Against 261 other 4-cyl cars rated 2025–2027, the GLI beats their 26.2 mpg average by 2.8 mpg, about $142 a year.
Every Volkswagen GLI engine, compared
The Volkswagen GLI was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 26 / 35.7 | 2022–2027 | $1,293 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2027) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2025–2027 | −$142 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,117 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2027 Volkswagen GLI gives up 9 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 26 in the city, $380 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2027) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (35%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the GLI changed over the years
The GLI peaked in 2025 at 30 mpg (26 city, 36 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2027 at 29 — 1 mpg apart, or $44 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2027 car does 29.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2026 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2023 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2022 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen GLI — 1 engine across 2022–2027. 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 $2,117. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2027 Volkswagen GLI get?
29 mpg combined, 26 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2022 the GLI has averaged 29.7 mpg.
Is the 2027 GLI more efficient than the 2026?
About the same: 29 against 29 mpg combined.
Which GLI year has the best gas mileage?
The 2025, at 30 mpg combined (26 city, 36 highway).
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