Against 446 other V6 cars rated 2003–2005, the Safari trails their 18.9 mpg average by 1.9 mpg, about $227 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1985, the 2.5L 4-cyl (1985–1990), does 21.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.3L 6-cyl (1985–2005), 17.1: $435 a year apart.
Every GMC Safari engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 18.8 / 25 | 1985–1990 | $1,811 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 15 / 20.5 | 1985–2005 | $2,246 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford E-150 gets 15 mpg, next to 17 mpg for the 2005 Safari. The Safari is the cheapest of them to run: $301 a year less than the Ford E-150.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2003–2005 | +$227 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,546 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 GMC Safari gives up 5 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 15 in the city, $640 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Safari changed over the years
The Safari peaked in 1985 at 20.5 mpg (17.5 city, 24.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 16 — 4.5 mpg apart, or $527 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 17.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2004 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2003 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2002 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2001 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2000 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1999 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1998 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1996 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1993 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1990 | 16.5 / 22 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1989 | 16.5 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1988 | 17 / 24 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1987 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1986 | 18 / 23 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1985 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 27 EPA ratings of the GMC Safari — 2 engines across 1985–2005. 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 $3,546. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 GMC Safari get?
17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the Safari has averaged 18 mpg.
Is the 2005 Safari more efficient than the 2004?
Yes: 17 against 16 mpg combined, about $141 a year less to run.
Which Safari year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 20.5 mpg combined (17.5 city, 24.5 highway).
Does the Safari get better gas mileage than the Ford E-150?
Yes: 17 mpg for the 2005 Safari against 15 for the 2006 Ford E-150, about $301 a year less to run.
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