Against 237 other 4-cyl cars rated 1995–1997, the Previa trails their 24.6 mpg average by 7.6 mpg, about $698 a year.
Every Toyota Previa engine, compared
The Toyota Previa was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. 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
Against its rivals in the same model years, the GMC Safari gets 16.7 mpg, the Ford Aerostar 17.5 mpg and the Ford E-150 14.5 mpg, next to 17 mpg for the 1997 Previa.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1997) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1995–1997 | +$698 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,507 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1997 Toyota Previa gives up 4 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 16 in the city, $480 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1997) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (25%) | Typical for its type |
How the Previa changed over the years
The Previa peaked in 1995 at 18 mpg (16 city, 20 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 17 — 1 mpg apart, or $126 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1997 car does 17.
| 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
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Toyota Previa — 1 engine across 1991–1997. 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 $3,507. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1997 Toyota Previa get?
17 mpg combined, 16 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1991 the Previa has averaged 17.7 mpg.
Is the 1997 Previa more efficient than the 1996?
About the same: 17 against 17 mpg combined.
Which Previa year has the best gas mileage?
The 1995, at 18 mpg combined (16 city, 20 highway).
Does the Previa get better gas mileage than the GMC Safari?
About the same: 17 mpg for the 1997 Previa against 16.7 for the 1998 GMC Safari.
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