Against 22 other Plug-in hybrid cars rated 2014–2016, the ELR trails their 36.9 mpg average by 4.9 mpg, about $159 a year.
Every Cadillac ELR engine, compared
The Cadillac ELR 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl Plug-in hybrid | 31 / 34.3 | 2014–2016 | $1,174 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 37.3 mpg, the Audi A3 30.7 mpg and the Lexus RC 21.9 mpg, next to 32 mpg for the 2016 ELR.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2016) | $0.100 |
| Fuel per year | $1,200 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,000 |
| Against other Plug-in hybrid cars, 2014–2016 | +$159 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,367 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2016 Cadillac ELR gives up 2 mpg in town: 33 on the highway against 31 in the city, $75 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2016) | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (6%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the ELR changed over the years
The ELR peaked in 2015 at 33 mpg (31 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2016 at 32 — 1 mpg apart, or $36 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2016 car does 32.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 31 / 33 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2015 | 31 / 35 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 2014 | 31 / 35 | 1 | $1,164 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 3 EPA ratings of the Cadillac ELR — 1 engine across 2014–2016. 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 $2,367. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2016 Cadillac ELR get?
32 mpg combined, 31 city and 33 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2014 the ELR has averaged 32.7 mpg.
Is the 2016 ELR more efficient than the 2015?
No: 32 against 33 mpg combined, about $36 a year more to run.
Which ELR year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 33 mpg combined (31 city, 35 highway).
Does the ELR get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 32 mpg for the 2016 ELR against 37.3 for the 2017 Honda Civic, about $171 a year more to run.
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