Saab 9-3 SportCombi
22.5 MPG The 2012 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is EPA-rated at 22.5 MPG combined (19 city / 30 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 2006–2012 run it averages 21.4 MPG, improving by 1.5 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 | $0.111 | $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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 22.5 MPG | 19 | 30 | $2775 | 397 | 2 |
| 2011 | 22.5 MPG | 20 | 28 | $2775 | 397 | 2 |
| 2010 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 2009 | 20.5 MPG | 17.3 | 26.5 | $3075 | 438 | 4 |
| 2008 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25.8 | $3888 | 448 | 4 |
| 2007 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26.8 | $3475 | 447 | 4 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 17.5 | 27.3 | $3700 | 427 | 4 |
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 Saab 9-3 SportCombi ranks 52 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Elantra Wagon (23), Audi A4 Avant quattro (24), Scion xB (24), Subaru Legacy Wagon (24), Suzuki Aerio SX (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 397 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saab 9-3 SportCombi get?
The 2012 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is rated at 22.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 30 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 21.4 MPG, ranging from 18 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saab 9-3 SportCombi 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 2012 model is $2775.
Has the Saab 9-3 SportCombi become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 2006 to 22.5 in 2012 — an improvement of 1.5 MPG, or 7% across 7 model years.
Is the Saab 9-3 SportCombi efficient for its class?
It ranks 52 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 7.0 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.