29 MPG combined in the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but it’s perfectly acceptable for what this car is: an affordable, stylish, and genuinely fun roadster. The 124 Spider isn’t about practicality or outright efficiency; it’s about open-air driving enjoyment. Its target buyer is someone who prioritizes smiles per gallon over miles per gallon, someone seeking a weekend escape rather than a daily commuter appliance. For that mission, its fuel consumption strikes a reasonable balance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider with the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission at 25 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the engine’s character. The turbocharger provides a welcome boost of power in urban environments to make the car lively and responsive when nipping in and out of traffic, yet the highway figure illustrates the engine’s relaxed nature at cruising speeds, when it’s not working hard and fuel consumption drops significantly. This split speaks to the 124’s dual personality: fun and engaging around town, but also capable of comfortable, economical road trips.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider is $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, how representative this is for you depends on your driving habits and where you live. If you drive significantly less than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices in your area are lower than the national average, you can expect to pay less. Heavy-footed drivers or those living in areas with high fuel costs will likely exceed the $2,000 estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving style, road conditions, and even tire pressure. Expect to see numbers that fluctuate around the EPA estimates. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and prolonged idling can all negatively impact fuel economy. Conversely, smooth acceleration, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you achieve or even exceed the EPA ratings. Considering the kind of driver who buys this car, it’s fair to expect that many will err on the side of spirited performance, and thus may get slightly lower numbers than advertised.

How it compares

Compared to similar roadsters, the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider holds its own in terms of fuel economy. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, technically its platform sibling, achieves a slightly better 30 MPG combined with its automatic transmission, but the difference isn’t enormous. A convertible MINI Cooper S, while offering a different driving experience, gets around 26 MPG combined. Looking at other sporty cars in the 124 Spider’s price range, you’ll find that many prioritize performance over economy. A Subaru BRZ, for example, achieves around 24 MPG combined, a reflection of its more performance-oriented focus.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Optimize your driving style by avoiding hard accelerations and maintaining a steady speed. The Fiat 124 Spider’s small displacement turbo engine appreciates smooth inputs; gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow allows the turbo to stay out of boost as much as possible, which will significantly improve fuel economy.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which leads to decreased fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, which requires the engine to work harder, thus decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy objects, to lighten the load and improve MPG.

Take advantage of the 124’s six-speed automatic by letting it upshift early and often. While the temptation to hold gears for the joy of acceleration is high in a roadster, allowing the transmission to pick higher gears sooner will often deliver better fuel economy. On level ground at cruising speeds, manually shift up using the gear lever if needed.

Consider using premium fuel. Although not strictly required, some drivers report a slight improvement in fuel economy when using premium fuel in the 124 Spider’s turbocharged engine. Experiment to see if it makes a noticeable difference for your driving conditions and driving style. For all Fiat fuel economy data you can consult the main FuelEconomyHub site, in addition to the specific data on 124 MPG across all years.