2003 Volkswagen New BeetleFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Subcompact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
35
MPG
Highway
44
MPG
Combined
38
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 6 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
47.7MPG average+25.5% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 38 MPG · Owner reported avg: 47.7 MPG
Range: 40–64 MPG
Driving mix: City 22% / Highway 78%
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 47.7 real world MPG based on 6 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
39
Comb
33
Fuel cost: $2,550/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
29
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $2,800/yr
Manual 5-spd
Premium
City
21
Hwy
28
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $3,400/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Premium
City
20
Hwy
27
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $3,550/yr
Manual 6-spd
Premium
City
20
Hwy
28
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $3,550/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 | 39 | 33 | $2,550 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Manual 5-spd | Premium | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,550 |
| Manual 6-spd | Premium | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
| 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 New Beetle MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year