21 MPG combined won’t excite fuel-sipping drivers, but for the 2018 Subaru WRX with its 2.0L engine and automatic transmission, many find it acceptable. It’s a performance car with a practical sedan body, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2018 WRX with this engine and transmission are 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city rating shows the effect of stop-and-go traffic and the engine’s quickness, while the highway figure suggests some efficiency is possible while cruising. Keeping your foot out of the turbo boost helps obtain those numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Subaru WRX 2.0L automatic at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that premium fuel is recommended, so the actual cost could be higher based on local fuel prices and driving habits. Consider this a best-case estimate if you drive aggressively.

Real-world expectations

Many WRX owners find it hard to reach the EPA estimates in real-world driving. Aggressive acceleration, frequent turbocharger use, and twisty roads can lower fuel economy. Expect closer to 19 MPG in mixed driving if you often enjoy the car’s performance. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and drive conservatively, you might reach 21 MPG combined, but it takes discipline.

How it compares

The Honda Civic Si, another sporty compact sedan, gets a much better 31 MPG combined. Even the Volkswagen GTI, a popular hot hatch, achieves around 27 MPG combined with its automatic transmission. The WRX’s numbers aren’t bad among high-performance cars, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the automatic transmission gets around 25 MPG combined. However, the WRX’s all-wheel drive and unique engine tuning contribute to its lower MPG. These comparisons show the trade-off for performance and all-weather capability.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The turbocharger strongly affects the WRX’s fuel consumption. Avoid accelerating hard and keep a steady throttle position when possible. Preventing the turbo from engaging often significantly improves fuel economy.

Regular maintenance is also important. A properly tuned engine, clean air filter, and correctly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently.

Think about your driving style. The WRX encourages aggressive driving, but shifting early and avoiding extra braking can save fuel. Anticipate traffic and keep a safe distance to reduce sudden acceleration or deceleration.

Plan your trips. Combining errands into one trip reduces cold starts, which consume more fuel. Also, avoid rush hour to reduce stop-and-go driving.

Finally, consider the weight you’re carrying. Removing extra items from the car can slightly improve fuel economy because excess weight strains the engine, using more fuel to maintain speed. Research all Subaru fuel economy data or dig into WRX MPG across all years to consider past and future model choices.