Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2003–2005, the MR2 beats their 24.5 mpg average by 1.5 mpg, about $90 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1985, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1985–1989), does 25.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1991–1995), 22: $221 a year apart.
Every Toyota MR2 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 | 22.6 / 29 | 1985–1989 | $1,524 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 22.5 / 28.3 | 2000–2005 | $1,548 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 19 / 26.4 | 1991–1995 | $1,745 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Mazda MX-5 gets 23.3 mpg, the Nissan 350Z 19.7 mpg and the Porsche Boxster 21 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2005 MR2. The MR2 is the cheapest of them to run: $472 a year less than the Nissan 350Z.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2003–2005 | −$90 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,609 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Toyota MR2 gives up 7 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 23 in the city, $390 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the MR2 changed over the years
The MR2 peaked in 2005 at 26 mpg (23 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1995 at 22 — 4 mpg apart, or $268 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2004 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2003 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2002 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2001 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2000 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1995 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1994 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1993 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1992 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1989 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1988 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1987 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1986 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1985 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,477 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Toyota MR2 — 3 engines across 1985–2005. 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 $2,609. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Toyota MR2 get?
26 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the MR2 has averaged 24.1 mpg.
Is the 2005 MR2 more efficient than the 2004?
About the same: 26 against 26 mpg combined.
Which MR2 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2005, at 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the MR2 get better gas mileage than the Mazda MX-5?
Yes: 26 mpg for the 2005 MR2 against 23.3 for the 2006 Mazda MX-5, about $171 a year less to run.
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