2002 Volkswagen GolfFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Compact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
35
MPG
Highway
44
MPG
Combined
38
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 14 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
48.4MPG average+27.4% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 38 MPG · Owner reported avg: 48.4 MPG
Range: 41–60 MPG
Driving mix: City 23% / Highway 77%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 48.4 real world MPG based on 14 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 38 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
35
Hwy
44
Comb
38
Fuel cost: $2,250/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
29
Hwy
40
Comb
33
Fuel cost: $2,550/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
28
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $2,800/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
20
Hwy
27
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $2,950/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Diesel Diesel | 35 | 44 | 38 | $2,250 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Diesel Diesel | 29 | 40 | 33 | $2,550 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,950 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,250
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$750
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 268 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 9.4 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 2L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 1.9L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$1,772/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,351/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,535/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$1,633/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$1,785/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$1,780/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,207/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$1,823/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$1,715/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$1,756/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $1,772/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,351/yrHIGHEST | +$579 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,535/yrLOWEST | $-237 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,633/yr | $-139 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $1,785/yr | +$13 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $1,780/yr | +$8 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,207/yr | +$435 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $1,823/yr | +$51 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $1,715/yr | $-57 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $1,756/yr | $-16 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 38 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Volkswagen Golf MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year