Against 301 other 4-cyl cars rated 2009–2011, the Swift beats their 25.6 mpg average by 3.4 mpg, about $176 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1989, the 1L 3-cyl Hybrid (1989–1995), does 40.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.6L 4-cyl (2004–2011), 27.8: $433 a year apart.
Every Suzuki Swift engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1L 3-cyl Hybrid | 37.7 / 44.7 | 1989–1995 | $948 | |
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 32.5 / 39 | 1989–2001 | $1,100 | |
| 1L 3-cyl | 31.2 / 35.3 | 1989–1995 | $1,164 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 24.4 / 33 | 2004–2011 | $1,381 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2009–2011 | −$176 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,845 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Suzuki Swift gives up 7 mpg in town: 34 on the highway against 27 in the city, $293 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 34 mpg | $1,129 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the Swift changed over the years
The Swift peaked in 1989 at 37 mpg (34.3 city, 40.3 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 26 — 11 mpg apart, or $439 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2011 car does 29.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2010 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2006 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2005 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2004 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2001 | 31 / 38 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2000 | 31 / 38 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 1998 | 33 / 39 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 1997 | 33 / 39 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 1996 | 33 / 39 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 1995 | 33.5 / 39.5 | 2 | $1,067 | |
| 1994 | 31 / 39 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 1993 | 34 / 40 | 3 | $1,058 | |
| 1992 | 34 / 39.3 | 3 | $1,067 | |
| 1991 | 33.7 / 39.7 | 3 | $1,067 | |
| 1990 | 34.3 / 40 | 3 | $1,046 | |
| 1989 | 34.3 / 40.3 | 3 | $1,038 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 28 EPA ratings of the Suzuki Swift — 4 engines across 1989–2011. 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 $1,845. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Suzuki Swift get?
29 mpg combined, 27 city and 34 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1989 the Swift has averaged 34.4 mpg.
Is the 2011 Swift more efficient than the 2010?
No: 29 against 30 mpg combined, about $44 a year more to run.
Which Swift year has the best gas mileage?
The 1989, at 37 mpg combined (34.3 city, 40.3 highway).
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