The 2019 Buick Cascada, with its 24 MPG combined, won’t win any fuel efficiency awards. However, prospective Cascada owners aren’t typically prioritizing ultra-low running costs. This is a stylish, comfortable convertible primarily purchased for relaxed cruising and enjoying open-air motoring, where design and the experience are more important than squeezing every last mile out of a gallon of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the Cascada gets 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The difference between these two figures reflects the Cascada’s tuning and gearing; the 1.6L turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission are optimized for comfortable highway speeds. City driving, with its stop-and-go nature, puts a greater strain on fuel consumption, hence the lower rating. While 29 MPG on the highway is respectable for a convertible, the 21 MPG city rating is a reminder that efficiency is not the Cascada’s strength.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Buick Cascada is $2,400. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. However, the $2,400 figure provides a standardized benchmark for comparing the Cascada’s fuel expenses to those of other vehicles. Buyers should factor this amount into their total ownership cost considerations.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing methodology, real-world fuel economy can differ significantly. The Cascada’s relatively small turbocharged engine is sensitive to driving style. Aggressive acceleration and frequent bursts of speed will noticeably decrease fuel efficiency. Conversely, smooth, consistent driving at moderate speeds will likely yield results closer to the EPA estimates, or perhaps even slightly better on long highway journeys.

Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather conditions can also impact fuel consumption. For example, drivers in colder climates might experience slightly lower MPG during winter months.

How it compares

Compared to other convertibles, the Cascada’s fuel economy sits roughly in the middle of the pack. A similarly configured 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a smaller and lighter roadster, achieves a significantly better 30 MPG combined. However, the Miata prioritizes sporty driving dynamics over outright comfort and practicality, serving a different niche. The BMW 430i Convertible, another competitor, achieves around 25 MPG combined with its turbocharged 2.0L engine, offering similar fuel economy to the Cascada, but with a higher price tag and more premium features. Checking CASCADA MPG across all years can help understand how this model compares across generations. Buyers willing to consider hardtop convertibles might also look at vehicles like the Volkswagen Eos (discontinued after 2015), which achieved around 25 MPG combined, offering a comparable driving experience with slightly improved fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Cascada’s 1.6L turbo engine benefits from smooth and gradual acceleration. Avoid hard launches and unnecessary bursts of speed. Gentle inputs on the gas pedal minimize fuel consumption by keeping the turbocharger spooled down and reducing the demand on the engine.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regular tire pressure checks are a simple way to improve efficiency.

The Cascada’s six-speed automatic transmission is designed to shift efficiently. Allow it to do its job without unnecessary manual interventions. Avoid using the manual shift mode unless it is truly needed, as the automatic programming is generally optimized for both performance and fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Remove any items from the trunk or passenger compartment that are not essential. Carrying extra weight increases the engine’s workload, leading to increased fuel consumption. A cleaner, lighter car is a more efficient car.

Plan your routes strategically to avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. Constant acceleration and braking consume significantly more fuel than maintaining a steady speed on the open road. Using navigation apps to identify congestion and choose alternative routes can make a difference. You can check all Buick fuel economy data for other fuel saving car alternatives.