Lotus Elise/Exige
22.5 MPG The 2011 Lotus Elise/Exige is EPA-rated at 22.5 MPG combined (20.5 city / 26.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 667 gallons, $2133 a year in fuel, or $0.142 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2006–2011 run it averages 22.4 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.142 | $1422 | $2133 | $2844 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.156 | $1556 | $2333 | $3111 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 22.5 MPG | 20.5 | 26.5 | $3425 | 395 | 2 |
| 2010 | 22.5 MPG | 20.5 | 26.5 | $3425 | 395 | 2 |
| 2009 | 22.5 MPG | 20.5 | 26.5 | $3425 | 395 | 2 |
| 2008 | 22.5 MPG | 20.5 | 26.5 | $2775 | 395 | 2 |
| 2007 | 22.5 MPG | 20.5 | 26.5 | $2775 | 395 | 2 |
| 2006 | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $3500 | 404 | 1 |
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 105 two seaters models tracked here, the Lotus Elise/Exige ranks 27 on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Porsche 718 Boxster (23), Porsche 718 Cayman (23), Porsche Boxster (23), Porsche Cayman (23), Subaru XT-DL (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 395 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lotus Elise/Exige get?
The 2011 Lotus Elise/Exige is rated at 22.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 20.5 city and 26.5 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 22.4 MPG, ranging from 22 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lotus Elise/Exige cost in fuel per year?
At 22.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 667 gallons — roughly $2133 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.142 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2011 model is $3425.
Has the Lotus Elise/Exige become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 22.5 MPG today against 22 in 2006 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Lotus Elise/Exige efficient for its class?
It ranks 27 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG. That is 1.1 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.