Tank Ledger

Volkswagen R32 MPG by year — every rating on record

The Volkswagen R32 has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 2 model years, from 2004 to 2008. Across those years its best rated version returned 20 mpg (2008) and its thirstiest returned 19 mpg (2004). The EPA record holds 2 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Compact Cars.

20best combined mpg (2008)
19worst combined mpg (2004)
20latest year best (2008)
2configurations on record

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Model yearConfigurationsBest combinedWorst combinedClass rank that yearDrivetrainsFuelEPA class
2004119 mpg19 mpg#20 of 31 (37th pct)4-Wheel or All-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars
2008120 mpg20 mpg#39 of 55 (30th pct)4-Wheel or All-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The Volkswagen R32 placed highest in 2004 at #20 of 31, and lowest in 2008 at #39 of 55. It spent 0 of its 2 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 2 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

YearConfigurationEngine detailCityHighwayCombinedGallons/yrBarrels/yrEPA fuel cost/yrCO2 g/miGHG
20083.2L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Premium3.2L 6-cyl182320575.014.9$3,900444.35n/a
20043.2L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 6-spd Premium3.2L 6-cyl172419605.315.7$4,100467.7368421052632n/a

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 1 of 1 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

ChangeBest combinedDeltaGallons a year at the newer rating
2004 → 200819 → 20 mpg+1 mpg575 gal

What R32 fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2008 Volkswagen R32 burns 575 to 575 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

Pump priceMost efficientThirstiestSpread
$3.00/gal$1,725$1,725$0
$3.50/gal$2,013$2,013$0
$4.00/gal$2,300$2,300$0

EPA’s own estimate for the 2008 model year is $3,900 to $3,900 a year in fuel, or $8,250 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Subcompact Cars

Across the 461 nameplates EPA classifies as Subcompact Cars, the median best combined rating is 24 mpg. At 20 mpg the Volkswagen R32 is 4 mpg below the median, which is worth about $335 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

Other Volkswagen nameplates

Every Volkswagen model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.