The 2015 Dodge Dart with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission gets 27 MPG combined, which isn’t record-breaking, but many owners found it acceptable considering the car’s other qualities. It wasn’t a Prius competitor, it was a stylish, relatively affordable compact sedan for younger buyers who liked its Italian-influenced design and available technology, plus the possibility of fun backroad drives, even if the 2.0L wasn’t the fastest engine available. The Dart appealed to those who prioritized style and features over top fuel efficiency and accepted a middle-of-the-road MPG as part of the deal.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Dodge Dart 2.0L are 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect how the engine is designed and how the six-speed automatic transmission is tuned. In the city, the 2.0L engine can feel a little strained, meaning you might press the gas pedal harder, which lowers fuel economy. The Dart’s weight, which is more than other cars in its class, also matters. The Dart does better on the highway, with the transmission shifting into higher gears to get the best efficiency. If you pass other cars aggressively or drive fast for a long time, the MPG will likely be closer to the combined figure.

Annual fuel cost

The 2015 Dodge Dart 2.0L with the automatic transmission has an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of $1,600. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price when the EPA tested the car. Remember that this is just an estimate. How much you actually spend will change based on how you drive, local fuel prices, and whether you drive more in the city or on the highway. However, $1,600 is a good number to use when comparing the 2015 Dart’s fuel costs to other cars like it.

Real-world expectations

The EPA ratings are a standard, but real-world MPG for the 2015 Dodge Dart 2.0L could vary. Long highway trips saw many drivers reporting numbers close to the EPA’s estimates. But if you mostly drive in the city, especially in stop-and-go traffic, you’ll probably see numbers in the low 20s. Driving aggressively, like accelerating quickly and braking hard, will also hurt fuel economy. Making sure your tires are properly inflated, keeping up with regular maintenance, and using the air conditioning wisely can all help you get the Dart’s official MPG, or even beat it sometimes. You can compare these expectations to DART MPG across all years, looking for a more fuel-efficient option across the Dart model range.

How it compares

The 2015 Dodge Dart 2.0L’s fuel economy was average compared to other compact sedans. The Honda Civic, especially the HF trim, got much better numbers with a combined rating of 35 MPG. The Toyota Corolla LE Eco also did better, getting about 34 MPG combined. The Ford Focus SE with the Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package could get up to 31 MPG combined. The Dart’s 27 MPG combined was similar to, or a little better than, some versions of the Mazda3, which got about 30 MPG combined depending on the engine and transmission. For buyers who cared most about fuel efficiency, the Civic or Corolla would have been good choices. Those who liked the Dart’s style and features might have thought the slightly lower MPG was worth it. Looking at all Dodge fuel economy data might prompt some of these buyers to cross shop the similar Dodge Caliber, or consider a more fuel-efficient Dodge Avenger.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L engine in the 2015 Dart works best with smooth acceleration. Don’t push the gas pedal all the way down, especially when starting from a stop. Instead, slowly increase the pressure to let the engine build power without wasting gas.

Tire pressure affects fuel economy more than many drivers think. Check your tire pressure often, at least once a month, and make sure your tires have the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires that don’t have enough air increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more gas.

Extra weight in the car will lower fuel efficiency, especially in the city. Take out anything from the trunk or passenger area that you don’t need. Every extra pound takes more energy to accelerate and keep up speed, putting more strain on the 2.0L engine.

Regular maintenance is critical for the best fuel economy. Make sure the engine air filter is clean and replaced when it’s supposed to be. A dirty air filter limits airflow, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Changing the oil regularly with the right kind of oil is also very important.

The automatic transmission in the 2015 Dart is designed to use fuel efficiently. Don’t shift gears manually unless you have to, like in winter driving. Let the transmission shift automatically, since it’s programmed to shift at the best times based on how hard the engine is working and how fast the car is going.