10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars That Aren’t Hybrids: 2025

Hybrid cars have become popular as an easy way for drivers to maximize fuel economy. Using an electric motor and battery with a gasoline engine results in incredible fuel economy figures without much extra effort from drivers. Still, hybrids may not be the ideal choice for everyone, as they’re typically more expensive than conventional gas-powered vehicles. 

For drivers who might not want a hybrid but still want something efficient, there are plenty of vehicles out there with fuel-sipping gas engines. Here are the most efficient non-hybrid vehicles in Canada.

Hyundai Venue: 7.5 L/100 km 

The Hyundai Venue provides exceptional fuel economy despite being a taller crossover. Its small 1.6L four-cylinder engine produces 121 hp and manages to achieve 7.5 L/100 km, despite its less aerodynamic body. 

Mazda3 Sedan: 7.5 L/100 km 

Despite having a larger 2.5L engine, Mazda’s SkyActiv technology allows its engines to achieve higher fuel efficiency while having an impressive power output. The 191-hp four-cylinder engine also manages to achieve the same fuel efficiency as the Venue — 7.5 L/100 km — despite being larger and more powerful.

Mini Cooper: 7.4 L/100 km

The Mini Cooper is a sporty and stylish choice that’s surprisingly efficient. Its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces an impressive 201 hp and manages to achieve 7.4 L/100 km by using a seven-speed automatic transmission. It is important to note that the Mini requires premium fuel, which is more expensive. 

Volkswagen Jetta: 7.4 L/100 km

The Jetta is a strong contender for those who want an economical compact sedan. It comes standard with a tiny 1.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 158 hp and is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The overall result is an efficiency rating of a combined 7.4 L/100 km.  

Honda Accord: 7.3 L/100 km

For a larger sedan, the Honda Accord manages to remain an economic choice. Its 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and produces an impressive 191 hp. This gives the Accord a combined fuel economy figure of 7.3 L/100 km, a strong figure for a larger sedan. 

Kia K4 (LX trim): 7.0 L/100 km 

Making the top five most fuel-efficient non-hybrids is Kia’s new K4 sedan. The K4’s naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder produces 147 hp and is connected to a CVT. Opting for the LX trim significantly improves fuel efficiency, as the absence of drive mode select means the car is permanently in eco mode. This, combined with the LX’s smaller 16-inch wheels, results in an impressive fuel economy figure of 7.0 L/100 km combined. 

Nissan Versa: 6.8 L/100 km 

Being one of the last subcompact cars available, the small and light Nissan Versa achieves impressive fuel consumption figures. It uses a tiny naturally aspirated 1.6L four-cylinder engine producing only 122 hp and is connected to a CVT, and its light weight and small size help the Versa achieve 6.8 L/100 km. 

Honda Civic Sedan: 6.7 L/100 km

The Civic has always been seen as a smart economic choice. Its naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder engine produces 148 hp and is connected to a CVT. This, paired with the Civic’s light weight and aerodynamic shape, helps it achieve a great consumption rating of 6.7 L/100 km. 

Nissan Sentra: 6.6 L/100 km 

The Sentra is very similar to the Civic, and also uses a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder that makes 149 hp connected to a CVT. This powertrain, along with the Sentra’s light weight, allows the Versa to achieve an efficient 6.6 L/100 km. 

Hyundai Elantra with Stop/Start: 6.5 L/100 km 

The most efficient non-hybrid vehicle on sale in Canada is the Hyundai Elantra equipped with the start/stop function. The Elantra uses the same engine as the Kia K4, a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 147 hp. However, the very important addition of the stop/start feature that shuts off the engine at traffic lights greatly improves the Elantra’s fuel economy. As a result, it achieves an impressive combined consumption rating of 6.5 L/100 km.