Against 279 other 4-cyl cars rated 1984–1986, the LASER sits right on their 25.2 mpg average.
Every Chrysler LASER engine, compared
The Chrysler LASER 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 | 20.7 / 30.3 | 1984–1986 | $1,580 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1986) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1984–1986 | −$47 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,700 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1986 Chrysler LASER gives up 10 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 22 in the city, $545 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1986) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (45%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the LASER changed over the years
The LASER peaked in 1986 at 26 mpg (22 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1984 at 23 — 3 mpg apart, or $193 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1986 model gains 2 mpg against 24 for the 1985.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1985 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1984 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 |
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 Chrysler LASER — 1 engine across 1984–1986. 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 $2,700. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1986 Chrysler LASER get?
26 mpg combined, 22 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the LASER has averaged 24.3 mpg.
Is the 1986 LASER more efficient than the 1985?
Yes: 26 against 24 mpg combined, about $123 a year less to run.
Which LASER year has the best gas mileage?
The 1986, at 26 mpg combined (22 city, 32 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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