Against 451 other V6 cars rated 2005–2007, the Rainier trails their 19.1 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $317 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2004, the 5.3L 8-cyl (2004–2007), does 16.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.2L 6-cyl (2004–2007), 16: $73 a year apart.
Every Buick Rainier engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 14 / 19.3 | 2004–2007 | $2,327 | |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 14 / 19.8 | 2004–2007 | $2,400 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18.5 mpg, the Nissan Xterra 17 mpg and the Cadillac SRX 16.5 mpg, next to 16.5 mpg for the 2007 Rainier.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2007) | $0.194 |
| Fuel per year | $2,327 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,635 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2005–2007 | +$317 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,838 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2007 Buick Rainier gives up 6 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 14 in the city, $823 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2007) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (43%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Rainier changed over the years
The Rainier peaked in 2007 at 16.5 mpg (14 city, 20 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 16 — 0.5 mpg apart, or $73 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 14 / 20 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2006 | 14 / 20 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2005 | 14 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2004 | 14 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,400 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Buick Rainier — 2 engines across 2004–2007. 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 $3,838. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2007 Buick Rainier get?
16.5 mpg combined, 14 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2004 the Rainier has averaged 16.3 mpg.
Is the 2007 Rainier more efficient than the 2006?
About the same: 16.5 against 16.5 mpg combined.
Does the Rainier get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
No: 16.5 mpg for the 2007 Rainier against 18.5 for the 2008 Jeep Liberty, about $251 a year more to run.
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