Against 31 other 5-cyl cars rated 2012–2014, the Jetta SportWagen beats their 24.2 mpg average by 4.8 mpg, about $263 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2008, the 2L 4-cyl (2009–2014), does 32 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 5-cyl (2008–2014), 25.4: $312 a year apart.
Every Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 29 / 37 | 2009–2014 | $1,200 | |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 22.6 / 30.1 | 2008–2014 | $1,512 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Kia Soul gets 26.7 mpg, the Subaru Impreza 30.3 mpg and the Honda Fit 33.5 mpg, next to 29 mpg for the 2014 Jetta SportWagen.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2014) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 5-cyl cars, 2012–2014 | −$263 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,454 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen gives up 7.5 mpg in town: 33.5 on the highway against 26 in the city, $331 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2014) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33.5 mpg | $1,146 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7.5 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the Jetta SportWagen changed over the years
The Jetta SportWagen peaked in 2011 at 29.5 mpg (26.5 city, 34 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2008 at 24 — 5.5 mpg apart, or $298 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2014 car does 29. The biggest single-year change came in 2009: 24 to 28 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 26 / 33.5 | 2 | $1,324 | |
| 2013 | 26.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,324 | |
| 2012 | 26.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,324 | |
| 2011 | 26.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,302 | |
| 2010 | 25.5 / 33.5 | 2 | $1,347 | |
| 2009 | 24.5 / 33 | 2 | $1,371 | |
| 2008 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 13 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen — 2 engines across 2008–2014. 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 $2,454. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen get?
29 mpg combined, 26 city and 33.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 26 to 32. Across every year since 2008 the Jetta SportWagen has averaged 28.5 mpg.
Is the 2014 Jetta SportWagen more efficient than the 2013?
About the same: 29 against 29 mpg combined.
Which Jetta SportWagen year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 29.5 mpg combined (26.5 city, 34 highway).
Does the Jetta SportWagen get better gas mileage than the Kia Soul?
Yes: 29 mpg for the 2014 Jetta SportWagen against 26.7 for the 2015 Kia Soul, about $114 a year less to run.
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