What is the fuel economy of the Subaru XT?
The Subaru XT’s fuel economy sits in the low- to mid-20s miles per gallon range, with variations based on engine configuration, transmission, and driving conditions. In short, turbocharged versions tend to consume a bit more fuel than naturally aspirated ones, especially under spirited driving.
The XT was produced from the mid-1980s into the early 1990s and came in two main engine configurations: a turbocharged 1.8-liter flat-four and a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter flat-four. Transmission choices included manual and automatic options, and the car’s weight and all-wheel-drive layout influenced its efficiency. Because EPA testing standards have changed over time and archival data for these vintage models varies, real-world figures can differ from official-era numbers.
Variants and expected mileage
Below is a snapshot of typical figure ranges reported for the two primary XT configurations when new. These figures reflect era-era estimates and common owner reports, not a modern standardized test result.
- XT Turbo (1985–1991): Estimated combined fuel economy around 22–24 mpg; city driving roughly 18–21 mpg; highway driving about 26–28 mpg. The turbo setup adds performance but generally lowers urban efficiency due to boost and engine stress.
- XT Non-Turbo / 1.8L NA (1985–1990): Estimated combined fuel economy around 24–26 mpg; city driving roughly 20–23 mpg; highway driving about 28–30 mpg. The naturally aspirated engine tends to be somewhat more efficient at steady highway speeds.
In summary, the turbocharged XT typically lands on the lower end of the range, while the non-turbo variant tends to be a touch more economical, especially on highway runs.
Transmission and year-to-year variation
Actual figures depend on the transmission and the year. Manual transmissions often offered slightly better efficiency than automatics in many vintage cars, and variations in boost control, intercooler efficiency, and overall maintenance can shift numbers by several miles per gallon.
Real-world factors and caveats
Several factors influence real-world fuel economy for the Subaru XT today, including engine wear, fuel quality, tire condition and size, alignment, and driving style. In practice, a well-maintained Turbo XT may approach the lower end of its stated ranges, while a well-tuned NA variant may hover closer to the higher end, particularly on long highway drives.
Summary
The Subaru XT’s fuel economy historically sits in the low- to mid-20s mpg range, with turbo models tending toward the lower end and naturally aspirated models edging higher, especially on highway trips. Real-world results vary with maintenance, drivetrain configuration, and driving habits. For enthusiasts today, practical fuel economy will depend on how the car is maintained and driven rather than a single universal figure.
