Buyers of hybrid vehicles may not always get the fuel savings they expect, according to new real-world testing by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).
Sales of hybrid vehicles in Australia surged 165 per cent from the first quarter of 2023 to the final quarter of 2024. Hybrids now make up nearly one in six new light vehicle sales across the country.
But AAA’s Real-World Testing Program, which measures vehicle performance on public roads, has found that fuel efficiency savings vary greatly between models. The program compared both hybrid and petrol versions of eight popular vehicles.
Michael Bradley, Managing Director of the AAA, said the program continues to show that lab test results on the windscreens of new cars can differ significantly from real-world performance, and cost-focused consumers should do their research before spending their money.
“New cars rarely achieve real-world consumption equal to lab results, and Australian families and fleet buyers can now see how cars perform on Australian roads, and what their respective running costs will be.”
The most significant fuel savings were found in Toyota’s hybrid models. In urban driving conditions, the Camry hybrid used 50.2 per cent less fuel than its petrol version. The Corolla (49.4 per cent less) and Kluger (44.4 per cent less) also performed well. The RAV4 was also tested and showed strong results.
The Honda CR-V and Suzuki Swift hybrids offered more modest savings of 24 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.
Meanwhile, some hybrids showed limited or no benefit. The GWM Jolion hybrid saved just 17 per cent on fuel compared to its petrol version, less than half the 38 per cent fuel reduction reported in lab testing. The hybrid variant costs around $7,000 more.
The Subaru Forester hybrid used 2.8 per cent more fuel than its petrol counterpart. It also costs roughly $3,000 more. Subaru has since discontinued this mild hybrid and is introducing a new full hybrid model.
The AAA’s testing covers a 93km route around Geelong, Victoria, including urban, rural, and highway driving. The program will assess up to 200 vehicles, including upcoming electric models.
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