The Toyota Previa does 17.7 mpg combined (16.1 city, 20.1 highway), which works out to about $2,169 a year in fuel at $3.20 a gallon and 12,000 miles. Against other 4-cyl cars it sits below the average of 25.4 mpg.
Every Toyota Previa engine, compared
Picking the right version of the same car often saves more fuel than picking a different car altogether. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 16.1 / 20.1 | 1991–1997 | $2,169 |
What that actually costs
Miles per gallon is an abstraction; the fuel bill is not. Here it is in money, at 12,000 miles a year and $3.20 a gallon.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile | $0.181 |
| Fuel per year | $2,169 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,845 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars | +$657 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,507 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The gap between city and highway figures tells you whom the car suits. A wide gap punishes stop-and-start traffic; a narrow one means the car doesn't care where you drive it.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City | 16.1 mpg | $2,385 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20.1 mpg | $1,910 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (25%) | Typical for its type |
How the Previa changed over the years
Combined figure by model year. Jumps usually mark a new generation or a new engine; dips often mean a heavier body or added all-wheel drive.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1996 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1995 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1992 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
Fuel-economy figures come from EPA fueleconomy.gov — the same laboratory numbers printed on the window sticker. We don't adjust them; real-world consumption depends on how and where you drive.
What we add is money. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon — change either and the ranking stays, only the size of the bill moves. Cost per mile is the same figure divided out, useful when comparing a commute against a weekend car.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the Toyota Previa get?
17.7 mpg combined on average — 16.1 in the city and 20.1 on the highway, per EPA ratings across 1991–1997.
How much does a Toyota Previa cost in fuel per year?
About $2,169 at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon — roughly $10,845 over five years, or 0.181 dollars a mile.
Which Previa engine is the most economical?
The 2.4L 4-cyl at 17.7 mpg.
Is the Previa good on fuel compared with similar cars?
Against other 4-cyl cars it sits below the average of 25.4 mpg, computed across 6877 ratings.
Are these real-world figures?
No — they are EPA laboratory ratings, the same ones on the window sticker. Real consumption depends on driving style, terrain, load and weather, and is typically a little worse.