43/100
2009Compact CarsRegular

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

EPA ID: 25265
20
City MPG
24
Combined MPG
24MPG· Average
29
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit achieves an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (s6), this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2009 Rabbit produces approximately 370 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Rabbit performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,500, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.5L 5-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions370 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,500
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
23.2
Impact vs EPA
+$71
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$554/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
42.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,938
32.9%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
23.8%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$33,238

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #16V913000·2017-02-14
critical
Component: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Campaign #10V621000·2011-01-31
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Volkswagen Rabbit configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2009 Compact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,500
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $1,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City20 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined24 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

74.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 92 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.