Subaru XT
22.7 MPG The 1991 Subaru XT is EPA-rated at 22.7 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 661 gallons, $2115 a year in fuel, or $0.141 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1991 run it averages 22.9 MPG, essentially flat across 7 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 | $0.110 | $1101 | $1652 | $2203 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.132 | $1322 | $1982 | $2643 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.141 | $1410 | $2115 | $2819 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.154 | $1542 | $2313 | $3084 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.176 | $1762 | $2643 | $3524 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.198 | $1982 | $2974 | $3965 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.220 | $2203 | $3304 | $4405 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 22.7 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2767 | 394 | 3 |
| 1990 | 22.7 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2767 | 394 | 3 |
| 1989 | 22.3 MPG | 19.7 | 26.7 | $2783 | 399 | 3 |
| 1988 | 23.3 MPG | 20.3 | 27.7 | $2683 | 383 | 3 |
| 1987 | 23 MPG | 20.8 | 26.4 | $2719 | 388 | 8 |
| 1986 | 23.3 MPG | 21.3 | 26 | $2688 | 384 | 4 |
| 1985 | 23 MPG | 21 | 26.5 | $2725 | 389 | 2 |
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 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Subaru XT ranks 112 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi RS 3 (23), BMW 640i Convertible (23), Isuzu Impulse (23), Lexus IS 250 AWD (23), Lexus RC 350 (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 394 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru XT get?
The 1991 Subaru XT is rated at 22.7 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 27 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 22.9 MPG, ranging from 20 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru XT cost in fuel per year?
At 22.7 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 661 gallons — roughly $2115 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.141 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1991 model is $2767.
Has the Subaru XT become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 22.7 MPG today against 23 in 1985 — essentially flat across 7 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Subaru XT efficient for its class?
It ranks 112 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 1.5 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.