Against 288 other 4-cyl cars rated 1989–1991, the Vanagon trails their 23.6 mpg average by 6.6 mpg, about $632 a year.
Every Volkswagen Vanagon engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 15.5 / 18 | 1984–1985 | $2,327 | |
| 2.1L 4-cyl | 15.7 / 17.7 | 1986–1991 | $2,370 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1991) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1989–1991 | +$632 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,838 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon gives up 2 mpg in town: 18 on the highway against 16 in the city, $267 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1991) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (13%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Vanagon changed over the years
The Vanagon peaked in 1991 at 17 mpg (16 city, 18 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 15 — 2 mpg apart, or $301 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1989 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1988 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1987 | 15 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1986 | 15 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1985 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1984 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Vanagon — 2 engines across 1984–1991. 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 $3,838. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon get?
17 mpg combined, 16 city and 18 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Vanagon has averaged 16.3 mpg.
Is the 1991 Vanagon more efficient than the 1990?
About the same: 17 against 17 mpg combined.
Which Vanagon year has the best gas mileage?
The 1991, at 17 mpg combined (16 city, 18 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.