The 2019 Ford Fiesta 1.6L gets 31 MPG combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice, perfect for buyers on a budget. It’s not designed for performance driving or luxury; instead, it offers efficient transportation, focusing on low running costs. The Fiesta aims to be an affordable and dependable car, with fuel economy being a key feature.

City and highway performance

The Fiesta’s EPA ratings of 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway highlight where it does well. The city MPG is good, showing the engine sips fuel in stop-and-go traffic. The highway MPG is impressive. This is partly thanks to the Fiesta’s light weight and the automatic transmission’s ability to use higher gears. The automatic does reduce fuel economy slightly compared to the manual, but it is better suited to US commutes and likely more popular. The tall sixth gear reduces engine RPMs, which cuts fuel consumption at steady speeds. This results in fewer gas station visits for owners looking to save money.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Fiesta 1.6L at $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual costs will vary with your driving and local gas prices; more aggressive driving and higher gas prices will increase your costs. However, the $1,400 figure offers a standard way to compare the Fiesta’s fuel efficiency to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure can affect your mileage. Fiesta owners who drive smoothly, accelerating and braking gently, might match or exceed the EPA estimates. Heavy-footed drivers or those in heavy traffic could see lower numbers. Regular maintenance is also important. Keeping tires inflated and replacing air filters helps maintain good fuel economy. Taking care of the car and driving economically will reward you with better gas mileage.

How it compares

Fuel economy is hotly contested in the subcompact category. The 2019 Honda Fit, a popular choice, gets an EPA-estimated 33 MPG combined with its automatic transmission, better than the Fiesta. The Nissan Versa, known for its low price, matches the Fiesta’s 31 MPG combined. The Kia Rio, another affordable option, also gets around 30 MPG combined. The Fiesta compares well, and these numbers show how close the competition is. While other cars might offer slightly better MPG, the Fiesta balances good fuel economy with stylish design and fun driving dynamics that most rivals can’t quite match. See all Ford fuel economy data to see how the Fiesta compares to other Fords.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps maximize the Fiesta’s MPG. Avoid flooring the gas, particularly from a stop. The Fiesta’s engine operates most efficiently when power is applied gradually. Hard acceleration wastes gas without greatly improving performance.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, usually found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. This simple step can improve your MPG.

Reduce the amount of weight in the car. Extra cargo increases the load on the engine, making it work harder and use more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area. Every pound matters, particularly in a small car like the Fiesta.

Plan routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic when possible. Frequent acceleration and braking greatly decrease fuel economy. Choose routes with fewer lights and less congestion. Even a short detour could save you fuel.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed helps optimize fuel consumption. Cruise control reduces variations in throttle, resulting in more consistent and efficient fuel use. Remember to turn it off when traffic demands more attentive driving. If you’re buying used, check the FIESTA MPG across all years to see if an older model provides similar fuel economy.