Subaru Wagon 4WD
21.5 MPG The 1989 Subaru Wagon 4WD is EPA-rated at 21.5 MPG combined (20.5 city / 23.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 698 gallons, $2233 a year in fuel, or $0.149 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1989 run it averages 21.4 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.140 | $1395 | $2093 | $2791 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.149 | $1488 | $2233 | $2977 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.163 | $1628 | $2442 | $3256 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.186 | $1860 | $2791 | $3721 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.209 | $2093 | $3140 | $4186 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.233 | $2326 | $3488 | $4651 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 21.5 MPG | 20.5 | 23.5 | $2900 | 415 | 2 |
| 1988 | 22 MPG | 21 | 23.5 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1987 | 21.3 MPG | 19.3 | 23.8 | $2950 | 420 | 4 |
| 1986 | 21.3 MPG | 19.7 | 23.8 | $2925 | 418 | 6 |
| 1985 | 21.3 MPG | 19.5 | 23.8 | $2931 | 420 | 8 |
| 1984 | 21 MPG | 19.7 | 23.3 | $2967 | 425 | 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 43 special purpose vehicles models tracked here, the Subaru Wagon 4WD ranks 4 on current figures, against a class average of 17.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Geo Tracker Convertible 4WD (21.8), Subaru Hatchback 4WD (24), Suzuki Samurai Soft-top 4WD (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 415 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Wagon 4WD get?
The 1989 Subaru Wagon 4WD is rated at 21.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 20.5 city and 23.5 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 21.4 MPG, ranging from 19 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Wagon 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 21.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 698 gallons — roughly $2233 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.149 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $2900.
Has the Subaru Wagon 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 21.5 MPG today against 21 in 1984 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Subaru Wagon 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 4 of 43 in the Special Purpose Vehicles class on current figures, against a class average of 17.5 MPG. That is 4.0 better 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.