
Comparing the Most Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs from Volkswagen
Although the situation isn’t nearly as bad as it was last year, the fact remains that gas prices have yet to go back down to 2020 levels. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average retail cost for a gallon of gas at the end of Q1 2020 was just a shade over two dollars.
The current cost of gasoline has prompted many consumers to reassess their priorities when it comes to shopping for new vehicles. Cost of ownership and fuel economy are top of mind when weighing the options.
To provide some assistance, we’re breaking down the top three Volkswagen vehicles that will save you at the pump. We’ll also provide some info on what makes each vehicle distinct and how to schedule a test drive.
#1 – VW Electric Vehicles
Considering that electric vehicles don’t require gas, many folks look at EVs as a loophole to avoiding the fuel issue entirely. The new electric VW ID.4 SUV Pro model can drive up to 275 miles on a single charge. Naturally, this begs the question, “How much is it going to cost to charge the VW ID.4?”
Kelley Blue Book reports that the average electric vehicle owner (who drives ~12,700 per year) pays roughly $56 per month to charge their vehicles at home. However, it’s important to note that VW electric vehicles come with unlimited 30-minute DC fast charging sessions via Electrify America.
Another major perk of the 2023 VW ID.4 is that it is now manufactured domestically in Chattanooga, TN. This means the vehicle officially qualifies for the EV tax credit, which offers additional savings to drivers.
Bottom line: VW ID.4 owners never have to worry about gas again and won’t have to think about charging costs until 2026.
#2 – 2023 VW Jetta
For those who wish to stick with a traditional vehicle that uses a combustion engine, the VW Jetta remains the most fuel-efficient sedan in the Volkswagen catalog of vehicles. Drivers will get up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway, which makes this a great vehicle for cross-country driving. Further, it has a starting MSRP of $20,655, which officially makes it the most affordable 2023 model VW the automaker carries.
It’s also worth noting that this year’s Jetta was named a Consumer Reports recommended vehicle, scoring high in the areas of usability, noise, ride, braking, transmission, fuel economy, and overall score.
#3 – 2023 VW Taos
The VW Taos is the SUV for the driver who wants the fuel economy and handling of a sedan, but also needs the storage of an SUV. It is the lone sub-compact SUV in the VW lineup, which means it’s light on curb weight and bulk. This results in a fuel economy of 28 mpg city/36 mpg gallon highway.
With a starting MSRP of $24,155, the VW Taos is the most affordable SUV that Volkswagen offers. It was also named “Best City SUV” in Parents Best Family Cars shopping guide.
Breaking Down the Carefree Coverage Warranty
Vehicle price and fuel-economy are two components that factor into total cost of ownership. Another factor that is sometimes overlooked is the cost of vehicle maintenance and service. According to recent statistics, the average cost of maintenance for a Volkswagen vehicle is approximately $676 per year.
However, that figure doesn’t factor in how Carefree Coverage from Volkswagen offsets those costs. Carefree Coverage is the warranty package that is included with late model VW electric vehicles and traditional vehicles. Drivers will get two years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance and a four-year or 50,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty. This is important to be mindful of when comparing vehicles and their cost of ownership to other brands.
Arranging an In-Person Comparison of VW Vehicles at a Volkswagen Dealership
To further explore your options in fuel-efficient vehicles, arranging an in-person comparison is the appropriate next step. That’s the best way to see how VW electric vehicles stack up against traditional ones using a combustion engine. Further, you’ll be able to test drive the VW ID.4, the VW Taos, and the VW Jetta, which will give you a better idea of how they handle on the road.
You can visit Volkswagen Clear Lake at 15100 Gulf Fwy. in Houston. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (832) 432-7969 or send us a message directly using our contact form.

