Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD
16 MPG The 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined (15.5 city / 17 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 938 gallons, $3000 a year in fuel, or $0.200 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–1991 run it averages 15.4 MPG, improving by 1.5 MPG over 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 | $0.156 | $1563 | $2344 | $3125 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.219 | $2188 | $3281 | $4375 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.281 | $2813 | $4219 | $5625 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.313 | $3125 | $4688 | $6250 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 16 MPG | 15.5 | 17 | $3900 | 558 | 2 |
| 1990 | 16 MPG | 15.5 | 17 | $3900 | 558 | 2 |
| 1989 | 16 MPG | 15.5 | 17 | $3900 | 558 | 2 |
| 1988 | 15.5 MPG | 15 | 17 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 1987 | 14.5 MPG | 14 | 16 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 1986 | 14.5 MPG | 14 | 16 | $4300 | 614 | 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 32 vans models tracked here, the Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD ranks 8 on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Astro 2WD (cargo) (17), Chevrolet G10/20 Sport Van 2WD (17), Ford Aerostar Van (17), Ford Aerostar Wagon (17), GMC Safari 2WD (cargo) (17).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 558 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD get?
The 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD is rated at 16 MPG combined by the EPA — 15.5 city and 17 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 15.4 MPG, ranging from 14 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 16 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 938 gallons — roughly $3000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.200 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1991 model is $3900.
Has the Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 14.5 MPG in 1986 to 16 in 1991 — an improvement of 1.5 MPG, or 10% across 6 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Vanagon/Camper 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 8 of 32 in the Vans class on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG. That is 1.0 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.