Are WRX good on gas?
The WRX is not a standout for fuel economy among modern performance cars. Expect roughly the low- to mid-20s miles per gallon (mpg) in mixed driving, with highway trips often in the upper 20s or low 30s if you drive calmly.
Subaru’s WRX blends a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a performance-oriented chassis. Those traits deliver strong acceleration and capable handling, but they come at an efficiency cost compared with non‑performance compact sedans. The exact numbers vary by model year, engine size (2.0L vs 2.4L), and transmission choice (manual vs CVT).
How fuel economy works in the WRX
Several core factors influence how far a WRX goes on a gallon of fuel. Here are the main considerations that drive real-world MPG.
- Engine size and turbo boost: A larger turbo and higher boost deliver more power but can raise fuel use, especially under spirited acceleration.
- All-wheel drive: The standard AWD drivetrain adds weight and driveline losses compared with front-drive rivals, which can lower mpg.
- Transmission choice: Manual transmissions can be efficient in steady cruising but may yield lower city mpg due to stop‑and‑go driving; CVTs can optimize revs for highway efficiency in some conditions.
- Vehicle mass and aerodynamics: The WRX is relatively compact, but its drivetrain and design add mass and drag that affect efficiency, especially at higher speeds.
- Driving conditions and behavior: Cold weather, short trips, heavy loads, and aggressive acceleration reduce mpg; steady, moderate-speed cruising improves it.
Real-world MPG often differs from official estimates and tends to be lower with aggressive driving or in city traffic, regardless of generation.
Fuel economy by generation
Two major eras define current WRX fuel economy: the earlier 2.0‑liter turbo era (2015–2021) and the newer 2.4‑liter turbo era (introduced in 2022). The numbers below are typical ranges seen in everyday use and can vary by trim and transmission.
- Pre-2022 WRX (2.0-liter turbo, usually paired with a manual, with an optional automatic): mixed-driving mpg commonly falls in the low 20s, with highway efficiency in the upper 20s to about 30 mpg under light throttle. Real-world combined figures often land in the low-to-mid 20s.
- 2022–present WRX (2.4-liter turbo, available with manual or CVT): mixed-driving mpg generally sits in the low to mid 20s, with highway mileage often in the upper 20s to low 30s when cruising at steady speeds. Real-world combined figures typically hover around the low 20s.
Note: Official EPA ratings vary by year and trim, and can differ between manual and CVT configurations. Check the exact figures for the specific model you’re considering.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
To get closer to the upper end of the WRX’s efficiency envelope, consider these practical steps.
- Keep tire pressures at the manufacturer’s recommended levels and ensure proper alignment.
- Maintain a steady highway pace and use cruise control when appropriate.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and excessive braking; smooth throttle input saves fuel.
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule (oil, air filter, spark plugs) to keep the engine running efficiently.
- Use the recommended fuel grade; higher octane does not automatically improve economy unless the engine is tuned for it.
- Limit added weight and aero drag (roof racks, cargo carriers) to reduce resistance.
Even with these measures, the WRX’s performance focus means it won’t match the fuel economy of non-turbo, lighter compact cars.
Summary
For buyers prioritizing efficiency, the WRX sits in the mid-20s mpg range in typical mixed driving, with highway figures often climbing toward the upper 20s or low 30s if you drive calmly. The exact numbers depend on generation, engine (2.0L vs 2.4L), and transmission choice. The trade-off for that efficiency is a performance-oriented package: turbocharged power, all-wheel drive, and sporty handling. If fuel economy is a primary factor, compare specific trims and consider your daily driving patterns, but also factor in the driving enjoyment the WRX offers. Summary: manageable fuel use for a performance car, with real-world results highly sensitive to driving style and configuration.
