Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD
14 MPG The 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD is EPA-rated at 14 MPG combined (14 city / 15 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1071 gallons, $3429 a year in fuel, or $0.229 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–1991 run it averages 14 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.229 | $2286 | $3429 | $4571 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.286 | $2857 | $4286 | $5714 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.321 | $3214 | $4821 | $6429 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.357 | $3571 | $5357 | $7143 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 14 MPG | 14 | 15 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
| 1990 | 14 MPG | 14 | 15 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
| 1989 | 14 MPG | 14 | 15 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
| 1988 | 14 MPG | 14 | 15 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
| 1987 | 14 MPG | 14 | 14 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
| 1986 | 14 MPG | 14 | 14 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
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 Syncro 4WD ranks 23 on current figures, against a class average of 15.1 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: GMC G15/25 Rally 2WD (14.3), Ford E150 Econoline 2WD (14.5), Chevrolet Astro AWD (cargo) (15), Ford Aerostar Wagon AWD (15), Ford E250 Econoline 2WD (15).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 635 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 9.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD get?
The 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD is rated at 14 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 15 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 14 MPG, ranging from 14 to 14 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 14 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1071 gallons — roughly $3429 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.229 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1991 model is $4450.
Has the Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 14 MPG today against 14 in 1986 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 23 of 32 in the Vans class on current figures, against a class average of 15.1 MPG. That is 1.1 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.