Against 264 other 4-cyl cars rated 2002–2004, the Vitara trails their 24.4 mpg average by 6.4 mpg, about $559 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1999, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1999–2001), does 23.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (2004), 18: $513 a year apart.
Every Suzuki Vitara engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 22 / 25.7 | 1999–2001 | $1,620 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 20 / 24 | 2002–2003 | $1,745 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 17 / 20 | 2004–2004 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18.3 mpg, the Nissan Xterra 17.8 mpg and the GMC Envoy 15.8 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2004 Vitara.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2004) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2002–2004 | +$559 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,842 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2004 Suzuki Vitara gives up 3 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 17 in the city, $339 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2004) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3 mpg (18%) | Typical for its type |
How the Vitara changed over the years
The Vitara peaked in 2000 at 24 mpg (22 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 18 — 6 mpg apart, or $533 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2004 car does 18. The 2004 model loses 4 mpg against 22 for the 2003.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 17 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 20 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2002 | 20 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2001 | 22 / 25 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2000 | 22 / 26 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1999 | 22 / 26 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Suzuki Vitara — 3 engines across 1999–2004. 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 $2,842. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2004 Suzuki Vitara get?
18 mpg combined, 17 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1999 the Vitara has averaged 22.2 mpg.
Is the 2004 Vitara more efficient than the 2003?
No: 18 against 22 mpg combined, about $388 a year more to run.
Which Vitara year has the best gas mileage?
The 2000, at 24 mpg combined (22 city, 26 highway).
Does the Vitara get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
About the same: 18 mpg for the 2004 Vitara against 18.3 for the 2005 Jeep Liberty.
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