Against 282 other 4-cyl cars rated 2008–2010, the Solstice trails their 25.1 mpg average by 2.1 mpg, about $140 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2006, the 2L 4-cyl (2007–2010), does 22.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 4-cyl (2006), 21: $107 a year apart.
Every Pontiac Solstice engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 19 / 28.3 | 2007–2010 | $1,722 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 19 / 24 | 2006–2006 | $1,829 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Mazda MX-5 gets 24 mpg, the Nissan 350Z 20 mpg and the Porsche Boxster 23.7 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2010 Solstice.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2010) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2008–2010 | +$140 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,370 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2010 Pontiac Solstice gives up 10 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 19 in the city, $697 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2010) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (53%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Solstice changed over the years
The Solstice peaked in 2010 at 23 mpg (19 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 21 — 2 mpg apart, or $159 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2009 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2008 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2007 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Solstice — 2 engines across 2006–2010. 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 $3,370. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2010 Pontiac Solstice get?
23 mpg combined, 19 city and 29 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2006 the Solstice has averaged 22 mpg.
Is the 2010 Solstice more efficient than the 2009?
Yes: 23 against 22 mpg combined, about $75 a year less to run.
Which Solstice year has the best gas mileage?
The 2010, at 23 mpg combined (19 city, 29 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Solstice get better gas mileage than the Mazda MX-5?
No: 23 mpg for the 2010 Solstice against 24 for the 2011 Mazda MX-5, about $70 a year more to run.
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