Is the Dodge Dart good on gas?
The Dodge Dart can be reasonably economical for its era, but it isn’t a standout in its class. Expect roughly mid-20s miles per gallon in city driving and mid-30s on the highway, depending on engine and transmission. Since the Dart was discontinued after 2016, most buyers will be looking at used examples, where condition and maintenance play a big role in actual efficiency.
In this article, we break down the main engine options, typical EPA estimates, real-world performance factors, and practical tips for maximizing fuel economy in a used Dart. We also place the car in context within the broader landscape of compact sedans today.
Fuel economy by engine
The Dart offered two main four-cylinder engines, paired with a range of transmissions. The efficiency figures below reflect commonly cited EPA estimates for typical configurations.
- 2.0L Tigershark I4 with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic: roughly 23–25 mpg in city driving and about 34–36 mpg on the highway, with a combined figure around 28–29 mpg depending on gearing and driving style.
- 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2 I4 with a 6-speed automatic (the more common setup): about 23–25 mpg city and 34–35 mpg highway, for a combined around 28 mpg.
Note: Real-world fuel economy can be lower than these estimates, especially in city driving, winter conditions, or if the vehicle has wear that reduces efficiency. The Dart’s weight and aerodynamic profile also influence highway mpg, and older models may have less-than-perfect seals and tires that hurt efficiency.
Real-world driving and factors that matter
Actual mpg depends on driving behavior, maintenance, and condition. In typical city driving, drivers report mid-20s mpg, while on long highway trips with steady speeds, many achieve mid-30s mpg. Factors like tire condition, alignment, engine health, air filter, and transmission service are particularly impactful for the Dart, which lacks some of the modern efficiency technologies found in newer compact sedans.
What to consider if you’re shopping used
Because the Dodge Dart was discontinued after the 2016 model year, any Dart you buy is a used vehicle. When evaluating MPG potential, inspect service records, check for maintenance items that affect efficiency (oil changes, air filter, oxygen sensors, spark plugs), and consider a pre-purchase inspection to assess engine and transmission condition. Real-world economy can vary substantially based on how well the car was cared for.
Tips to maximize gas mileage in a Dodge Dart
Use these practical steps to squeeze more miles per gallon from a Dart, especially if you’re buying a used one.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflation reduces economy and increases wear.
- Use the recommended grade of motor oil and change on schedule; a clean engine runs more efficiently.
- Maintain a smooth driving style: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and timely gear shifts (with manual, use the highest appropriate gear).
- Plan routes to minimize stops and idling; use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Address any fault codes or sensors promptly; issues like a failing oxygen sensor or dirty mass air flow sensor can degrade MPG.
With attention to maintenance and driving habits, a Dart can maintain decent fuel economy for a used compact sedan, though it will generally fall behind newer compact rivals in efficiency.
Summary
The Dodge Dart offers decent fuel economy for an early- to mid-2010s compact, with EPA estimates typically in the high 20s combined—lower in city driving and higher on the highway. Real-world numbers vary widely based on engine choice (2.0L vs 2.4L), transmission, and vehicle upkeep. Since the Dart is no longer in production, buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and realistic MPG expectations when shopping in the used market, and consider newer compact sedans if maximum efficiency is a priority.
Do Dodge Darts last long?
How long do Dodge Darts last? Typically, a Dodge Dart will last 200,000-250,000. Of course, many factors will influence the lifespan of the Dodge Dart, such as the frequency of repairs and how you drive the car.
Is a Dodge good on gas?
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a five-passenger sedan that gets competitive gas mileage on the highway. Powered by either a V-6 or a V-8 engine, the Charger gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and 19 miles per gallon on city streets, giving it a combined rating of 23 miles per gallon.
Are Dodge Darts good on gas?
This engine has a great fuel economy to match its power. It gets an EPA estimated 25 city and 36 highway miles per gallon. That gives the Dart a range of 511.2 highway miles before you'll have to start thinking about filling up again.
Is a 2013 Dodge Dart good on gas?
Darts with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder are rated at 25/36 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission and 24/34 mpg with the automatic. Cars with the turbo four-cylinder offer better efficiency; manual-transmission versions get an estimated 27/39 mpg while those with the dual-clutch transmission manage 27/37 mpg.
