Volkswagen Jetta Wagon
26.5 MPG The 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon is EPA-rated at 26.5 MPG combined (23.3 city / 31.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 566 gallons, $1811 a year in fuel, or $0.121 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2005 run it averages 25.4 MPG, improving by 5.2 MPG over 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 | $0.094 | $943 | $1415 | $1887 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.113 | $1132 | $1698 | $2264 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.121 | $1208 | $1811 | $2415 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.132 | $1321 | $1981 | $2642 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.151 | $1509 | $2264 | $3019 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.170 | $1698 | $2547 | $3396 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.189 | $1887 | $2830 | $3774 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 26.5 MPG | 23.3 | 31.5 | $2792 | 358 | 6 |
| 2004 | 26.7 MPG | 23.3 | 31.8 | $2783 | 357 | 6 |
| 2003 | 27.2 MPG | 24.2 | 32.5 | $2767 | 356 | 6 |
| 2002 | 25.4 MPG | 22.4 | 30.8 | $2863 | 379 | 8 |
| 2001 | 21.3 MPG | 18.8 | 26.3 | $2963 | 422 | 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 Jetta Wagon ranks 26 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda HR-V AWD (27), Nissan Rogue Sport AWD (27), Volvo V60 FWD (27), Honda Civic Wagon (27.5), Nissan Cube (27.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 358 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon get?
The 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon is rated at 26.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 23.3 city and 31.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 25.4 MPG, ranging from 19 to 39 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Jetta Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 26.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 566 gallons — roughly $1811 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.121 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $2792.
Has the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21.3 MPG in 2001 to 26.5 in 2005 — an improvement of 5.2 MPG, or 24% across 5 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 26 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 3.0 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.