- Newest year: 2006
- Gas
- Two-seaters
2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige MPG & Fuel Cost
2 model years · 22 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 9 of 10 two-seater configurations, MY2006. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige at a glance
The 2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige covers 2 model years in the EPA database (2 configurations in all), rated 22 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2006, costs about $3,650 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD (22 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2006.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige by model year
What the 2006 Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD costs to drive
Per month
$304
$3,650 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.08
Per 100 miles
$24.33
Five years
$18,250
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the two-seater median
$580less a year
Class median $4,230 a year, MY2006
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2006 Lotus Elise/Exige MPG
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 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,650.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elise/Exige (Most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl | RWD | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,650 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2005 Lotus Elise/Exige MPG
22 MPG · $3,650/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elise/exige (Most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl | RWD | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,650 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD: $4,350 in California and $3,170 in Texas, a $1,180 difference.
- California $4,350
- Washington $4,100
- New York $3,610
- Florida $3,330
- Texas $3,170
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2006 two-seater models.
Generations
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige get?
EPA rates the 2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige at 22 MPG combined across 2 configurations and 2 model years. The most efficient version, the 2006 Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD, is rated 22 MPG (19 city, 27 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige?
Every model year of the 2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige tops out at 22 MPG combined, so no year is better than another.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2005-2006 Lotus Elise/Exige?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2006.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Lotus Elise/Exige per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD costs about $3,650 a year. Across all 1 configuration the cost runs $3,650 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2006 Lotus Elise/Exige 100 miles?
About $24.33 per 100 miles for the Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2006 Lotus Elise/Exige more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD is rated 19 city and 27 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 8 MPG.
How does the 2006 Lotus Elise/Exige compare with other two-seater configurations?
The Elise/Exige 1.8L 4-cyl RWD costs about $3,650 a year to fuel, $580 less than the class median of $4,230, and less than 9 of 10 two-seater configurations. The comparison covers all 69 rated two-seater configurations for MY2006, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2006 Lotus Elise/Exige different from the 2005 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,650. EPA lists 1 configuration for 2006 against 1 configuration for 2005. See the 2005 Lotus Elise/Exige for that year.