Against 250 other 4-cyl cars rated 1999–2001, the Sephia sits right on their 24.5 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1993, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1993–1997), does 27 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1998–2001), 23.8: $191 a year apart.
Every Kia Sephia engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 24 / 30.8 | 1993–1997 | $1,422 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21 / 28.3 | 1998–2001 | $1,613 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 27.7 mpg, the Hyundai Accent 28 mpg and the Mitsubishi Lancer 26 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2001 Sephia. The Sephia costs the most of them to run: $229 a year more than the Hyundai Accent.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2001) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1999–2001 | +$33 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,489 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2001 Kia Sephia gives up 6 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 22 in the city, $374 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2001) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (27%) | Typical for its type |
How the Sephia changed over the years
The Sephia peaked in 1995 at 28 mpg (25 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2000 at 23 — 5 mpg apart, or $299 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2001 car does 24. The biggest single-year change came in 1998: 27 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2000 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1999 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1998 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1997 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1996 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1995 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1994 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1993 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Kia Sephia — 2 engines across 1993–2001. 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 $2,489. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2001 Kia Sephia get?
24 mpg combined, 22 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1993 the Sephia has averaged 25.6 mpg.
Is the 2001 Sephia more efficient than the 2000?
Yes: 24 against 23 mpg combined, about $70 a year less to run.
Which Sephia year has the best gas mileage?
The 1995, at 28 mpg combined (25 city, 32 highway).
Does the Sephia get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 24 mpg for the 2001 Sephia against 27.7 for the 2002 Ford Focus, about $214 a year more to run.
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