1988 Subaru Hatchback MPG and Fuel Economy

On this page, you will find a complete guide to the miles per gallon and fuel efficiency data for the 1988 Subaru Hatchback.

The 1988 Subaru Hatchback has 2 model options: Automatic 3-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L and Manual 5-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L.

The 1988 Subaru Hatchback Automatic 3-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L runs on regular gasoline and is in the Subcompact Cars car class.

The 1988 Subaru Hatchback Manual 5-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L runs on regular gasoline and is in the Subcompact Cars car class.

🛣 How Many Miles per Gallon (MPG) Does a 1988 Subaru Hatchback Get?

Across all models, the combined average MPG for the 1988 Subaru Hatchback is 24 miles per gallon.

The table below breaks down the MPG for each model option:

Model OptionCombined MPGCity MPGHighway MPG
Automatic 3-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L222123
Manual 5-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L252329

💵 What is the Average Yearly Fuel Cost for a 1988 Subaru Hatchback?

The average fuel costs for all models of the 1988 Subaru Hatchback is $2,675.

The average fuel costs have been estimated by government regulators based on 15,000 miles driven per year, using regular gasoline, and a split of 55% city driving and 45% highway driving.

Comparing a 1988 Subaru Hatchback to an average vehicle over 5 years, you will spend $1,875 more on fuel.

The table below shows the fuel costs and 5-year save/spend for each model option:

Model OptionFuel Cost5-Year Save/Spend
Automatic 3-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L$2,850spend $2,750 more
Manual 5-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L$2,500spend $1,000 more

🛢 How Many Barrels of Petroleum Does a 1988 Subaru Hatchback Consume?

Across all models, the average number barrels of petroleum that the 1988 Subaru Hatchback will consume in one year is 13 barrels.

The majority of the world's petroleum is sourced from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, and the United States.

Model OptionBarrels
Automatic 3-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L14
Manual 5-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L12

💨 How Many Grams of CO2 Does a 1988 Subaru Hatchback Emit?

The 1988 Subaru Hatchback will emit an average of about -15,000 grams of CO2 per year.

🌳 To help you understand the impact of this, a normal tree will absorb around 21,000 grams of CO2 per year. This means that roughly 1 tree would be needed to offset emissions from the 1988 Subaru Hatchback.

Overview

The tables below cover all of the miles per gallon, engine specifications, and emission details we have for the 2 1988 Subaru Hatchback model options.

Automatic 3-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L

The table below contains all of the details we have for the 1988 Subaru Hatchback Automatic 3-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L:

City MPG21
Highway MPG23
Combined MPG22
Save/Spend vs Average CarSpend $2,750
Fuel Cost$2,850
Fuel Type 1Regular
Barrels of Petroleum14
Grams of CO2-15,000
Trees Needed to Offset-1
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Cylinders4
Displacement1.8
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd
Vehicle ClassSubcompact Cars
Start/Stop?No
Supercharged?No
Turbocharged?No

Manual 5-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L

The table below contains all of the details we have for the 1988 Subaru Hatchback Manual 5-spd 4-cyl, 1.8 L:

City MPG23
Highway MPG29
Combined MPG25
Save/Spend vs Average CarSpend $1,000
Fuel Cost$2,500
Fuel Type 1Regular
Barrels of Petroleum12
Grams of CO2-15,000
Trees Needed to Offset-1
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Cylinders4
Displacement1.8
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Vehicle ClassSubcompact Cars
Start/Stop?No
Supercharged?No
Turbocharged?No

Link To or Reference This Page

If you use this page in your research, please reference MPG Buddy as the source.

  • "1988 Subaru Hatchback MPG and Fuel Economy." MPG Buddy. Accessed on January 3, 2026. https://mpgbuddy.com/cars/subaru/hatchback/1988.

  • "1988 Subaru Hatchback MPG and Fuel Economy." MPG Buddy, https://mpgbuddy.com/cars/subaru/hatchback/1988. Accessed January 3, 2026.

  • 1988 Subaru Hatchback MPG and Fuel Economy. MPG Buddy. Retrieved from https://mpgbuddy.com/cars/subaru/hatchback/1988.