The 2015 Fiat 500 with the 1.4L engine gets 29 MPG combined. To understand this number, you should know what this car *isn’t*. It’s not for long trips, families, or hauling cargo like an SUV. The Fiat 500 is designed for city driving, a stylish, small expression of individuality. For this purpose, the fuel economy is generally acceptable, even if not the best. Owners value its unique style and ability to maneuver in tight city streets. The slightly below-average MPG is a worthwhile trade-off for many.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for the 2015 Fiat 500 equipped with the 1.4L engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The city MPG suits its intended use, zipping through urban environments. The highway MPG is acceptable, but not exceptional. The short wheelbase and quick engine make it fun for short commutes, but less ideal for long highway drives. Opting for the manual transmission can subtly change these numbers, giving a slight improvement in overall fuel efficiency. However, the automatic is the more common and practical choice for city drivers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Fiat 500 to be $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving style, city versus highway driving, and gas prices in your area. Drivers who mainly use their 500 for short city trips may find their actual fuel costs are close to this estimate, while those who regularly take longer road trips may have higher expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Fiat 500 owners report MPG numbers that change based on driving style and conditions. Quick acceleration and frequent stop-and-go traffic tend to lower fuel efficiency. But, gentle driving and consistent speeds, especially on the highway, can bring the MPG closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates. The relatively small fuel tank also means you may visit the gas station more often, even if fuel consumption isn’t dramatically different from other cars in its class.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2015 Fiat 500’s fuel economy is average. For example, the 2015 Mini Cooper with its base engine got a combined MPG of around 32, giving it a small advantage. The Mitsubishi Mirage boasts around 37 MPG combined, significantly better than the Fiat 500 on paper, although with tradeoffs in refinement and driving experience. The Smart Fortwo, another ultra-compact city car, posted around 36 MPG combined, also beating the Fiat. However, buyers often pick the Fiat 500 for its retro styling and personality. Many are willing to accept slightly lower MPG as a trade-off. Drivers interested in all Fiat fuel economy data can find it on FuelEconomyHub, and further detail on 500 MPG across all years is available, as well.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The small 1.4L engine in the Fiat 500 works best with smooth acceleration. Avoid quick starts and hard braking to save fuel. The MultiAir system is designed to improve efficiency. It can only do so when you don’t constantly demand maximum power.

Despite its city focus, keeping tires properly inflated is important, especially if you have to take longer trips. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, directly impacting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before a highway trip.

The Fiat 500’s small size means that added weight can noticeably affect fuel consumption. Remove extra items from the car, from luggage to sporting equipment. Reducing weight reduces the strain on the engine and improves efficiency.

Use air conditioning sparingly. The A/C compressor puts strain on the engine, increasing fuel consumption. When you can, use fresh air or open the windows, especially at lower speeds, to conserve fuel during your daily driving.