A combined 29 MPG for the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider won’t win any fuel efficiency contests, but it’s acceptable for a stylish, Italian-designed roadster. People buy a 124 Spider for the open-air experience, the nimble handling, and the joy of driving a small, lightweight sports car, not because it saves a lot of fuel. Fuel economy is a secondary concern, a compromise for the fun this car delivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider, equipped with its 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, gets 25 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects the engine’s responsiveness at low speeds and its ability to navigate urban traffic easily. The highway figure highlights the impact of aerodynamics and the engine maintaining higher RPMs at cruising speeds. This car isn’t engineered for ultimate fuel efficiency at 75 mph; it’s designed for spirited driving on winding roads, and the fuel economy shows that.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel cost may vary depending on your driving habits, location, and fuel prices, but this figure provides a baseline for comparing the 124 Spider’s fuel expenses to other vehicles. It’s a tangible number that allows potential buyers to weigh the running costs against the emotional appeal of owning this Italian roadster.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many 124 Spider owners report figures close to the EPA estimates, especially when driving conservatively. However, the car’s eager engine and playful handling encourage spirited driving, which can easily cause fuel economy to dip below the official ratings. Expect to see numbers closer to the low- to mid-20s MPG range if you frequently engage the turbocharger and enjoy the car’s performance potential. Ultimately, your driving style will be the biggest factor determining your fuel consumption.

How it compares

Compared to its closest competitor, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 124 Spider lags slightly behind in fuel economy. A 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata with the automatic transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG city, 35 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined. The gap is noticeable, especially to fuel-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the Miata has always been a benchmark for fuel efficiency among sports cars. Even the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twins, which offer a different take on the affordable sports car formula, return similar real-world fuel economy around 24 MPG combined.

For drivers concerned with fuel costs, you probably shouldn’t be considering a sports car.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintain a steady throttle. The 1.4L turbo engine is responsive, but it’s also sensitive to aggressive acceleration. Smooth, gradual throttle inputs will help you stay out of the turbo boost and maximize fuel efficiency. Keep the boost gauge on the instrument panel in mind as you accelerate, and see how little you need to press the throttle to maintain your desired speed.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure, and check your tires at least once a month, especially during temperature changes.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps minimize fuel consumption. Cruise control helps you avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, thereby improving fuel efficiency during long drives. This makes your driving experience more relaxed.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra weight in the car increases fuel consumption. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to lighten the load. Anything that’s just being carried around probably hurts fuel economy.

Consider different routes. You could see substantial improvements in your gas mileage if you can avoid stop-and-go traffic during your morning and evening commute. While it may take some experimenting to find an alternate route, you might be surprised that one isn’t that much slower and vastly improves fuel economy

For more information, you can review all Fiat fuel economy data. You can also get further detail on 124 MPG across all years.