Against 301 other 4-cyl cars rated 2009–2011, the Elise trails their 25.6 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $170 a year.
Every Lotus Elise engine, compared
The Lotus Elise was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 20.6 / 26.7 | 2005–2011 | $1,692 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chevrolet Corvette gets 19 mpg, the Dodge Viper 16 mpg and the Porsche Cayman 23.3 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2011 Elise.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2009–2011 | +$170 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,207 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Lotus Elise gives up 6 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 21 in the city, $407 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the Elise changed over the years
The Elise peaked in 2011 at 23 mpg (21 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 22 — 1 mpg apart, or $75 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2010 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2009 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2008 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2007 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Lotus Elise — 1 engine across 2005–2011. 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 $3,207. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Lotus Elise get?
23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2005 the Elise has averaged 22.7 mpg.
Is the 2011 Elise more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which Elise year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 23 mpg combined (21 city, 27 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Elise get better gas mileage than the Chevrolet Corvette?
Yes: 23 mpg for the 2011 Elise against 19 for the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette, about $351 a year less to run.
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