Rising Gas Prices: The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs in 2026

The rise in gas prices since the start of the conflict in the Middle East is putting a strain on many drivers’ budgets, and oil prices are likely to remain volatile over the coming months. To save money at the pump, there are several options and driving habits we’ve discussed here.

If you’re shopping for a new car, fuel economy is likely at the top of your list of priorities. We’ve already highlighted the most affordable electric models that reduce your reliance on gas stations. Now, let’s take a closer look at the 5 cars and 5 SUVs with the best fuel economy in 2026.

We don’t necessarily recommend switching vehicles just to reduce your fuel costs. From a financial standpoint, it’s often more cost-effective to keep your current vehicle (unless your needs have changed) and adjust your driving habits.

Note: Fuel consumption figures combine city and highway driving and are provided by Natural Resources Canada. The prices listed do not include shipping, handling, administrative, and RDPRM fees, nor do they include excise taxes.

5. Honda Accord Hybrid (5.3 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $43,700.

Reliable, refined, elegant, and a pleasure to drive, the Honda Accord remains an excellent car. However, it suffers from its market positioning. Its smaller sibling, the Civic, offers the same qualities and gives you almost as much for less money. Furthermore, its longtime rival, the Toyota Camry, offers optional all-wheel drive and a full range of trim levels.

4. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Camry (5 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $36,199 and $35,075, respectively.

The Sonata Hybrid is returning to Canada after a two-year hiatus, but only in a single mid-range trim level (Preferred Trend). However, customers overwhelmingly prefer the Toyota Camry, as does the Car Guide team, which named it Best Buy in the midsize sedan category for its high reliability and low expected depreciation.

3. Honda Civic Hybride (4.9 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $34,100.

Although it commands a higher price tag than the Toyota Corolla and lacks all-wheel drive, the Honda Civic more than makes up for it with its driving pleasure, lively performance, and superior refinement. Both of these compact cars remain easy to recommend for consumers looking for a long-term ownership experience.

2. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Hybrid (4.7 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $31,499 and $27,990, respectively.

These two compact hybrid sedans went head-to-head against the Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius in a comparison test organized for the 2026 Car Guide. Without giving away the results, let’s just say that the Elantra’s appealing design and comfort earned it points, unlike its limited lineup, which consists of only one model. For its part, the Corolla delighted testers with its all-wheel-drive option and practical qualities, but its bland interior failed to impress.

1. Toyota Prius Plug-in (4.5 L/100 km and a range of 72 km)

Retail price: starting at $40,150.

Fun to look at and drive, this pioneer of hybrid technology offers a more inviting experience and design than the Corolla, though its interior is less spacious than the Camry’s. Thanks to incentives, the monthly payments for the plug-in Prius are comparable to those of the standard Prius, the only model available with all-wheel drive.

5. Lexus NX 350h (6 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $58,025.

Let’s now turn our attention to SUVs and crossovers. As the luxury cousin of the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, the NX embodies Lexus’s core values: meticulous build quality (assembled in Canada), a smooth ride, reassuring safety and reliability ratings, and elegant, understated styling. On the downside, cargo space is below average.

4. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (5.9 L/100 km and a range of 60 km)

Retail price: starting at $41,599.

Although production of the Ford Escape ended in December 2025, dealership inventories remain well-stocked. You can choose between an efficient hybrid powertrain (6 L/100 km) with all-wheel drive or a plug-in hybrid model (front-wheel drive only) that, curiously, costs less. While the Escape PHEV’s range may seem appealing, its poor reliability record calls for caution.

3. Lexus UX 300h and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (5.6 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $36,160 and $44,795, respectively.

These two subcompact SUVs share the same platform and powertrain. The UX stands out for its level of luxury but falls short due to its cramped interior. For its part, the gasoline-powered Corolla Cross is the most fuel-efficient non-electric SUV on the market, while its hybrid variant offers remarkable fuel efficiency despite its higher power output. Both the Lexus and the Toyota make up for long delivery times with their reasonable ownership costs.

2. Toyota RAV4 (5.5 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $37,500.

Completely redesigned in 2026, the Toyota RAV4 features a subtle stylistic evolution that should appeal to its loyal customers. Despite some slightly flimsy build quality, it continues to stand out for its value for money. Notable features include increased cargo space, an updated multimedia system, improved handling, and a highly efficient hybrid powertrain that comes standard.

1. Kia Niro (4.4 L/100 km)

Retail price: starting at $30,845.

Across all categories, the Kia Niro is the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in vehicle and the most affordable hybrid (after the Toyota Corolla). Its track record of reliability inspires confidence, and its compact exterior belies an interior spacious enough for a small family. It’s worth noting that current manufacturer rebates and available incentives make the Niro plug-in hybrid and electric models very attractive.