Against 323 other 4-cyl cars rated 2010–2012, the Caliber sits right on their 26.2 mpg average.
Every Dodge Caliber engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 23.7 / 31 | 2010–2012 | $1,438 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 24 / 29.3 | 2007–2009 | $1,460 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Juke gets 29 mpg, the Nissan Cube 28 mpg and the Suzuki SX4 28 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the 2012 Caliber. The Caliber costs the most of them to run: $98 a year more than the Nissan Juke.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2010–2012 | −$44 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,350 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Dodge Caliber gives up 7 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 24 in the city, $361 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the Caliber changed over the years
The Caliber peaked in 2012 at 27 mpg (24 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 26 — 1 mpg apart, or $55 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2011 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2010 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2009 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2008 | 24 / 29 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2007 | 24 / 29 | 1 | $1,477 |
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 Dodge Caliber — 2 engines across 2007–2012. 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 $2,350. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Dodge Caliber get?
27 mpg combined, 24 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2007 the Caliber has averaged 26.5 mpg.
Is the 2012 Caliber more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 27 against 27 mpg combined.
Which Caliber year has the best gas mileage?
The 2012, at 27 mpg combined (24 city, 31 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Caliber get better gas mileage than the Nissan Juke?
No: 27 mpg for the 2012 Caliber against 29 for the 2013 Nissan Juke, about $98 a year more to run.
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