Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
31.5 MPG The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is EPA-rated at 31.5 MPG combined (28 city / 36.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 476 gallons, $1524 a year in fuel, or $0.102 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2015–2019 run it averages 29.8 MPG, essentially flat across 5 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 | $0.079 | $794 | $1190 | $1587 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.095 | $952 | $1429 | $1905 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.102 | $1016 | $1524 | $2032 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.127 | $1270 | $1905 | $2540 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.159 | $1587 | $2381 | $3175 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 31.5 MPG | 28 | 36.5 | $1975 | 281 | 2 |
| 2018 | 28.5 MPG | 24.5 | 33.5 | $2175 | 315 | 2 |
| 2017 | 28.5 MPG | 25 | 34.5 | $2175 | 311 | 2 |
| 2016 | 28.5 MPG | 25 | 34.5 | $2175 | 312 | 2 |
| 2015 | 31.8 MPG | 27.8 | 37.8 | $2213 | 303 | 4 |
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 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen ranks 10 on current figures, against a class average of 29.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Fit (33.3), BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon (34), Kia Niro Touring (43), Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (48), Kia Niro (49).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 281 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen get?
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is rated at 31.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 28 city and 36.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 29.8 MPG, ranging from 28 to 35 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Golf SportWagen cost in fuel per year?
At 31.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 476 gallons — roughly $1524 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.102 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2019 model is $1975.
Has the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 31.5 MPG today against 31.8 in 2015 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen efficient for its class?
It ranks 10 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.4 MPG. That is 2.1 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.