Lotus fuel economy — every nameplate compared
EPA records 7 distinct Lotus nameplates across 34 model years, from 1985 to 2027. The most efficient nameplate on record is the Elan at 24 mpg combined; the thirstiest is 14 mpg.
7nameplates on record
24best nameplate mpg
14lowest nameplate mpg
66configurations on record
Nameplates ranked by best combined rating
| # | Model | Model years | Best | Worst | Configs | EPA class | Gallons a year at best rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elan | 1991–1993 | 24 | 23 | 3 | Two Seaters | 479 gal |
| 2 | Elise/Exige | 2005–2011 | 23 | 22 | 12 | Two Seaters | 500 gal |
| 3 | Evora | 2010–2020 | 23 | 19 | 23 | Minicompact Cars | 500 gal |
| 4 | Emira | 2024–2027 | 21 | 19 | 6 | Two Seaters | 548 gal |
| 5 | Evora GT | 2020–2021 | 20 | 20 | 4 | Minicompact Cars | 575 gal |
| 6 | Esprit Turbo | 1985–1995 | 19 | 14 | 11 | Two Seaters | 605 gal |
| 7 | Esprit V8 | 1997–2004 | 19 | 15 | 7 | Two Seaters | 605 gal |
Configurations Lotus has offered by model year
| Model year | Nameplates | Configurations | Most efficient that year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1 | 1 | Emira (21 mpg) |
| 2026 | 1 | 1 | Emira (21 mpg) |
| 2025 | 1 | 2 | Emira (21 mpg) |
| 2024 | 1 | 2 | Emira (21 mpg) |
| 2021 | 1 | 2 | Evora GT (20 mpg) |
| 2020 | 2 | 4 | Evora (20 mpg) |
| 2018 | 1 | 2 | Evora (20 mpg) |
| 2017 | 1 | 2 | Evora (20 mpg) |
| 2014 | 1 | 4 | Evora (22 mpg) |
| 2013 | 1 | 4 | Evora (23 mpg) |
| 2012 | 1 | 4 | Evora (23 mpg) |
| 2011 | 2 | 6 | Elise/Exige (23 mpg) |
| 2010 | 2 | 3 | Elise/Exige (23 mpg) |
| 2009 | 1 | 2 | Elise/Exige (23 mpg) |
| 2008 | 1 | 2 | Elise/Exige (23 mpg) |
| 2007 | 1 | 2 | Elise/Exige (23 mpg) |
| 2006 | 1 | 1 | Elise/Exige (22 mpg) |
| 2005 | 1 | 1 | Elise/Exige (22 mpg) |
| 2004 | 1 | 1 | Esprit V8 (16 mpg) |
| 2003 | 1 | 1 | Esprit V8 (16 mpg) |
| 2002 | 1 | 1 | Esprit V8 (16 mpg) |
| 2001 | 1 | 1 | Esprit V8 (19 mpg) |
| 2000 | 1 | 1 | Esprit V8 (16 mpg) |
| 1999 | 1 | 1 | Esprit V8 (15 mpg) |
| 1997 | 1 | 1 | Esprit V8 (16 mpg) |
| 1995 | 1 | 1 | Esprit Turbo (19 mpg) |
| 1994 | 1 | 1 | Esprit Turbo (19 mpg) |
| 1993 | 2 | 2 | Elan (23 mpg) |
| 1992 | 2 | 2 | Elan (24 mpg) |
| 1991 | 2 | 2 | Elan (24 mpg) |
| 1990 | 1 | 1 | Esprit Turbo (19 mpg) |
| 1989 | 1 | 3 | Esprit Turbo (19 mpg) |
| 1988 | 1 | 1 | Esprit Turbo (18 mpg) |
| 1985 | 1 | 1 | Esprit Turbo (14 mpg) |