- Newest year: 2009
- Gas
- Midsize cars
- Same as 2008
2002-2009 Kia Spectra MPG & Fuel Cost
8 model years · 22–27 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 9 of 10 midsize car configurations, MY2009. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2002-2009 Kia Spectra at a glance
The 2002-2009 Kia Spectra covers 8 model years in the EPA database (18 configurations in all), rated 22–27 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2009, costs about $2,420 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD (27 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; 2003 and 2009 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 27 MPG, was reached in 2008 and 2009.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2002-2009 Kia Spectra by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Gas | 26–27 MPG | $2,420–$2,510 | Same EPA ratings as 2008 |
| 2008 | Gas | 26–27 MPG | $2,420–$2,510 | Ratings changed |
| 2007 | Gas | 26 MPG | $2,510 | Ratings changed |
| 2006 | Gas | 25 MPG | $2,610 | Ratings changed |
| 2005 | Gas | 25 MPG | $2,610 | Ratings changed |
| 2004 | Gas | 22–25 MPG | $2,610–$2,970 | Ratings changed |
| 2003 | Gas | 22–24 MPG | $2,720–$2,970 | Same EPA ratings as 2002 |
| 2002 | Gas | 22–24 MPG | $2,720–$2,970 | First year |
What the 2009 Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$202
$2,420 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.03
Per 100 miles
$16.13
Five years
$12,100
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the midsize car median
$850less a year
Class median $3,270 a year, MY2009
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2009 Kia Spectra MPG
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2009 Kia Spectra as for the 2008 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2008 section above.See 2008
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,420 |
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,510 |
2008 Kia Spectra MPG
26–27 MPG · $2,420–$2,510/yr
Versus 2007: The most efficient configuration moves from 26 to 27 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,510 to $2,420, $90 less.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,420 |
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,510 |
2007 Kia Spectra MPG
26 MPG · $2,510/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2006: The most efficient configuration moves from 25 to 26 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,610 to $2,510, $100 less.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,510 |
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,510 |
2006 Kia Spectra MPG
25 MPG · $2,610/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2005: The most efficient configuration stays at 25 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,610.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,610 |
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,610 |
2005 Kia Spectra MPG
25 MPG · $2,610/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2004: The most efficient configuration stays at 25 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,610.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,610 |
| Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,610 |
2004 Kia Spectra MPG
22–25 MPG · $2,610–$2,970/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2003: The most efficient configuration moves from 24 to 25 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,720 to $2,610, $110 less.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,610 |
| 2.0L 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,610 |
| 1.8L 1.8L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 1.8L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,720 |
| 1.8L 1.8L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 1.8L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
2003 Kia Spectra MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2002
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2003 Kia Spectra as for the 2002 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2002 section above.See 2002
2002 Kia Spectra MPG
22–24 MPG · $2,720–$2,970/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra 1.8L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,720 |
| Spectra 1.8L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 1.8L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD: $3,290 in California and $2,110 in Texas, a $1,180 difference.
- California $3,290
- Washington $3,050
- New York $2,420
- Florida $2,290
- Texas $2,110
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2009 midsize car models.
Generations
- 2002-2009
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2002-2009 Kia Spectra get?
EPA rates the 2002-2009 Kia Spectra at 22–27 MPG combined across 18 configurations and 8 model years. The most efficient version, the 2009 Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 27 MPG (24 city, 32 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2002-2009 Kia Spectra?
The Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 27 MPG, in 2008 and 2009. The lowest top rating, 24 MPG, was in 2002 and 2003.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2002-2009 Kia Spectra?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2003 and 2009 the values repeat the year before.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Kia Spectra per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,420 a year. Across all 2 configurations the cost runs $2,420–$2,510 a year. That is a $90 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2009 Kia Spectra 100 miles?
About $16.13 per 100 miles for the Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $16.13 and $16.73 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2009 Kia Spectra more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD is rated 24 city and 32 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 8 MPG.
How does the 2009 Kia Spectra compare with other midsize car configurations?
The Spectra 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,420 a year to fuel, $850 less than the class median of $3,270, and less than 9 of 10 midsize car configurations. The comparison covers all 130 rated midsize car configurations for MY2009, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2009 Kia Spectra different from the 2008 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2008 and 2009: 2 configurations rated 26–27 MPG combined. See the 2008 Kia Spectra for that year.