27 MPG combined is the reality for the 2016 Dodge Dart 2.0L. It’s not a hybrid or an eco-box designed for hypermilers. It is an affordable, stylish, and relatively spacious compact sedan, a car for buyers who value low initial cost and everyday usability over top fuel efficiency. These buyers like the Dart’s unique styling and available features, and are willing to accept average MPG for them.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Dodge Dart 2.0L 4-cylinder, with its automatic 6-speed transmission, gets 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. That city number is typical for a non-hybrid compact car of this era, as the engine works harder in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number, while seemingly good, often disappoints. The Dart’s heavy weight and somewhat older engine design contribute to this. Reaching that 33 MPG requires a light foot and steady speed. Hard acceleration or frequent passing will lower your mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that 2016 Dodge Dart 2.0L owners will spend about $1,600 on fuel per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time. This number depends on gas prices, driving style, and city versus highway miles. If you live where gas is expensive, or your commute is mostly congested city streets, expect to spend more than $1,600. However, mostly highway drivers in areas with lower fuel costs might spend less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a useful benchmark, but real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Dodge Dart 2.0L is usually a bit lower than the official ratings. Expect a combined MPG average closer to 24-26 MPG in normal driving. Careful drivers who want good fuel efficiency can likely match the EPA’s 27 MPG combined rating, but aggressive driving will easily drop fuel economy into the low 20s. Traffic, terrain, and even tire pressure affect your actual mileage.

How it compares

In the crowded compact sedan segment, the 2016 Dodge Dart’s 2.0L engine isn’t the best in fuel economy. The 2016 Honda Civic, especially the 1.5T models, outperforms the Dart, achieving up to 42 MPG on the highway in certain trims. Even the base Civic 2.0L got better fuel economy. The 2016 Mazda3, known for its driving, achieved around 30 MPG combined. A Toyota Corolla achieved around 31 MPG combined. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, these are good alternatives to the Dart. Others attracted to the Dart’s styling, interior space, or lower price might find the MPG difference acceptable.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L engine in the Dart isn’t very modern, so maximizing its efficiency requires effort. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The engine works hardest when you need quick bursts of speed, so smooth acceleration will improve your fuel economy.

Tire inflation is important. Check your tire pressure regularly, ideally monthly and before long trips, and keep it at the pressure on the door jamb sticker. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and decreasing your MPG.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove items you don’t need from your car because extra weight strains the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. Carrying extra cargo in the trunk adds up.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps the engine operate better, especially on long, flat stretches of road. Disengage cruise control when driving up steep hills, as the transmission may downshift too much, negating any fuel savings.

Finally, ensure your Dart gets regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements. A clean air filter helps the engine breathe, and fresh oil reduces friction, improving fuel economy. Neglecting maintenance can lower your MPG over time. For all Dodge fuel economy data, and specifically DART MPG across all years, continue browsing FuelEconomyHub.com.