Fuel efficiency is one of the top priorities for most car buyers in today’s market, especially in Canada where fuel costs are among the highest in North America. But there’s still a part of the automotive world where economy takes a back seat to size, speed, and luxury. Some cars and SUVs are unapologetically thirsty, trading fuel savings for outrageous horsepower, towing muscle, or all-out excess. For drivers who choose these vehicles, the trade-off is clear: you’ll pay at the pump, but the driving experience is unmatched. Here are ten of the most uneconomical cars sold in North America today and why they continue to attract loyal fans.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has become an icon of brute force. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 makes well over 700 horsepower, but fuel economy figures are laughably low — often dipping into single digits in city driving. On long Canadian highway runs, owners are lucky to crack 20 mpg. Yet enthusiasts don’t buy a Hellcat for frugality. They buy it for the thunderous roar, tire-smoking torque, and the thrill of driving one of the last true American muscle machines. The extra gas money becomes part of the price of admission.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chevy’s Camaro ZL1 is cut from the same cloth as the Hellcat, featuring a 650-horsepower supercharged V8. Its fuel consumption is just as painful, with city numbers in the low teens and highway driving only slightly better. Owners know they’ll be stopping at gas stations often, but the reward is a muscle car with sports car handling and explosive straight-line speed. Canadians who brave winter with a ZL1 tucked away in the garage happily pay the price when summer comes and the roads are dry.
Cadillac Escalade V
Luxury and excess meet head-on in the Cadillac Escalade V. With a supercharged V8 cranking out over 680 horsepower, it’s one of the most powerful full-size SUVs ever made. But this combination of size and performance comes at a steep cost in fuel economy. City numbers hover around 11 mpg, making it one of the thirstiest luxury vehicles on the road. Still, the Escalade V attracts buyers who want both comfort and presence, even if they need deep pockets to keep it fueled on long Canadian road trips.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
The Toyota Tundra is a legend for reliability, but its Achilles’ heel has always been fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro version, built for off-road adventure, is especially uneconomical. Its big engine and heavy-duty frame mean city mileage struggles in the low teens. Canadian owners value the Tundra for its toughness in extreme conditions, whether towing snowmobiles in Alberta or camping in British Columbia, but they accept that gas station stops are part of the deal. For many, the peace of mind of Toyota reliability outweighs the cost of extra fill-ups.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
When Jeep dropped a Hellcat engine into the Grand Cherokee, the result was one of the wildest SUVs ever produced. With 707 horsepower, the Trackhawk accelerates like a sports car, but fuel economy is predictably brutal. Many owners report single-digit mpg in city use, with highway cruising offering only modest improvement. Canadian families who own one laugh at the idea of efficiency, instead reveling in the absurdity of a family hauler that can outrun supercars. The Trackhawk is a guilty pleasure on wheels.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is often overlooked in the full-size SUV segment, but its size and V8 power make it one of the most uneconomical vehicles sold today. Fuel economy in the low teens is the norm, particularly when towing or driving in urban conditions. Still, Canadians appreciate its toughness and towing capacity, particularly in rural regions where practicality often beats efficiency. The Armada is an old-school SUV that refuses to apologize for its thirst.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Mustang Shelby GT500 is a supercar wrapped in muscle car clothing. Its supercharged V8 produces over 700 horsepower, and while its performance is jaw-dropping, fuel efficiency is among the worst in the sports car segment. City numbers hover around 12 mpg, with highway ratings not much higher. Owners don’t care — the GT500 is about adrenaline and track-ready speed. In Canada, it’s one of the ultimate weekend cars, with the gas bill justified by every mile of pure excitement.
GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL is one of the largest SUVs on the market, and its size makes it incredibly practical for big families. But with its big V8, fuel economy is predictably poor. City driving regularly returns single-digit numbers, while highway driving barely cracks into the teens when loaded up. Canadians still flock to the Yukon XL because it offers unmatched space and towing capability, but anyone who buys one knows fuel bills will be hefty, particularly with long road trips across provinces.
Lexus LX 600
The Lexus LX 600 is the luxury twin of the Toyota Land Cruiser, offering rugged capability wrapped in premium comfort. But efficiency is not part of its DNA. With its twin-turbo V6 working hard to move its bulk, real-world numbers are worse than many pickups. Canadian buyers choose it for reliability and status, often using it as the ultimate family SUV. Gas bills are steep, but LX 600 owners are rarely surprised — they’re paying for indestructibility and luxury, not efficiency.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban is a true North American icon. For decades it’s been the vehicle of choice for big families, long road trips, and heavy towing. But its size comes at a cost. With a large V8 under the hood, the Suburban is consistently one of the thirstiest SUVs you can buy. Canadian drivers often use them for cross-country camping or towing trailers, but they accept that fuel costs will be sky-high. The Suburban is about space, comfort, and heritage, not saving pennies at the pump.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
