Against 391 other V6 cars rated 2000–2002, the Trooper trails their 18.7 mpg average by 3.7 mpg, about $507 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1986–1987), does 23.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.5L 6-cyl (1998–2002), 15: $926 a year apart.
Every Isuzu Trooper engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 23 / 24.5 | 1986–1987 | $1,634 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 17 / 20 | 1984–1985 | $2,133 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 14 / 17 | 1992–1997 | $2,526 | |
| 2.6L 4-cyl | 14.5 / 17 | 1988–1991 | $2,560 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 14 / 17 | 1989–1991 | $2,560 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 13.4 / 17.8 | 1998–2002 | $2,560 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the GMC Jimmy gets 17 mpg and the Mazda MPV 18 mpg, next to 15 mpg for the 2002 Trooper. The Trooper costs the most of them to run: $427 a year more than the Mazda MPV.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2002) | $0.213 |
| Fuel per year | $2,560 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,800 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2000–2002 | +$507 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,002 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2002 Isuzu Trooper gives up 4 mpg in town: 18 on the highway against 14 in the city, $610 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2002) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the Trooper changed over the years
The Trooper peaked in 1986 at 25 mpg (24 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 15 — 10 mpg apart, or $1,024 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2002 car does 15. The biggest single-year change came in 1988: 22 to 15 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2001 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2000 | 13 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1999 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1998 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1997 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1996 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1995 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1994 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1993 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1992 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1991 | 14 / 17 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1990 | 14 / 17 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1989 | 14.5 / 17 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1987 | 22 / 23 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1986 | 24 / 26 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1985 | 17 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1984 | 17 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 22 EPA ratings of the Isuzu Trooper — 6 engines across 1984–2002. 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 $4,002. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2002 Isuzu Trooper get?
15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Trooper has averaged 16.1 mpg.
Is the 2002 Trooper more efficient than the 2001?
About the same: 15 against 15 mpg combined.
Which Trooper year has the best gas mileage?
The 1986, at 25 mpg combined (24 city, 26 highway).
Does the Trooper get better gas mileage than the GMC Jimmy?
No: 15 mpg for the 2002 Trooper against 17 for the 2003 GMC Jimmy, about $301 a year more to run.
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