Against 241 other 4-cyl cars rated 1996–1998, the Sidekick trails their 24.8 mpg average by 2.8 mpg, about $197 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1989, the 1.3L 4-cyl (1989), does 25 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1990–1998), 22.8: $148 a year apart.
Every Suzuki Sidekick engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 24 / 26 | 1989–1989 | $1,536 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 21.8 / 24.3 | 1990–1998 | $1,684 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the GMC Jimmy gets 18 mpg, the Isuzu Trooper 15 mpg and the Mazda MPV 17 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 1998 Sidekick. The Sidekick is the cheapest of them to run: $815 a year less than the Isuzu Trooper.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1998) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1996–1998 | +$197 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,717 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1998 Suzuki Sidekick gives up 3 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 21 in the city, $229 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1998) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3 mpg (14%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Sidekick changed over the years
The Sidekick peaked in 1989 at 25 mpg (24 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 22 — 3 mpg apart, or $209 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1998 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 21 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1997 | 21 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1996 | 21 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1994 | 22 / 24 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1993 | 22 / 24 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1992 | 22 / 24 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1991 | 22 / 24 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1990 | 23 / 26 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1989 | 24 / 26 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Suzuki Sidekick — 2 engines across 1989–1998. 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 $2,717. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick get?
22 mpg combined, 21 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1989 the Sidekick has averaged 23 mpg.
Is the 1998 Sidekick more efficient than the 1997?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which Sidekick year has the best gas mileage?
The 1989, at 25 mpg combined (24 city, 26 highway).
Does the Sidekick get better gas mileage than the GMC Jimmy?
Yes: 22 mpg for the 1998 Sidekick against 18 for the 1999 GMC Jimmy, about $388 a year less to run.
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