Against 260 other 4-cyl cars rated 2007–2009, the Spectra beats their 24.6 mpg average by 2.4 mpg, about $139 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2000, the 2L 4-cyl (2004–2009), does 25.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (2000–2003), 23.8: $125 a year apart.
Every Kia Spectra engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 22.5 / 31.5 | 2004–2009 | $1,488 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21 / 28.8 | 2000–2003 | $1,613 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Dodge Avenger gets 23 mpg, the Cadillac STS 19.2 mpg and the Acura RL 18.3 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the 2009 Spectra. The Spectra is the cheapest of them to run: $676 a year less than the Acura RL.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2009) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2007–2009 | −$139 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,500 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2009 Kia Spectra gives up 8 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 24 in the city, $400 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2009) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Spectra changed over the years
The Spectra peaked in 2009 at 27 mpg (24 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2000 at 23 — 4 mpg apart, or $248 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2008 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2007 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2006 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2005 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2004 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2003 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2002 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2001 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2000 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Kia Spectra — 2 engines across 2000–2009. 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 $2,500. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2009 Kia Spectra get?
27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2000 the Spectra has averaged 25 mpg.
Is the 2009 Spectra more efficient than the 2008?
About the same: 27 against 27 mpg combined.
Which Spectra year has the best gas mileage?
The 2009, at 27 mpg combined (24 city, 32 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Spectra get better gas mileage than the Dodge Avenger?
Yes: 27 mpg for the 2009 Spectra against 23 for the 2010 Dodge Avenger, about $248 a year less to run.
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