km, with some models much lower
Ultimately, what is considered “good” depends on your vehicle’s class and typical usage, but lower numbers always reflect greater fuel efficiency[1][5].