Popular SUVs put to the ‘Real World Test’
Australia's first Real World Testing program has revealed some of the nation’s best-selling SUVs are using up to 13% more fuel when compared to the results of laboratory testing prior to release on the Australian market.
The Real World Testing program has been developed in conjunction with the Australian Commonwealth Government, whereby vehicles are tested against the same testing protocol for consistency and transparency.
Nine SUVs were tested by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) to see how closely their manufacturer’s lab results matched their fuel efficiency and emissions performance on real Australia roads, in real Australian conditions.
RACQ Principal Technical Researcher Andrew Kirk, who sat on the AAA’s Real World Testing advisory panel, said the first round of results produced some discrepancies.
“The 2022 Hyundai Kona and 2022 Toyota RAV4 both recorded 13% more fuel usage on the road than they did in a laboratory test,” Mr Kirk said.
“The 2022 Ford Puma and 2023 MG ZS used 8% more fuel on Australian roads in comparison to their manufacturer’s lab tests, but interestingly, the 2023 Nissan X-Trail and 2023 GWM Haval Jolion recorded lower fuel consumption than in their laboratory tests.
“RACQ is proud to support the AAA’s program because buying a new car is a huge investment and motorists deserve to know how their vehicle performs right here in Australia.
“If a car you’re interested in will use more fuel in the real-world compared to its reported lab results, that could affect your hip pocket for years to come.”
The Real World Testing program will empower Queensland motorists to make more informed decisions when buying their next car, using real-world running costs and real-world emissions, rather than figures recorded in an indoor lab overseas.
The results also revealed seven SUVs recorded higher emissions on the road than in a lab setting.
The $14 million federally funded program is set to test around 200 new cars, utes and vans over the next four years.
Find more information or to view the first round of results, visit realworld.org.au.
Make buying your next car easier with RACQ's car comparison hub
Relevant vehicle brands were notified prior to the publication of any testing results. The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Before acting on anything based on this information you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs. The information within this article is only correct as at the date of publication.
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.