What is the mpg on a 2002 Subaru Legacy GT?
For a 2002 Subaru Legacy GT, fuel economy typically ranges in the low-to-mid 20s miles per gallon (mpg) combined, with variations based on transmission and driving conditions.
The 2002 Legacy GT uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive standard. Because of turbocharging and AWD, mpg can vary widely. This article outlines official estimates and practical mileage to help you gauge what to expect from this late-2000s performance sedan/wagon.
Engine, drivetrain, and official ratings
Below are the general EPA-style estimates for the US market in 2002, separated by transmission. These figures reflect the era’s testing cycle and drivetrain configuration.
EPA fuel economy estimates (US market, approximate):
- Manual transmission (5-speed): city about 20 mpg, highway about 27 mpg; combined roughly 23 mpg.
- Automatic transmission (4-speed 4EAT): city about 19 mpg, highway about 25 mpg; combined roughly 22 mpg.
Note: The exact numbers vary by vehicle condition, specific drivetrain (wagon vs. sedan body style), and test cycle. Real-world mileage typically runs a bit lower than the official estimates, especially in city or aggressive driving scenarios.
Real-world mileage and how to affect it
Actual mpg depends on how the car is driven, maintained, and loaded. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine adds performance considerations that can impact efficiency, and transmission choice plays a meaningful role on daily trips.
- City driving vs. highway: city miles are usually noticeably lower than highway miles due to turbo use, stop-and-go traffic, and idling.
- Maintenance and condition: proper air filters, spark plugs, and oil, plus correct tire pressure, help preserve MPG.
- Turbo cooldown and driving style: gradual warm-up and avoiding prolonged high-speed acceleration can improve average mpg.
- Weight and aerodynamics: roof racks, extra cargo, and heavy loads reduce efficiency; keeping weight to a minimum helps.
- Fuel type: Turbo 2.5L engines of this era generally perform best on premium gasoline; using lower-octane fuel can reduce performance and efficiency.
In practical terms, many owners report typical combined mileage in the low-to-mid 20s, with highway cruising sometimes pushing toward the upper 20s, particularly when the car is well-maintained and driven calmly.
Summary
The 2002 Subaru Legacy GT’s mpg sits mainly in the low-to-mid 20s combined, with manual transmissions tending to edge toward the higher end of highway efficiency and automatics often landing slightly lower. Real-world results vary with driving style, maintenance, and load. For anyone evaluating this model year, consider the transmission choice, ensure timely maintenance, and drive conservatively to maximize fuel economy.
How many miles per gallon does a 2002 Subaru Legacy get?
Gas mileage is not so great even for a 4 cylinder it averages between 20 and 23 MPG. Interior is comfortable but 3 people in the back seat is tight.
How many miles per gallon does a Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT get?
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With the turbo engine, the Legacy delivered 31 mpg in the same test. That said, the Subaru and Honda pale in comparison with the 2.5-liter-equipped Camry SE, which delivered an impressive 45 mpg. For more information about the Legacy's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
What engine is in a 2002 Subaru Legacy GT?
Engine
| Base engine size | 2.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Flat 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
Can a Subaru Legacy last 300,000 miles?
Subaru engines are renowned for their reliability and longevity, often lasting between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
