While the basics of fuel efficiency are relatively easy to obtain for manufacturers, it’s more problematic when you’re tasked with creating a tough, powerful and large platform that meets our high expectations as a workhorse while juggling fuel-efficiency obligations.
Thankfully, some manufacturers have continued to perfect their recipe and have created a lineup of no-sacrifices utes that perform well on the road and worksite alike while helping to reduce fuel costs over time.
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Let’s take a look at ten of your best options within the fuel-efficient ute lineup here in Australia by focusing on the most popular single cab utes as a benchmark for fuel efficiency.
1.Ford Ranger
When you think about it, all the things that make a ute great for the worksite and off-road driving also increase its fuel use.
Thankfully, this was obviously a concern for Ford when designing its latest-generation Ranger lineup, which returns some impressive fuel economy figures when you consider its sheer power, towing and off-road abilities.
Across its range of four engine options in total, the base XL variant comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit producing 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque, which results in 3,500kg of braked towing capacity.
Fuel economy is yet to be officially confirmed by Ford for the next-gen Ranger lineup, however, we do know that Ford has rated the base engine at 7.6L/100km on a combined cycle, which drops to 6.9L/100km in the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel variant.
2.Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu’s almighty D-Max range has fast become a fan favourite for Australian buyers, and in its latest generation, has introduced a new turbo-diesel engine as its entry-level powertrain.
The 1.9-litre turbo-diesel unit powering the entry-level lineup kicks up 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, which sees its braked towing capacity capped at 2,800 and 3,000kg respectively for the manual and automatic variants.
Fuel economy for the base model engine sits at 7.0L per 100km on a combined cycle.
There is also a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine offered on the majority of the D-Max which increases its towing capacity to 3,500kg, which returns a combined cycle fuel economy figure of between 7.7-8.0L per 100km, depending on which model you’re opting for.
3.Nissan Navara
Nissan’s versatile Navara lineup offers a single cab, king cab and dual-cab lineup for Australian buyers, which is powered by two engine options.
The base models receive a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel unit producing 120kW of power and 403Nm of torque, while the rest of the range receives a twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
Fuel economy figures stand at 7.2L per 100km for the single turbo diesel unit, while the twin-turbo diesel is rated at 8.1L per 100km on a combined cycle.
4.Toyota HiLux
Perhaps the most famous name in the Australian ute landscape, the Toyota HiLux is available here in single cab chassis, extra cab and double cab configurations with a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 platforms.
Power is supplied by a petrol engine alongside pair of turbo-diesel units, with the base models receiving a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 122kW of power and 245Nm of torque, while the base diesel produces 110kW/400Nm from a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel unit.
Fuel economy for the entry-level petrol HiLux stands between 7.1-8.0L per 100km, depending on your variant and option of 4x2 or 4x4 platforms, while the base model diesel returns figures of 7.4L per 100km.
Toyota’s flagship engine, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque returns fuel efficiency figures of between 7.1-8.1L per 100km on a combined cycle.
5.Mazda BT-50
Mazda has joined the likes of Isuzu with the introduction of a new, smaller capacity turbo-diesel four-cylinder at the base of its range which produces 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
It sits alongside the flagship 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powering the majority of the BT-50 lineup which throws out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque which increases the braked towing capacity figure from 3,00kg in the base model up to 3,500kg.
Mazda’s 1.9-litre turbo-diesel unit is rated at 7.0L/100km on a combined cycle, making it one of the most fuel-efficient utes available in Australia, while the more powerful 3.0-litre turbo-diesel unit is rated at between 7.7-8.0L/100km.
6.Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi has taken a similar approach to other manufacturers with a smaller capacity engine at the base of its range, however, the 2.4-litre petrol unit powering the entry-level GLX Single Cab chassis has to work pretty hard to keep up with demand.
As a result, Mitsubishi’s entry-point into the Triton range returns unimpressive fuel economy figures of 11.4L/100km on a combined cycle, making the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel unit powering the majority of the Triton range by far the best option for both power figures and fuel efficiency.
The powertrain kicks up 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque while returning fuel economy figures of between 7.8L per 100km in the single cab manual, which increase to 8.4L per 100km in the Triton dual cab.
7.Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok range comes powered by a pair of turbo-diesel engines, with the entry-level TDI400 receiving a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 132kW of power and 400Nm of torque, which increases to 420Nm of torque in the TDI420.
This engine is rated at 8.4L per 100km in the form of the TDI400, which increases to 8.9L/100km in the TDI420.
Opting for Volkswagen's more powerful 3.0-litre turbo-diesel increases power to 165kW/500Nm in the TDI500, while the TDI550 produces 165kW and 550Nm from a revised version of the engine.
These powertrains are rated between 9.1-9.7L per 100km on a combined cycle, which positions them on the thirstier side of the ute fuel economy spectrum, however, the Amarok is available only as a dual-cab platform whereas some of its rivals have their fuel economy measured by a lightweight single cab chassis variant.
8.GWM Ute Canon
Introduced to the Australian market as one of the most affordable dual-cab utes on the market, the GWM Ute Cannon has recently received a new five-star ANCAP safety rating to increase its appeal Down Under.
The range is powered by a single engine, which comes in the form of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit producing 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system.
Braked towing capacity is capped at 3,000kg, while the 4x2 variant’s fuel economy figure stands at 8.3L per 100km. Opting for the four-wheel drive variant increases fuel use to 9.4L per 100km.
9.Toyota 70 Series
While it might not be the most popular variant in the lineup, Toyota’s 70 Series ute remains an Aussie hero for those looking for a powerful, tough and dependable platform that isn’t afraid to get its toes dirty.
It’s powered by a 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 unit that produces 151kW of power and 430Nm of torque which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
All that power does, however, come at the expense of fuel economy, with the 70 Series returning less-than-stellar figures when it comes to fuel efficiency. Officially, the 70 Series is rated at 10.7L per 100km.
10.RAM 1500
The last entrant on our list is more of a compare and contrast exercise for fuel efficiency, because at its heart, the RAM 1500 is powered by a massive 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol that produces a massive 291kW of power and 556Nm of torque and makes its competitors look like athletes when it comes to fuel efficiency.
In spite of the new 48-volt ‘eTorque’ mild hybrid and stop/start system with cylinder deactivation, the RAM 1500 returns a thirsty fuel economy score of 12.2L per 100km on a combined cycle, which shows you just how much of a difference a turbo-diesel powertrain can make in a ute when it comes to fuel efficiency.
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FAQs
Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient UTE in Australia | OnlineAuto.com.au? ›
Ford Ranger
We know you were waiting for it. The most fuel-efficient 4x4 on the market is the ever-popular Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger consumes 8.9l/100km. Powered by 3.2 Litre Turbo Diesel and 6 speed Automatic Transmission.
- Mazda BT-50 XS 4x2 dual-cab 1.9-litre single-turbo diesel, six-speed automatic, 4x2 - 6.7L/100km.
- Isuzu D-Max SX 4x2 dual-cab 1.9-litre single-turbo diesel, six-speed automatic, 4x2 6.7L/100km.
| Price | L/100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda BT-50 GT | $57,290 | 9.3 |
| Toyota Hilux SR5 | $58,680 | 9.5 |
| Isuzu D-Max LS-U | $59,000 | 9.65 |
| Nissan Navara Pro-4X | $58,730 | 9.83 |
Ford Ranger
We know you were waiting for it. The most fuel-efficient 4x4 on the market is the ever-popular Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger consumes 8.9l/100km. Powered by 3.2 Litre Turbo Diesel and 6 speed Automatic Transmission.
| Make | Model | Combined fuel consumption (L/100km) |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Corolla Cross | 4.4L |
| Lexus | UX | 4.5L |
| Toyota | Camry | 4.5L |
| Suzuki | Swift | 4.6L |
Toyota HiLux 2021 Fuel consumption
The Toyota HiLux currently offers fuel consumption from 6.9 to 11.1L/100km.
About the 2022 Toyota HiLux SR5 (4x4)
Toyota claims the HiLux SR5 (4x4) uses 7.9L/100km of Diesel in the combined city and highway cycle while putting out 207g of CO2.
Toyota's claimed overall turbo-diesel fuel economy (the average of urban + highway driving) is 10.7 L/100km. We recommend it will more often be around the 12 – 14L/100km range. That's unladen.
What is the fuel economy of a Landcruiser ute? ›Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series 2021 Fuel consumption
The Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series currently offers fuel consumption from 10.7 to 10.7L/100km.
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
|---|---|
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 10.7L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 15.6L/100km |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel tank size | 130L |
Which 4x4 consumes less fuel? ›
The most fuel-efficient 4x4 pickup truck is the new 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid. It's not a plug-in hybrid; the gasoline engine charges the electric batteries while you drive, and then the electric motor works together with the gas engine to reduce gasoline usage and provide speedy acceleration.
Is AWD more fuel-efficient than 4WD? ›While vehicles with AWD aren't as fuel-efficient as 2WD models, they typically get better gas mileage than those with 4WD.
What is the best fuel to use in Australia? ›Diesel fuel is known for its high energy density and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for long-distance driving and heavy-duty applications. Diesel engines are often more fuel-efficient than petrol engines, providing better fuel economy and lower emissions.
How much does it cost to fill up a car Australia? ›5 most fuel-efficient cars (including EVs)
In recent years, Tesla's Model 3 has been crowned the most fuel-efficient vehicle. But in 2022 Lucid's Air Pure edged Tesla out with an equivalent combined MPG of 140. Here are the more fuel-efficient cars overall: 2023 Lucid Air Pure: 140 MPG; MSRP from $87,400.
Toyota Hilux
Power comes from a 150PS 2.4-litre diesel engine that is capable of returning fuel economy of 40.4mpg and gives the Hilux a maximum towing weight of 3.5 tonnes.
It's the most economical engine in the Hilux range when equipped with a manual gearbox managing around 33mpg while emitting 224g/km of CO2. Choosing the automatic gearbox reduces economy to around 30mpg and increases emissions to 246g/km.
How many miles per gallon does a 2023 Toyota Hilux get? ›According to the latest WLTP figures, the facelifted Toyota Hilux range should return between 27.1mpg and 33.2mpg, depending on model. There is little difference on paper between the 2.4D and the 2.8D.
Which Toyota is most fuel-efficient? ›Out of all the 2021 Toyota models, the Toyota Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient Toyota vehicle with an estimated 54 city mpg and 133 highway mpg. 1 Still, if you've been searching for a fuel-efficient Toyota for sale, you'll want to browse the full lineup of hybrid and electric Toyota vehicles.
How many miles per gallon does a Toyota Hilux 3.0 diesel get? ›The emissions figure for the 3.0 D-4D Double Cab automatic has fallen to 227g/km and the manual to 203g/km. Combined fuel consumption figures are improved from 31.7 to 32.8mpg and 34.0 to 36.7mpg respectively.
Which is better Hilux diesel or petrol? ›
A quick guide is that in the workmanlike single-cab models if you are using a single cab bakkie for light loads, you would probably be advised to go for a petrol variant if affordability is what you are looking for. The extra torque of the diesel, for heavier loads, would be recommended in this use case.
What is the fuel economy of a Commodore ute? ›It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 9.9L/100km for Ute /ULP for the latest year the model was manufactured.
What is the fuel economy of a 1HZ ute? ›Any 1HZ engine review will always make the point that this is a long-life engine that won't quit in a hurry. Perhaps the biggest downside is 1HZ fuel economy which will range from about 11 to 13 litres per 100km.
Who makes the most fuel efficient V8 engine? ›2022 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
At 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined, Turbo S E-Hybrids have the best fuel efficiency. The 4.0-liter turbo hybrid V8 engine in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid cranks out 690 horsepower and 641 lb-ft of torque.
Well the reality is the Landcruiser 200 diesel is an extremely fuel efficient vehicle and it has surpassed all my expectations. Technology has certainly come a long way and it is possible to have a V8 engine that manages to make you smile at the bowser.
Which Landcruiser has the best fuel consumption? ›- 40 series: 70 litres.
- 60 series: 90 litres.
- 80 series: 145 litres.
- 100 series: 145 litres.
- 200 series: 138 litres.
Conclusion. The Toyota 79 Series Landcruiser Ute is a great vehicle choice for those looking for an upgrade from their smaller Utes. It's comfortable and luxurious while handling tough terrain and hauling large loads. If you're considering purchasing a new Ute, give the Toyota 79 Series Landcruiser Ute a test drive.
Is 88 or 87 more fuel efficient? ›According to experts, unleaded 88 gets slightly lower gas mileage than regular unleaded and gives off fewer carbon emissions, but the differences are minor.
What is the mpg on a 1997 LandCruiser diesel? ›The 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser gets 12 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway.
What is the fuel economy of a LC70? ›The LC70's VD-series (4461cc) turbo-diesel produces 151kW and 430Nm in Australian delivered models and is matched exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission. The combination offers claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 10.7 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 309 grams per kilometre.
Is there a truck that gets 30 mpg? ›
The 2022 Silverado 1500 comes with a newly designed cabin, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 13.4-inch touchscreen. The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 share many of the same elements, including the Duramax engine. The Sierra yields 30 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG in the city.
Which 4x4 has the least problems? ›- Volvo XC40 - 93.69% The Volvo XC40 continues to hold a solid reputation for reliability. ...
- Kira Niro - 93.71% ...
- Toyota C-HR - 93.96% ...
- Kia e-Niro - 94.36% ...
- Kia Xceed - 95.56% ...
- Mazda CX-5 - 95.57% ...
- Hyundai Kona - 95.71%
- RAM 1500 EcoDiesel 4×4 (24 MPG)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax Diesel 4×4 (24 MPG) ...
- Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD (23 MPG) ...
- Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid 4×4 (23 MPG) ...
- Ford Ranger 4×4 (22 MPG) ...
Disadvantages of All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Compared to standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) models, all-wheel drive models have reduced fuel economy ratings. This is because AWD systems use a small portion of fuel to operate.
4WD and AWD can cause overconfidence in drivers, ironically leading to more situations where you can become stuck. Although 4WD improves traction, slow down and use extreme caution on icy, snowy, and slick roads. Overconfidence can lead to dangerous accidents.
Does turning off 4WD save gas? ›Worse Gas Mileage
In general, cars equipped with 2-wheel drive get better gas mileage than models that use all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. There's a reason: AWD or 4WD cars have to send power to each of the vehicle's wheels, which requires extra energy.
The answer is simple: they just have very loyal customers. To purchase their gas, you have to be a member, and membership sales make up about 75 percent of the chain's profit.
Why is Australian fuel so expensive? ›“International benchmark prices and the value of the Australian dollar have the most influence on the price consumers pay for fuel,” the ACCC said on its website. “Pricing decisions by wholesalers and retailers, and levels of competition in different locations [also] influence fuel prices.”
What is the most common fuel in Australia? ›Unleaded 91 petrol is the most common type of fuel in Australia, and can be found at pretty much every petrol station. Most cars will be able to use it, although you may find the more premium fuel to be more fuel efficient, depending on what car you have.
What is the most reliable SUV in Australia? ›The cheapest and most reliable compact SUVs can vary depending on factors such as brand, model, and year. However, some popular models that consistently rank well in reliability, performance and affordability include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester.
Is there an SUV that gets 50 mpg? ›
The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid is the hybrid SUV with the best gas mileage of any 2022 SUV: 53 mpg in the city, and 48 mpg on the highway, for a combined EPA rating of 50 mpg. Considering the average 2022 vehicle gets 27 mpg, you can save $6,000 a year with the Kia Niro Hybrid, according to the EPA.
What is the fuel economy of cars in Australia? ›All rights reserved. Around 1 million light-duty vehicles (LDVs) were sold in Australia in 2019, a slight dip compared with 2017 and 2018. The average fuel consumption of new LDVs in 2019 was 8.3 litres of gasoline equivalent (Lge/ 100 km) in Australia.
Is it cheap to own a car in Australia? ›A study has revealed that Australia is the most affordable country in the world to own a car. Australia is the most affordable country in the world to own a brand-new car, according to a new study out of the UK.
How much is tax on a car in Australia? ›The luxury car tax threshold will rise by 6.6% for fuel-efficient vehicles and 3.9% for other vehicles that are imported, acquired, or sold in the 2022-23 financial year (FY), as compared to the previous financial year's threshold.
Is fuel expensive in Australia? ›Sydney Gasoline prices, litre
The average value for Sydney during that period was 1.66 Australian Dollar with a minimum of 1.60 Australian Dollar on 23-Jan-2023 and a maximum of 1.70 Australian Dollar on 10-Apr-2023. For comparison, the average price of gasoline in the world for this period is 2.69 Australian Dollar.
Toyota's new Dynamic Force Engine has made a breakthrough in thermal efficiency in being 40 percent efficient as a conventional engine and 41 percent efficient in hybrid form. Most internal combustion engines are only 20 percent thermally efficient, according to Green Car Reports.
What mph is most fuel-efficient? ›The Energy Saving Trust says that the most efficient speed you can travel in a car in terms of achieving the best fuel economy is 55-65mph. Any faster, though, and the fuel efficiency decreases rapidly. For example, driving at 85mph uses 40% more fuel than at 70mph (oh, and it's illegal too).
What is the least fuel-efficient car ever? ›1. The least fuel-efficient car - Audi S8. It offers savage straight-line performance and is incredibly comfortable, but there's no getting around the fact that this go-faster version of the Audi A8 luxury limousine will be hideously expensive to run.
What is the fuel economy of a FG Falcon ute? ›The fuel consumption is estimated at 8 L/100 km (29 mpg‑US; 35 mpg‑imp). The Falcon will be the first rear drive application using the Ecoboost engine, however, not capable of matching 370 N⋅m (270 lb⋅ft) of torque available at as low as 1500 rpm on the 4.0L petrol version.
What ute is more popular in Australia? ›The new Ford Ranger has topped the VFACTS ute sales charts for the first quarter of 2023, sitting more than 1000 units ahead of its arch Toyota HiLux rival.
What is the fuel economy of a 79 series Landcruiser ute? ›
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
|---|---|
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 10.7L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 15.6L/100km |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel tank size | 130L |
What is the MPG for a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser? The 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser gets 12 mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway.
What is the mpg on a Plymouth K car? ›The manual transmission provided acceleration of 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 10 seconds, while the automatic was between 13 and 14 seconds, similar to or better than most competitors, while fuel economy was rated by the EPA at 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) city and 41 mpg‑US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg‑imp) highway with ...
What is the fuel economy of a Holden Omega? ›On test, fuel consumption sat at around 10.1L/100km, an improvement on the previous generation but still a stretch from the claimed 9.3L/100km.
What is the fuel economy of a ls1 LandCruiser? ›Fuel economy driven gently is around 17L/100km, loaded up with the trailer on gets around 21L/100km, and a heavy right foot pushes economy off the charts…
What is the fuel economy of a v8 AU Falcon? ›The Falcon manages a respectable 10.77 liters per 100 km or almost 22 mpg. Running flat out most of the time, the Niki burned 5.6 liters per 100 km, the equivalent of 42 mpg. As for who truly wins, it may come down to your preference.
What is Raptor mpg? ›city. 18. highway. 6.2 gals/100 miles. Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners.
What is the mpg on a 1969 Ford Falcon? ›Ford boasted of the good fuel economy achieved by the six-cylinder Ford Falcon models in advertising. The fuel economy was good, a claimed 30 mpg‑US (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg‑imp), compared to other American cars at the time.
What is the strongest ute? ›- The world's most powerful ute has finally arrived on Australian shores.
- The Ram TRX boats a 6.2L supercharged V8 that generates 702 horsepower.
- It is three-times more powerful than the popular Toyota HiLux.
- The TRX costs an eyewatering $199,950 plus on-road costs.