Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the WRX trails their 26.3 mpg average by 4.3 mpg, about $285 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2015, the 2L 4-cyl (2015–2021), does 23.1 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 4-cyl (2022–2026), 22: $83 a year apart.
Every Subaru WRX engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 20.6 / 27.1 | 2015–2021 | $1,662 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 19 / 26 | 2022–2026 | $1,745 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 42.5 mpg, the Lexus IS 22.5 mpg and the Acura TLX 23 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2026 WRX. The WRX costs the most of them to run: $841 a year more than the Toyota Corolla.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$285 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,400 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Subaru WRX gives up 7 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 19 in the city, $544 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (37%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the WRX changed over the years
The WRX peaked in 2015 at 24 mpg (21 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2026 at 22 — 2 mpg apart, or $145 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2025 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2024 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2023 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2022 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2021 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2020 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2019 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2018 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2017 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2016 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 12 EPA ratings of the Subaru WRX — 2 engines across 2015–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,400. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Subaru WRX get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2015 the WRX has averaged 22.7 mpg.
Is the 2026 WRX more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which WRX year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway).
Does the WRX get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 22 mpg for the 2026 WRX against 42.5 for the 2026 Toyota Corolla, about $841 a year more to run.
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