Saab 9-5 Wagon
20.5 MPG The 2005 Saab 9-5 Wagon is EPA-rated at 20.5 MPG combined (17.5 city / 27 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 732 gallons, $2341 a year in fuel, or $0.156 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1999–2005 run it averages 20.3 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.122 | $1220 | $1829 | $2439 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.146 | $1463 | $2195 | $2927 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.156 | $1561 | $2341 | $3122 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.171 | $1707 | $2561 | $3415 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.195 | $1951 | $2927 | $3902 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.220 | $2195 | $3293 | $4390 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.244 | $2439 | $3659 | $4878 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 27 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 2004 | 20.7 MPG | 17.5 | 26.2 | $3250 | 431 | 6 |
| 2003 | 20.6 MPG | 17.6 | 26.2 | $3470 | 433 | 5 |
| 2002 | 20.6 MPG | 17.6 | 26 | $3470 | 433 | 5 |
| 2001 | 19.8 MPG | 17.2 | 24.2 | $3600 | 449 | 5 |
| 2000 | 19.8 MPG | 17.2 | 24.6 | $3600 | 449 | 5 |
| 1999 | 20.3 MPG | 17.7 | 25 | $3083 | 439 | 3 |
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 26 midsize station wagons models tracked here, the Saab 9-5 Wagon ranks 17 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi A6 Avant quattro (21), Saturn LW300 (21), Volvo V70 FWD (21), Kia Rondo (21.5), Subaru Legacy Wagon AWD (21.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 434 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saab 9-5 Wagon get?
The 2005 Saab 9-5 Wagon is rated at 20.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.5 city and 27 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 20.3 MPG, ranging from 19 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saab 9-5 Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 20.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 732 gallons — roughly $2341 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.156 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $3750.
Has the Saab 9-5 Wagon become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20.5 MPG today against 20.3 in 1999 — essentially flat across 7 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Saab 9-5 Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 17 of 26 in the Midsize Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 1.1 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.