Against 469 other V6 cars rated 2008–2010, the Aura beats their 19.7 mpg average by 3.3 mpg, about $279 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2007, the 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid (2007–2009), does 27.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.6L 6-cyl (2007–2010), 20.3: $506 a year apart.
Every Saturn Aura engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 24.7 / 32.7 | 2007–2009 | $1,386 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 22 / 32 | 2008–2010 | $1,494 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 18 / 29 | 2008–2008 | $1,745 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 17 / 26 | 2007–2010 | $1,892 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chrysler 200 gets 23 mpg, the Chevrolet Cruze 32 mpg and the Dodge Avenger 23 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2010 Aura.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2010) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2008–2010 | −$279 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,605 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2010 Saturn Aura gives up 10 mpg in town: 29.5 on the highway against 19.5 in the city, $667 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2010) | 19.5 mpg | $1,969 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29.5 mpg | $1,302 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (51%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Aura changed over the years
The Aura peaked in 2009 at 25 mpg (21.7 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 23 — 2 mpg apart, or $134 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2010 car does 23. The 2010 model loses 2 mpg against 25 for the 2009, with 2 versions instead of 3.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 19.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2009 | 21.7 / 31 | 3 | $1,536 | |
| 2008 | 21.3 / 30.3 | 3 | $1,555 | |
| 2007 | 20.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,600 |
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 Saturn Aura — 4 engines across 2007–2010. 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 $2,605. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2010 Saturn Aura get?
23 mpg combined, 19.5 city and 29.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 26. Across every year since 2007 the Aura has averaged 24.3 mpg.
Is the 2010 Aura more efficient than the 2009?
No: 23 against 25 mpg combined, about $134 a year more to run.
Which Aura year has the best gas mileage?
The 2009, at 25 mpg combined (21.7 city, 31 highway).
Does the Aura get better gas mileage than the Chrysler 200?
About the same: 23 mpg for the 2010 Aura against 23 for the 2011 Chrysler 200.
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