Saab 9-5 Sedan
22.5 MPG The 2012 Saab 9-5 Sedan 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 2007–2012 run it averages 21.3 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 5 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 | 19 | 30 | $2775 | 397 | 2 |
| 2009 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 27 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2008 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 27 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 2007 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 27.5 | $3750 | 434 | 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 Saab 9-5 Sedan ranks 136 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura RLX (23), Acura TL 2WD (23), Audi S5 Sportback (23), BMW 535i (23), BMW 535i xDrive (23).
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 9-5 Sedan get?
The 2012 Saab 9-5 Sedan is rated at 22.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 30 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 21.3 MPG, ranging from 20 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saab 9-5 Sedan 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 9-5 Sedan become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20.5 MPG in 2007 to 22.5 in 2012 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 10% across 5 model years.
Is the Saab 9-5 Sedan efficient for its class?
It ranks 136 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 4.7 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.