41/100
2018Compact CarsPremium

2018 Subaru WRX

EPA ID: 38574
21
City MPG
23
Combined MPG
23MPG· Average
27
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2018 Subaru WRX achieves an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a manual 6-spd, this compact cars features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 WRX produces approximately 383 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 WRX performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,000, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $4,250 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 TypePremium
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionManual 6-spd
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions383 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score5/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,000
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $4,250

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
23.3
Impact vs EPA
$-33
/ 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
$562/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
41.5%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$11,413
33.9%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
23.4%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$33,713

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #22V522000·2022-09-16
critical
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Campaign #21V587000·2021-09-24
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

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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 Subaru WRX configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,000
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $4,250

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City21 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined23 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

76.6 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 95 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.4 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.