Chrysler PT Cruiser
21 MPG The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2010 run it averages 20.9 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 10 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 | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2009 | 21.7 MPG | 19.3 | 24.7 | $2867 | 411 | 3 |
| 2008 | 21.8 MPG | 19.5 | 24.8 | $3200 | 409 | 4 |
| 2007 | 20.8 MPG | 18.5 | 24.8 | $3375 | 430 | 4 |
| 2006 | 20.8 MPG | 18.5 | 24.8 | $3375 | 430 | 4 |
| 2005 | 20.8 MPG | 18.5 | 24.8 | $3375 | 430 | 4 |
| 2004 | 20.8 MPG | 18.5 | 24.8 | $3375 | 430 | 4 |
| 2003 | 20.5 MPG | 17.8 | 24.3 | $3413 | 435 | 4 |
| 2002 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2001 | 20 MPG | 17.5 | 23.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
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 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Chrysler PT Cruiser ranks 27 on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Escape 2WD (21.3), Kia Sorento 2WD (21.3), Mazda Tribute 2WD (21.3), Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (21.5), Suzuki Grand Vitara (21.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 423 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 24 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 20.9 MPG, ranging from 19 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chrysler PT Cruiser cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2010 model is $2950.
Has the Chrysler PT Cruiser become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 2001 to 21 in 2010 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 5% across 10 model years.
Is the Chrysler PT Cruiser efficient for its class?
It ranks 27 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG. That is 0.3 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.