2003 · Subcompact Car · Gas
2003 Volkswagen Beetle MPG & fuel economy
The 2003 Volkswagen Beetle is a subcompact car offered in 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version returns 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway) on regular gasoline. Across the lineup, combined ratings range from 22 to 24 MPG. Efficiency is unchanged from the 2002 model. Among 37 subcompact cars rated for 2003, it ranks 6th for lowest fuel cost. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, it costs about $1,938 a year to fuel.
What will it cost you?
Your mileage and prices are saved and used across the site.
Fuel average
The 2003 Volkswagen Beetle's fuel average is 10.2 km/L (9.8 L/100 km), or 24 MPG combined: 8.9 km/L in the city and 12.3 km/L on the highway.
| MPG | km/L | L/100 km | |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 21 | 8.9 | 11.2 |
| Highway | 29 | 12.3 | 8.1 |
| Combined | 24 | 10.2 | 9.8 |
How it ranks among 2003 Subcompact Cars
Full class ranking →Annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles and default prices; shorter bars cost less.
Beetle MPG across model years
Full history →8 EPA-rated configurations
| Configuration | Type | City | Hwy | Combined | Range | Your cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD · 2.0L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual New Beetle |
Gas | 21 MPG | 29 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $1,938 |
| FWD · 2.0L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual New Beetle Convertible |
Gas | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,022 |
| FWD · 2.0L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic New Beetle |
Gas | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,022 |
| FWD · 2.0L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic New Beetle Convertible |
Gas | 19 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,114 |
| FWD · 1.8L 4-cyl turbo · 5-speed manual New Beetle Convertible |
Gas | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,469 |
| FWD · 1.8L 4-cyl turbo · 4-speed automatic New Beetle |
Gas | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,576 |
| FWD · 1.8L 4-cyl turbo · 6-speed manual New Beetle |
Gas | 20 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,576 |
| FWD · 1.8L 4-cyl turbo · 6-speed automatic New Beetle Convertible |
Gas | 19 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,693 |
Specs (most efficient configuration)
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Engine / motor
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Passenger volume
- 85 cu ft
- Cargo volume
- 12 cu ft
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 370 g/mi
2003 Volkswagen Beetle vs. rivals
Compare the 2003 Beetle
With any other car from any year, including other Beetle model years. Type a year to jump, e.g. "2015 Accord".
Same year, other powertrains: 2003 Volkswagen Beetle Diesel (38 MPG)
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle?
Up to 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway); ratings range from 22 to 24 MPG depending on configuration.
What fuel does the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle use?
Regular gasoline.
What is the fuel average in km/L for the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2003 Volkswagen Beetle's fuel average is 10.2 km/L (9.8 L/100 km), or 24 MPG combined: 8.9 km/L in the city and 12.3 km/L on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle per year?
About $1,938 at 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, or $12.92 per 100 miles. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own mileage and prices.