Volkswagen Rabbit
24 MPG The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (20.5 city / 29.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 625 gallons, $2000 a year in fuel, or $0.133 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2009 run it averages 23.8 MPG, falling by 2.9 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 | $0.104 | $1042 | $1563 | $2083 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.146 | $1458 | $2188 | $2917 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 24 MPG | 20.5 | 29.5 | $2600 | 370 | 2 |
| 2008 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 29 | $2600 | 370 | 2 |
| 2007 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $2850 | 404 | 2 |
| 2006 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $2850 | 404 | 2 |
| 1984 | 26.9 MPG | 24.6 | 30.7 | $2516 | 352 | 16 |
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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Rabbit ranks 108 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Oldsmobile Alero (24.3), Saturn Ion (24.4), BMW 335i (24.5), Cadillac CT4 AWD (24.5), Dodge Omni (24.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 370 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Rabbit get?
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA — 20.5 city and 29.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 23.8 MPG, ranging from 21 to 38 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Rabbit cost in fuel per year?
At 24 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 625 gallons — roughly $2000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.133 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $2600.
Has the Volkswagen Rabbit become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 26.9 MPG in 1984 to 24 in 2009. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Volkswagen Rabbit efficient for its class?
It ranks 108 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 2.6 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.