Against 520 other 4-cyl cars rated 2017–2019, the Golf SportWagen beats their 27.3 mpg average by 4.7 mpg, about $207 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2015, the 2L 4-cyl (2015), does 35 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (2016–2018), 29: $227 a year apart.
Every Volkswagen Golf SportWagen engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 31 / 40 | 2015–2015 | $1,097 | |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 29 / 37 | 2019–2019 | $1,200 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 25 / 34 | 2016–2018 | $1,324 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Kia Soul gets 29 mpg, the Subaru Impreza 31.7 mpg and the Honda Fit 36 mpg, next to 32 mpg for the 2019 Golf SportWagen.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2019) | $0.100 |
| Fuel per year | $1,200 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2017–2019 | −$207 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,130 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen gives up 8 mpg in town: 37 on the highway against 29 in the city, $286 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2019) | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 37 mpg | $1,038 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (28%) | Typical for its type |
How the Golf SportWagen changed over the years
The Golf SportWagen peaked in 2015 at 35 mpg (31 city, 40 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2018 at 29 — 6 mpg apart, or $227 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2019 car does 32. The 2019 model gains 3 mpg against 29 for the 2018. The biggest single-year change came in 2016: 35 to 29 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2018 | 25 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2017 | 25 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2016 | 25 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2015 | 31 / 40 | 1 | $1,097 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen — 3 engines across 2015–2019. 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 $2,130. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen get?
32 mpg combined, 29 city and 37 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2015 the Golf SportWagen has averaged 30.8 mpg.
Is the 2019 Golf SportWagen more efficient than the 2018?
Yes: 32 against 29 mpg combined, about $124 a year less to run.
Which Golf SportWagen year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 35 mpg combined (31 city, 40 highway).
Does the Golf SportWagen get better gas mileage than the Kia Soul?
Yes: 32 mpg for the 2019 Golf SportWagen against 29 for the 2020 Kia Soul, about $124 a year less to run.
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