19 MPG combined is the fuel economy for the 2015 Subaru WRX with the 2.5L engine and manual transmission. Nobody buys this WRX expecting great efficiency. This is a performance car, a rally-bred machine designed for driving enjoyment. This WRX is for someone who wants turbocharged power, all-wheel drive grip, and a manual transmission. Fuel economy is secondary to the driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 WRX 2.5L at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The difference isn’t huge because few WRX drivers cruise gently or hypermile. The turbocharged engine encourages spirited driving, and the all-wheel drive system adds weight and complexity, both contributing to the fuel economy figures. That aggressive driving style is hard to resist when you’re driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Subaru WRX at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a benchmark for comparing the WRX’s fuel consumption to other vehicles, but your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and fuel prices. Driving aggressively will increase that number quickly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing environment, real-world fuel economy often differs. WRX owners often see figures slightly below the EPA estimates, particularly in mixed driving. Aggressive acceleration, frequent gear changes, and stop-and-go traffic all decrease fuel efficiency. However, some drivers who conserve fuel and use smooth driving techniques might achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s highway rating. It all depends on your driving style and your willingness to resist using the turbo.

How it compares

Compared to other performance vehicles of its era, the 2015 WRX’s fuel economy is not great. A 2015 Volkswagen GTI, for example, achieves a combined EPA rating of 28 MPG with the manual transmission, a large improvement. All-wheel-drive competitors like the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, though discontinued soon after, were only marginally better, rated at 19 MPG combined. The Golf R, another AWD hatchback, boasted 25 MPG combined. The WRX’s appeal is based on other factors; the trade-off for its performance and all-weather capability is higher fuel consumption. Looking at WRX MPG across all years, you’ll see this pattern of sacrificing efficiency for fun.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly accelerate hard. The WRX’s turbocharger delivers power, but using it too much hurts fuel consumption. Smooth, gradual acceleration will increase your MPG.

Proper tire inflation is important. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure and inflate your tires properly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. The WRX requires specific pressures for handling and efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Excess cargo increases the amount of energy required to accelerate. Remove any unnecessary items to lighten the load. This helps, especially in a car with AWD.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes changes in fuel consumption. However, be mindful of hills and traffic, as cruise control can sometimes be less efficient. Let the car keep the speed steady when you can, but be ready to take over.

Stay on top of maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections are important for performance and fuel economy. All all Subaru fuel economy data shows maintenance is very important even as the car ages.