Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the 230i beats their 26.3 mpg average by 3.7 mpg, about $180 a year.
Every BMW 230i engine, compared
The BMW 230i was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 25 / 34.6 | 2017–2026 | $1,338 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 42.5 mpg, the Lexus RC 22.3 mpg and the Audi S3 26 mpg, next to 30 mpg for the 2026 230i.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$180 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,680 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 BMW 230i gives up 9 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 26 in the city, $380 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (35%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 230i changed over the years
The 230i peaked in 2026 at 30 mpg (26 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2020 at 27 — 3 mpg apart, or $142 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2023 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2022 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2021 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2020 | 23 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2019 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2018 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2017 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the BMW 230i — 1 engine across 2017–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,680. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 BMW 230i get?
30 mpg combined, 26 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2017 the 230i has averaged 28.7 mpg.
Is the 2026 230i more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 30 against 30 mpg combined.
Which 230i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 30 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 230i get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 30 mpg for the 2026 230i against 42.5 for the 2026 Honda Civic, about $376 a year more to run.
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