Sedan Vs SUV Mileage Explained - Which Car Type Saves More Fuel In Real-World Driving?

If you are new to the world of cars and often wonder “Which gives better mileage between a sedan or an SUV?” Mileage is- how many kilometres a car can run on one litre of fuel, and it is one of the biggest concerns for Indian buyers, especially with rising fuel prices. Let’s have a look at the key difference.

Sedan Vs SUV - Mileage Basics

Generally, sedans usually offer better mileage than SUVs and main reason is that the sedans are lighter, lower and more aerodynamic, which means they need less fuel to move. SUVs, on the other hand, are bigger, taller and heavier, so the engine has to work harder, which results in using more fuel.

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Why Sedans Usually Win On

Mileage

There are three main reasons sedans are more fuel-efficient-

• Lighter weight- Sedans have less body mass compared to SUVs. Less weight means the engine burns less fuel, especially in city traffic.
• Aerodynamic design- Sedans have a sleek and low design that cuts through air easily. This reduces air resistance, especially at highway speeds.
• Smaller engines- Most sedans come with smaller and more efficient engines, designed for smooth daily driving rather than rough terrain.

Because of these reasons, most petrol sedans in India deliver around 15-20 km/l, while diesel sedans can go up to 21-22 km/l in real-world conditions.

Why SUVs Use More Fuel

SUVs are popular for many reasons, but mileage is not usually their strongest point, because-

• SUVs use more metal and stronger parts, which makes them heavier.
• Their tall and wide design creates more air drag, increasing fuel consumption.
• Bigger engines, wider tyres, and sometimes all-wheel-drive systems all add to fuel usage.

As a result, petrol SUVs usually return around 10–15 km/l, while diesel SUVs may do slightly better depending on the model.

Hybrid SUVs

This is where facts get interesting, as Hybrid SUVs like the Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid can offer mileage of up to 28 km/l, which is even better than many sedans. Most sedans fall in the 15–20 km/l range, while most SUVs average 10–15 km/l, unless they use hybrid technology.

When Mileage Isn’t Everything

While sedans are winner on fuel efficiency, SUVs have their own advantages, like-

• Higher ground clearance makes SUVs better for bad roads and potholes.
• SUVs offer bigger boot space and more comfort for families.
• Many drivers like the commanding view of the road.

Modern Technology Is Closing This Gap

Because of hybrid and electric technology, the mileage gap is reducing, as Hybrid SUVs can deliver around 27 km/l, which makes them as efficient as some of the best sedans.

If maximum mileage and low running cost are your top priorities, a sedan still makes more sense. But if you need space, comfort and better road handling and are willing to consider hybrids, a modern SUV can now be nearly as fuel-efficient. But in the end, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, driving conditions and budget.

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