Against 335 other V8 cars rated 2004–2006, the SSR sits right on their 15.6 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2003, the 5.3L 8-cyl (2003–2004), does 15.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 6L 8-cyl (2005–2006), 15: $83 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet SSR 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 / 18 | 2003–2004 | $2,477 | |
| 6L 8-cyl | 14 / 18 | 2005–2006 | $2,560 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford F-150 gets 15.3 mpg, the Dodge Ram 15.3 mpg and the GMC Sierra 16.9 mpg, next to 15 mpg for the 2006 SSR. The SSR costs the most of them to run: $288 a year more than the GMC Sierra.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.213 |
| Fuel per year | $2,560 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,800 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2004–2006 | +$98 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,588 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 Chevrolet SSR gives up 4 mpg in town: 18 on the highway against 14 in the city, $610 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2006) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the SSR changed over the years
The SSR peaked in 2004 at 16 mpg (14 city, 18 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 15 — 1 mpg apart, or $160 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 15.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2005 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2004 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2003 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet SSR — 2 engines across 2003–2006. 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 $4,588. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 Chevrolet SSR get?
15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2003 the SSR has averaged 15.3 mpg.
Is the 2006 SSR more efficient than the 2005?
About the same: 15 against 15 mpg combined.
Which SSR year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 16 mpg combined (14 city, 18 highway).
Does the SSR get better gas mileage than the Ford F-150?
About the same: 15 mpg for the 2006 SSR against 15.3 for the 2007 Ford F-150.
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