The 2016 Dodge Dart GT with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission gets 25 MPG combined. While this isn’t excellent for a compact sedan, it reflects the Dart GT buyer’s priorities, a sporty driving experience and distinctive styling at an affordable price. Gas mileage matters, but isn’t the only factor. Buyers seeking the best fuel economy in the compact class will look elsewhere, but for those drawn to the Dart’s looks and features, the MPG is an acceptable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Dodge Dart GT 2.4L are 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city figure is due to the engine working harder to move the Dart from stops. The 2.4L engine, while adequate, could use more torque, and the automatic transmission might downshift often in stop-and-go traffic, impacting fuel consumption. But the highway number shows the Dart GT can achieve respectable fuel economy when cruising steadily. The 6-speed automatic helps here, letting the engine run at lower RPMs at highway speeds. Remember these are EPA estimates, achieved under ideal conditions. Aggressive driving, headwinds, and even tire pressure can lower these numbers.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Dodge Dart GT 2.4L will be about $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Consider your own driving and local fuel prices when evaluating this. Someone who drives more than 15,000 miles annually, or who lives where gas is more expensive, will spend more on fuel. Someone who drives less or lives where gas is cheaper will spend less. This $1,750 provides a way to compare the Dart GT’s running costs to other vehicles.

Real-World Expectations

The EPA provides a useful baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Many 2016 Dodge Dart GT 2.4L drivers report MPG figures that change around the EPA estimates, based on their driving and environment. Quick acceleration, hard braking, and extended idling will all hurt fuel economy. Smooth, gradual acceleration and keeping a consistent speed on the highway can help drivers get numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates. Terrain matters too; driving in hilly areas will usually mean lower MPG than driving on flat roads.

How It Compares

Compared to other compact sedans of the same era, the 2016 Dodge Dart GT 2.4L’s fuel economy is in the middle. The 2016 Honda Civic EX with its 2.0L engine gets a combined 35 MPG. The 2016 Toyota Corolla LE with its 1.8L engine manages around 32 MPG combined. The 2016 Ford Focus SE with the 2.0L engine gets roughly 30 MPG combined. And the Kia Forte LX with an automatic transmission delivers around 29 combined. These comparisons highlight the trade-offs. The Dart GT means sacrificing some fuel economy for its styling and features; something many buyers accept readily. For those wanting fuel efficiency above all else, the Civic or Corolla are good alternatives.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Gradual acceleration is key to getting the most miles from every gallon in the 2016 Dodge Dart GT 2.4L. Avoid quick starts and stops, as these consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady pace when possible.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy. Check your tires often and make sure they are at the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency.

Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo in the trunk or backseat increases weight, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly declutter the vehicle to minimize weight and improve MPG.

Minimize your usage of air conditioning to help reduce energy consumption by the engine. Using the A/C system puts a load on your engine, reducing fuel economy.

Regular maintenance is also important. Change the engine oil and air filter as recommended by the manufacturer. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Explore all Dodge fuel economy data and specifically DART MPG across all years to see how the Dart compares within the Dodge lineup and across model years.