Dodge Caliber
25 MPG The 2012 Dodge Caliber is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 28.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 600 gallons, $1920 a year in fuel, or $0.128 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2007–2012 run it averages 24.5 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 6 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 | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.120 | $1200 | $1800 | $2400 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.128 | $1280 | $1920 | $2560 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.140 | $1400 | $2100 | $2800 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.180 | $1800 | $2700 | $3600 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 25 MPG | 23 | 28.3 | $2500 | 357 | 3 |
| 2011 | 25 MPG | 23 | 28.3 | $2500 | 356 | 4 |
| 2010 | 24.8 MPG | 22.5 | 28 | $2525 | 360 | 4 |
| 2009 | 24.2 MPG | 22 | 27.6 | $2720 | 369 | 5 |
| 2008 | 24 MPG | 22 | 27.4 | $2610 | 372 | 5 |
| 2007 | 24 MPG | 22.2 | 26.6 | $2610 | 372 | 5 |
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 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Dodge Caliber ranks 38 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Pontiac Vibe (25.2), Toyota Matrix (25.2), Buick Skyhawk Wagon (25.5), Suzuki Esteem Wagon (25.7), Audi A4 allroad quattro (26).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 357 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Dodge Caliber get?
The 2012 Dodge Caliber is rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 28.3 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 24.5 MPG, ranging from 22 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Dodge Caliber cost in fuel per year?
At 25 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 600 gallons — roughly $1920 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.128 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2012 model is $2500.
Has the Dodge Caliber become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 24 MPG in 2007 to 25 in 2012 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 4% across 6 model years.
Is the Dodge Caliber efficient for its class?
It ranks 38 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 4.5 worse 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.