Against 288 other 4-cyl cars rated 1989–1991, the XT sits right on their 23.6 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1985, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1985–1991), does 24.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.7L 6-cyl (1988–1991), 21: $274 a year apart.
Every Subaru XT engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21.7 / 28.9 | 1985–1991 | $1,555 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1988–1991 | $1,829 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1991) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1989–1991 | +$43 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,682 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1991 Subaru XT gives up 7.5 mpg in town: 27.5 on the highway against 20 in the city, $524 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1991) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27.5 mpg | $1,396 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7.5 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the XT changed over the years
The XT peaked in 1987 at 25 mpg (22 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1989 at 22 — 3 mpg apart, or $209 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1991 car does 23.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1990 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1989 | 19 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1988 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1987 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1986 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1985 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Subaru XT — 2 engines across 1985–1991. 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 $2,682. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1991 Subaru XT get?
23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 25. Across every year since 1985 the XT has averaged 23.4 mpg.
Is the 1991 XT more efficient than the 1990?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which XT year has the best gas mileage?
The 1987, at 25 mpg combined (22 city, 29 highway).
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