Mitsubishi Space Wagon
20 MPG The 1991 Mitsubishi Space Wagon is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (19 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1991 run it averages 21 MPG, falling by 3 MPG over 8 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 20 MPG | 19 | 22 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1990 | 20 MPG | 19 | 22 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1989 | 20 MPG | 19 | 22 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1988 | 21 MPG | 20 | 22 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1987 | 21 MPG | 20 | 22 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 1986 | 21 MPG | 20 | 22 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1985 | 22 MPG | 21 | 23 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 1984 | 23 MPG | 21.3 | 26 | $2717 | 387 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Mitsubishi Space Wagon ranks 70 on current figures, against a class average of 29.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 325i Sport Wagon (20.5), BMW 328i Sport Wagon (20.5), Cadillac CTS Wagon AWD (21), Daewoo Nubira Station Wagon (21), Dodge Colt Vista (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 444 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mitsubishi Space Wagon get?
The 1991 Mitsubishi Space Wagon is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 22 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 21 MPG, ranging from 20 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mitsubishi Space Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1991 model is $3100.
Has the Mitsubishi Space Wagon become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 23 MPG in 1984 to 20 in 1991. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Mitsubishi Space Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 70 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.6 MPG. That is 9.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.