Against 301 other 4-cyl cars rated 2009–2011, the HHR sits right on their 25.6 mpg average.
Every Chevrolet HHR engine, compared
The Chevrolet HHR 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21.5 / 30.2 | 2006–2011 | $1,548 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18 mpg, the Nissan Xterra 18 mpg and the Jeep Commander 16 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2011 HHR. The HHR is the cheapest of them to run: $923 a year less than the Jeep Commander.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2009–2011 | −$23 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,517 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Chevrolet HHR gives up 9 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 22 in the city, $506 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (41%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the HHR changed over the years
The HHR peaked in 2011 at 26 mpg (22 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2007 at 23 — 3 mpg apart, or $193 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2010 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2009 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2008 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2007 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2006 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet HHR — 1 engine across 2006–2011. 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 $2,517. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Chevrolet HHR get?
26 mpg combined, 22 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2006 the HHR has averaged 24.8 mpg.
Is the 2011 HHR more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 26 against 26 mpg combined.
Which HHR year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 26 mpg combined (22 city, 31 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the HHR get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
Yes: 26 mpg for the 2011 HHR against 18 for the 2012 Jeep Liberty, about $656 a year less to run.
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