With Ontario drivers paying 165.9 ¢/L this March and gas prices potentially climbing toward $2/L, fuel economy has become a top priority for Canadian car shoppers. This ranking shows exactly which 2026 Hyundai saves the most money at the pump, based on NRCan's official 2026 Fuel Consumption Guide. All annual cost estimates assume 20,000 km of driving per year at 165.9 ¢/L.
We've divided the lineup into three tiers: electric vehicles (measured in Le/100 km), plug-in hybrids (which combine electric and gas operation), and traditional hybrids (no charging required). Gas-only models appear at the end for comparison.
Tier 1: Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles use Le/100 km (litres equivalent per 100 km), which measures energy consumption in terms comparable to gasoline. These figures are not directly comparable to gas vehicles, but they show relative efficiency within the EV segment.
The 2026 IONIQ 5 Long Range RWD leads the Hyundai EV lineup at 1.9 Le/100 km combined and is ranked #5 in its class nationally for efficiency. It's rated at 504 km of range. The IONIQ 9 RWD offers the longest range in the Hyundai lineup at 539 km, with a combined rating of 2.6 Le/100 km. The all-new IONIQ 9 three-row SUV seats seven passengers and features a 110.3 kWh battery with 800V charging architecture, allowing 10% to 80% charge in about 18 minutes under optimal conditions.
|
Model
|
Combined (Le/100 km)
|
*Ontario $/yr
|
|
IONIQ 5 Long Range RWD
|
1.9
|
$608
|
|
Kona Electric
|
2.0
|
$652
|
|
IONIQ 5 LR AWD (19")
|
2.3
|
$724
|
|
IONIQ 5 LR AWD (20")
|
2.4
|
$774
|
|
IONIQ 5 LR AWD XRT
|
2.5
|
$799
|
|
IONIQ 9 RWD
|
2.6
|
$828
|
|
IONIQ 9 AWD
|
2.7
|
$857
|
|
IONIQ 9 AWD Performance
|
2.8
|
$889
|
|
IONIQ 5 N
|
3.0
|
$961
|
Tier 2: Plug-In Hybrid
The 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is Hyundai's only PHEV offering. It features 51 km of electric-only range, which covers most Ontario daily commutes without using a drop of gasoline. Once the battery depletes, the 1.6L turbo hybrid system kicks in automatically and delivers 6.7 L/100 km in hybrid mode.
Ontario drivers can estimate an annual cost of approximately $1,540 for the Tucson PHEV, assuming a pairing of electric and gas operation. If you charge at home and your daily round trip is under 50 km, you'll rarely visit a gas station.
Tier 3: Hybrids
Hybrids require no charging and offer the strongest value proposition for general Ontario buyers. They combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery, recovering energy through regenerative braking and delivering significantly better fuel economy than gas-only models.
The 2026 Elantra Hybrid leads the hybrid lineup at 4.7 L/100 km combined (4.8 city, 4.5 highway), which translates to an estimated $1,559 per year in fuel costs. Compared to the gas-only Elantra at 6.8 L/100 km, the hybrid saves approximately $697 per year.
The Sonata Hybrid follows at 5.0 L/100 km combined, with an estimated annual cost of $1,659. The Tucson Hybrid delivers 6.7 L/100 km combined and saves approximately $697 per year compared to the gas Tucson AWD. The Santa Fe Hybrid AWD is rated at 6.9 L/100 km combined and is ranked as the most fuel-efficient three-row midsize SUV in Canada by NRCan.
The Palisade Hybrid AWD rounds out the hybrid lineup at 8.1 L/100 km combined, with an estimated annual cost of $2,688. Compared to the gas Palisade AWD at 11.9 L/100 km, the hybrid saves approximately $1,260 per year.
|
Model
|
Combined (L/100 km)
|
*Ontario $/yr
|
|
Elantra Hybrid
|
4.7
|
$1,559
|
|
Sonata Hybrid
|
5.0
|
$1,659
|
|
Tucson Hybrid
|
6.7
|
$2,223
|
|
Santa Fe Hybrid AWD
|
6.9
|
$2,289
|
|
Palisade Hybrid AWD
|
8.1
|
$2,688
|
Tier 4: Gas-Only Models
If you're not ready to go hybrid or electric, these are the most efficient gas-only options in the Hyundai lineup. The Elantra with Stop/Start technology leads at 6.8 L/100 km combined, with an estimated annual cost of $2,256. The Venue and Kona with Stop/Start are tied at 7.5 L/100 km combined, making them ideal for compact SUV shoppers who want the best gas-only efficiency.
The standard Kona (without Stop/Start) delivers 7.6 L/100 km combined. The Tucson AWD and Sonata AWD both deliver 8.8 L/100 km combined. The Santa Fe AWD delivers 10.7 L/100 km combined, while the Palisade AWD delivers 11.9 L/100 km combined.
|
Model
|
Combined (L/100 km)
|
*Ontario $/yr
|
|
Elantra (Stop/Start)
|
6.8
|
$2,256
|
|
Elantra
|
6.9
|
$2,289
|
|
Venue
|
7.5
|
$2,488
|
|
Kona (Stop/Start)
|
7.5
|
$2,488
|
|
Kona
|
7.6
|
$2,522
|
|
Kona AWD (Stop/Start)
|
8.5
|
$2,820
|
|
Kona AWD / Sonata AWD
|
8.6
|
$2,853
|
|
Sonata / Tucson AWD
|
8.8
|
$2,920
|
|
Kona AWD 1.6T
|
9.0
|
$2,986
|
|
Elantra N (M6)
|
9.7
|
$3,218
|
|
Elantra N (AM8)
|
10.4
|
$3,451
|
|
Santa Fe AWD
|
10.7
|
$3,550
|
|
Santa Fe AWD XRT
|
11.2
|
$3,716
|
|
Santa Cruz AWD
|
11.4
|
$3,783
|
|
Santa Cruz AWD XRT
|
11.5
|
$3,816
|
|
Palisade AWD
|
11.9
|
$3,948
|
|
Palisade AWD XRT Pro
|
12.7
|
$4,214
|
Tips to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
If you drive a hybrid or gas-only Hyundai, these habits will help you get closer to the official NRCan ratings. Accelerate smoothly and anticipate stops to maximize regenerative braking in hybrids. Maintain steady highway speeds between 90 and 100 km/h, as fuel consumption increases significantly above 110 km/h.
Keep tires properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. Remove roof racks and cargo carriers when not in use, as they create aerodynamic drag. Use cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speed, and minimize idling by turning off the engine during long waits.
For plug-in hybrid owners, charge at home whenever possible to maximize electric-only driving. For EV owners, precondition the cabin while plugged in to preserve battery range, and use seat and steering wheel heaters instead of blasting cabin heat.
Come See the Full 2026 Hyundai Lineup at Woodstock Hyundai
With gas prices at 165.9 ¢/L in Ontario this March and analysts warning of a potential climb toward $2/L, fuel economy has never mattered more. The 2026 Hyundai lineup offers strong options across every powertrain type, from the ultra-efficient IONIQ 5 Long Range to the practical Elantra Hybrid and the family-friendly Palisade Hybrid.
