Against 282 other 4-cyl cars rated 2008–2010, the PT Cruiser trails their 25.1 mpg average by 4.1 mpg, about $299 a year.
Every Chrysler PT Cruiser engine, compared
The Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 19.2 / 25.6 | 2001–2010 | $1,753 |
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 21 mpg for the 2010 PT Cruiser. The PT Cruiser is the cheapest of them to run: $571 a year less than the Jeep Commander.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2010) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2008–2010 | +$299 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,855 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser gives up 5 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 19 in the city, $421 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2010) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the PT Cruiser changed over the years
The PT Cruiser peaked in 2009 at 23 mpg (21 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 20 — 3 mpg apart, or $250 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2010 car does 21. The 2010 model loses 2 mpg against 23 for the 2009.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2008 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2007 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2003 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2002 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Chrysler PT Cruiser — 1 engine across 2001–2010. 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 $2,855. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2001 the PT Cruiser has averaged 21.9 mpg.
Is the 2010 PT Cruiser more efficient than the 2009?
No: 21 against 23 mpg combined, about $159 a year more to run.
Which PT Cruiser year has the best gas mileage?
The 2009, at 23 mpg combined (21 city, 26 highway).
Does the PT Cruiser get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
Yes: 21 mpg for the 2010 PT Cruiser against 18 for the 2011 Jeep Liberty, about $304 a year less to run.
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