Against 37 other 5-cyl cars rated 2007–2009, the Rabbit beats their 21.6 mpg average by 2.4 mpg, about $178 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1984), does 38 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 5-cyl (2006–2009), 23: $659 a year apart.
Every Volkswagen Rabbit engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 35 / 43 | 1984–1984 | $1,011 | |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 19.8 / 28.5 | 2006–2009 | $1,670 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Mitsubishi Eclipse gets 21.2 mpg, the Chevrolet Cobalt 29.7 mpg and the Hyundai Tiburon 21.5 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2009 Rabbit.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2009) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 5-cyl cars, 2007–2009 | −$178 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,590 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit gives up 9 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 20 in the city, $596 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2009) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (45%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Rabbit changed over the years
The Rabbit peaked in 1984 at 38 mpg (35 city, 43 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2007 at 22 — 16 mpg apart, or $734 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2009 car does 24.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2008 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2007 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1984 | 35 / 43 | 1 | $1,011 |
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 Rabbit — 2 engines across 1984–2009. 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 $2,590. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit get?
24 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Rabbit has averaged 26 mpg.
Is the 2009 Rabbit more efficient than the 2008?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which Rabbit year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 38 mpg combined (35 city, 43 highway).
Does the Rabbit get better gas mileage than the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Yes: 24 mpg for the 2009 Rabbit against 21.2 for the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse, about $211 a year less to run.
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