Boost Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency
Owners
5 MIN READ
Luxury Can Be Practical
Looking for Great Fuel Economy?
If you’re in the market for your first luxury vehicle, the thought of owning a beautiful new SUV may have crossed your mind. Or, maybe you’re more into the idea of a sport coupe with copious power under the hood – or a full-size luxury sedan. Regardless of what make and model you’re after, the rising price of gas is something to think about when shopping for a luxury vehicle. After all, it’s a major purchase, and being an informed consumer means thinking through how your next car will fit into your life – ideally, for years to come.
But who says driving a beautiful car can’t also be practical? INFINITI is all about designing luxury vehicles for real life. It’s why we created both the QX50 crossover and QX55 crossover coupe – two vehicles that prove an exhilarating ride can also be totally pragmatic. When it comes to luxury crossovers like these, we’ve got a few tips for those looking to get the most out of a full tank.
It’s All Relative
What Is Good Fuel Efficiency?
Many Canadians have questions about what actually constitutes good fuel economy – and that’s understandable. Different vehicles have different capabilities, and driving conditions are bound to factor in.
With regard to luxury cars, there isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all answer; no magic number to indicate that a certain model's fuel efficiency will be the perfect fit for you. Since luxury car buyers are seeking a host of amenities alongside efficient engine performance, ‘good’ fuel economy can be relative. It’s more about finding the lowest possible fuel consumption figures among the vehicles on your shortlist.
For a little more context, the average fuel economy of a small luxury SUV is 10.3 L/100 km. 1 The QX50 and QX55 both sit under that figure, with combined fuel economies of 9.7 L/100 km and 9.5 L/100 km, respectively.
That’s, in part, because they both pack our celebrated VC-Turbo engine, which automatically shifts between power and efficiency settings as you press and release the gas. In other words, they conserve fuel until you really hit that throttle – then they let loose. [[440]]
The 4 Big Factors
What Affects Fuel Economy?
There are a number of things that affect a car’s fuel efficiency. From the vehicle itself to driving habits and conditions, it’s important to have an idea of all the variables, so you can get the most out of each tank. Here are the four main factors that contribute to a vehicle’s fuel consumption.
1. Vehicle Weight and Aerodynamics
Perhaps unsurprisingly, heavier, less aerodynamic cars aren’t the most efficient. But there’s a common misconception that installing lighter tires can work to boost fuel economy. While this may have some small effect, the overall weight of a vehicle – and its aerodynamics – are much more liable to make or break efficiency.2
If you’re thinking about an INFINITI, the QX50 crossover is a leading innovator in its use of lightweight materials. And the QX55 crossover coupe has remarkably aerodynamic design compared to many other luxury CUVs.
2. Engine Size and Type
If you’re looking for a luxury vehicle that goes lighter on fuel, you’ll want to consider something with a more compact engine size. That’s because engines with, say, four cylinders are often more efficient than those with six or eight. Offering a standard four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, QX50 and QX55 both have you covered on that front.
Want to totally optimize engine performance? It’s typically recommended that you use premium gas, which makes sense, since the vast majority of luxury vehicles are designed for it.3
3. Driving Habits
Your car's specs are only half of the fuel economy equation. The way you drive can also contribute to fuel efficiency – or lack thereof. For instance, aggressive acceleration and braking are more likely to burn through gas. The same goes for speeding.
Operating the pedals with a little more restraint, meaning gradual changes in foot pressure, can really help your vehicle sip – rather than guzzle – the fuel in its tank.4
4. Road Conditions
The specific road you’re on also factors into fuel economy. For instance, cruising down an open highway tends to be more fuel efficient than weaving through stop-and-go traffic.
Then, there’s the weather to think about. Driving on a nice dry stretch of asphalt is typically easier on the tank than trekking through ice and snow. That’s because the latter causes wheel slippage, which means a bump in engine output. Both the QX50 and QX55 offer Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to boost your grip – and your efficiency. [[432]]
Make Efficiency a Habit
How to Increase Fuel Economy
So, you’ve got the right vehicle. The weather conditions are clear and sunny as far as the eye can see. Now, getting the best fuel economy comes down to how you drive. Here are some practical things you can do to get the most out of a full tank.4
Driving Tips for Fuel Efficiency
- Accelerate gently and with intent
- Keep a steady pace (Intelligent Cruise Control helps) [[152]]
- Use GPS-based apps to anticipate traffic
- Avoid going faster than you need to
- Coast rather than brake to decelerate
- Don’t idle unless it’s necessary 5
More Tips to Keep In Mind
- Measure your tire pressure monthly
- Try not to carry unnecessary weight
- Remove unused roof and bike racks
- Use your AC wisely – and sparingly
- Pay attention to your fuel consumption display, and track how often you fill up
- Plan your routes to avoid streets with too many stoplights – and rush hour
- Combine trips so your engine warms up to its most fuel efficient temperature 4
What’s Your Car Consuming?
How to Calculate Fuel Economy
While it’s easy enough to look up the fuel economy rating of any make or model, calculating your actual vehicle’s fuel efficiency gives you a better idea of the gas it’s consuming daily. An important thing to remember is that, in Canada, fuel economy is measured in litres per 100 km. So, here’s the formula we use to calculate it.
Litres ÷ distance travelled x 100 = L/100 km.
Don’t feel like doing the math? Most luxury cars come with an in-dash feature that tracks the average fuel economy of your vehicle. INFINITI drivers can find it in QX50 and QX55, on the information display between the gauges.
INFINITI QX50 & QX55
References
- 2023 FUEL CONSUMPTION GUIDE – Government of Canada
- AUTOSMART FACT SHEET – Natural Resources Canada
- PREMIUM VS. REGULAR GAS: WHICH GRADE SHOULD YOU USE? – Canada Drives
- FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TECHNIQUES – Government of Canada
- ANSWERING YOUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SAVING FUEL – AutoTrader