Understanding SUV Fuel Efficiency | Ford Australia
POWER & EFFICIENCY
What is fuel efficiency?
Fuel efficiency refers to the distance you can travel in your vehicle on an amount of fuel. Depending on how you use your vehicle, different things you do can affect your fuel efficiency. Find out how you can get the most mileage out of your SUV.
Compare our Fuel Economy
Not all engines are the same
Cars with better fuel efficiency are often cheaper to run and can reduce carbon (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere. Hybrid engines, for example, can travel around 50kms on battery alone and produce zero emissions. Explore the difference between diesel, petrol and hybrid engines below.
Diesel
Diesel engines are often 20-30% more efficient than petrol and have the capacity to take you further off-road by providing increased torque.SUV-Efficiency-Diesel
Petrol
Fuel economy is influenced by how you use your vehicle. Petrol engines are generally better for sports performance and acceleration. However, if you are going to tow a boat, diesel will end up being more economical.SUV-Efficiency-Diesel
Plug-In Hybrid
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, known as a PHEV, uses two sources of power - petrol or diesel, and electricity. A PHEV will have lower CO2 emissions than traditional petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles.SUV-Efficiency-Diesel
Calculating fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is calculated by the distance a car is able to travel on an amount of fuel and is measured in litres per 100km. Certain factors come into play that can have an effect on the fuel efficiency of any given vehicle, such as the road conditions, traffic, weather and your driving habits.
Fuel consumption
vs fuel economy
Fuel consumption involves the calculation of how much fuel any given car consumes to go a certain distance, while fuel economy is concerned with the energy efficiency of a particular vehicle and how much fuel it takes to run.
How to improve fuel efficiency
Servicing
Regular servicing will ensure that your fuel filters and spark plugs are replaced at regular intervals, keeping your vehicle running at its best for longer.
Tyres
Check the pressure and alignment of your tyres. Underinflated tyres will damage prematurely and decrease your fuel economy.
Weight
Put simply, the more you have inside your vehicle, the harder it has to work to pull itself along. Empty your cargo regularly to improve your fuel efficiency.