Kia Spectra
26.5 MPG The 2009 Kia Spectra is EPA-rated at 26.5 MPG combined (23.5 city / 31 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 566 gallons, $1811 a year in fuel, or $0.121 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2002–2009 run it averages 25 MPG, improving by 3.5 MPG over 7 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 | $0.094 | $943 | $1415 | $1887 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.113 | $1132 | $1698 | $2264 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.121 | $1208 | $1811 | $2415 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.132 | $1321 | $1981 | $2642 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.151 | $1509 | $2264 | $3019 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.170 | $1698 | $2547 | $3396 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.189 | $1887 | $2830 | $3774 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 26.5 MPG | 23.5 | 31 | $2350 | 335 | 2 |
| 2008 | 26.5 MPG | 23.5 | 31 | $2350 | 335 | 2 |
| 2007 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2400 | 342 | 2 |
| 2006 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30.5 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 2005 | 25 MPG | 21.5 | 30.5 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 2003 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 2002 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28 | $2725 | 387 | 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 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Kia Spectra ranks 87 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Alfa Romeo Giulia (27), BMW 528i (27), BMW 530i xDrive (27), BMW X2 sDrive28i (27), Hyundai Elantra GT (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 335 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia Spectra get?
The 2009 Kia Spectra is rated at 26.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 23.5 city and 31 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 25 MPG, ranging from 22 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia Spectra cost in fuel per year?
At 26.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 566 gallons — roughly $1811 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.121 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $2350.
Has the Kia Spectra become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 23 MPG in 2002 to 26.5 in 2009 — an improvement of 3.5 MPG, or 15% across 7 model years.
Is the Kia Spectra efficient for its class?
It ranks 87 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 0.7 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.