Against 520 other 4-cyl cars rated 2017–2019, the Fiesta beats their 27.3 mpg average by 3.7 mpg, about $168 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2011, the 1L 3-cyl (2014–2017), does 35 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.6L 4-cyl (2011–2019), 31.2: $134 a year apart.
Every Ford Fiesta engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1L 3-cyl | 31 / 41 | 2014–2017 | $1,097 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 27.8 / 36.9 | 2011–2019 | $1,231 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Sentra gets 32.3 mpg, the Volkswagen Beetle 29 mpg and the Mitsubishi Mirage 39 mpg, next to 31 mpg for the 2019 Fiesta.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2019) | $0.103 |
| Fuel per year | $1,239 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,195 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2017–2019 | −$168 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,938 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2019 Ford Fiesta gives up 10 mpg in town: 37 on the highway against 27 in the city, $384 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2019) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 37 mpg | $1,038 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (37%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Fiesta changed over the years
The Fiesta peaked in 2017 at 33 mpg (29 city, 39 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2019 at 31 — 2 mpg apart, or $75 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2019 car does 31.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 27 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2018 | 27 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2017 | 29 / 39 | 2 | $1,164 | |
| 2016 | 29 / 38.5 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2015 | 29 / 38.5 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2014 | 29.5 / 39 | 2 | $1,164 | |
| 2013 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2011 | 29 / 38 | 1 | $1,164 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 13 EPA ratings of the Ford Fiesta — 2 engines across 2011–2019. 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 $1,938. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2019 Ford Fiesta get?
31 mpg combined, 27 city and 37 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2011 the Fiesta has averaged 32.4 mpg.
Is the 2019 Fiesta more efficient than the 2018?
About the same: 31 against 31 mpg combined.
Which Fiesta year has the best gas mileage?
The 2017, at 33 mpg combined (29 city, 39 highway).
Does the Fiesta get better gas mileage than the Nissan Sentra?
No: 31 mpg for the 2019 Fiesta against 32.3 for the 2020 Nissan Sentra, about $50 a year more to run.
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