Chevrolet Cobalt
27 MPG The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is EPA-rated at 27 MPG combined (23.7 city / 32.7 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 556 gallons, $1778 a year in fuel, or $0.119 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2005–2009 run it averages 25 MPG, improving by 3 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.093 | $926 | $1389 | $1852 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.119 | $1185 | $1778 | $2370 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.130 | $1296 | $1944 | $2593 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.148 | $1481 | $2222 | $2963 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.185 | $1852 | $2778 | $3704 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 27 MPG | 23.7 | 32.7 | $2317 | 330 | 3 |
| 2008 | 25.8 MPG | 22.4 | 31.4 | $2770 | 345 | 5 |
| 2007 | 24.2 MPG | 21.2 | 29.6 | $2950 | 368 | 5 |
| 2006 | 24.2 MPG | 21.2 | 29.4 | $2950 | 368 | 5 |
| 2005 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $2817 | 371 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Chevrolet Cobalt ranks 51 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Dodge Colt (27.3), Plymouth Colt (27.3), Acura Integra (28), Audi A3 quattro (28), BMW 230i xDrive Coupe (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 330 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Cobalt get?
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is rated at 27 MPG combined by the EPA — 23.7 city and 32.7 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 25 MPG, ranging from 23 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Cobalt cost in fuel per year?
At 27 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 556 gallons — roughly $1778 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.119 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $2317.
Has the Chevrolet Cobalt become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 24 MPG in 2005 to 27 in 2009 — an improvement of 3 MPG, or 13% across 5 model years.
Is the Chevrolet Cobalt efficient for its class?
It ranks 51 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 2.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.