Against 438 other V6 cars rated 2010–2012, the 9-5 beats their 20.4 mpg average by 1.6 mpg, about $137 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1999, the 2L 4-cyl (2011–2012), does 24 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1999–2003), 19: $421 a year apart.
Every Saab 9-5 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 20 / 32 | 2011–2012 | $1,600 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 18.4 / 27.6 | 1999–2009 | $1,786 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 16.7 / 26.7 | 2010–2012 | $1,920 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 16.2 / 24 | 1999–2003 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Dodge Dart gets 32 mpg and the Dodge Avenger 22.8 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2012 9-5. The 9-5 costs the most of them to run: $545 a year more than the Dodge Dart.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2010–2012 | −$137 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,302 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Saab 9-5 gives up 10.5 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 18.5 in the city, $752 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 18.5 mpg | $2,076 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10.5 mpg (57%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 9-5 changed over the years
The 9-5 peaked in 2012 at 22 mpg (18.5 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 20 — 2 mpg apart, or $175 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 18.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2011 | 18.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2006 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2003 | 17.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2002 | 17.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2001 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1999 | 17.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,873 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 21 EPA ratings of the Saab 9-5 — 4 engines across 1999–2012. 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 $3,302. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Saab 9-5 get?
22 mpg combined, 18.5 city and 29 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 24. Across every year since 1999 the 9-5 has averaged 21 mpg.
Is the 2012 9-5 more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which 9-5 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2012, at 22 mpg combined (18.5 city, 29 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 9-5 get better gas mileage than the Dodge Dart?
No: 22 mpg for the 2012 9-5 against 32 for the 2013 Dodge Dart, about $545 a year more to run.
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