Subaru Wagon
22.3 MPG The 1989 Subaru Wagon is EPA-rated at 22.3 MPG combined (21 city / 24.7 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 673 gallons, $2152 a year in fuel, or $0.143 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1989 run it averages 22.9 MPG, falling by 1.2 MPG over 6 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 | $0.112 | $1121 | $1682 | $2242 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.135 | $1345 | $2018 | $2691 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.143 | $1435 | $2152 | $2870 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.157 | $1570 | $2354 | $3139 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.179 | $1794 | $2691 | $3587 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.202 | $2018 | $3027 | $4036 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.224 | $2242 | $3363 | $4484 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 22.3 MPG | 21 | 24.7 | $2800 | 400 | 3 |
| 1988 | 22.3 MPG | 21 | 24.7 | $2800 | 400 | 3 |
| 1987 | 22.3 MPG | 20.8 | 25 | $2813 | 401 | 4 |
| 1986 | 23.3 MPG | 21.8 | 25.8 | $2688 | 384 | 4 |
| 1985 | 23.6 MPG | 21.6 | 26.8 | $2650 | 379 | 5 |
| 1984 | 23.5 MPG | 22 | 27 | $2675 | 380 | 6 |
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 Subaru Wagon ranks 54 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Civic Wagon 4WD (22.5), Saab 9-3 SportCombi (22.5), Hyundai Elantra Wagon (23), Audi A4 Avant quattro (24), Scion xB (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 400 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Wagon get?
The 1989 Subaru Wagon is rated at 22.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 21 city and 24.7 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 22.9 MPG, ranging from 20 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 22.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 673 gallons — roughly $2152 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.143 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $2800.
Has the Subaru Wagon become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 23.5 MPG in 1984 to 22.3 in 1989. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Subaru Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 54 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 7.2 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.