Volkswagen Cabrio
23.5 MPG The 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio is EPA-rated at 23.5 MPG combined (20.5 city / 27.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 638 gallons, $2043 a year in fuel, or $0.136 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1995–2002 run it averages 23 MPG, essentially flat across 8 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.106 | $1064 | $1596 | $2128 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.128 | $1277 | $1915 | $2553 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.136 | $1362 | $2043 | $2723 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.149 | $1489 | $2234 | $2979 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.170 | $1702 | $2553 | $3404 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.191 | $1915 | $2872 | $3830 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.213 | $2128 | $3191 | $4255 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 23.5 MPG | 20.5 | 27.5 | $2650 | 378 | 2 |
| 2001 | 23 MPG | 20.5 | 27 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 2000 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1999 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1998 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1997 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27.5 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1996 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 27 | $2775 | 395 | 2 |
| 1995 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Cabrio ranks 99 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 230i xDrive Convertible (24), BMW 640i Coupe (24), BMW 840i Convertible (24), BMW 840i Coupe (24), BMW 840i xDrive Convertible (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 378 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Cabrio get?
The 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio is rated at 23.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 20.5 city and 27.5 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 23 MPG, ranging from 22 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Cabrio cost in fuel per year?
At 23.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 638 gallons — roughly $2043 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.136 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2002 model is $2650.
Has the Volkswagen Cabrio become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 23.5 MPG today against 23 in 1995 — essentially flat across 8 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Volkswagen Cabrio efficient for its class?
It ranks 99 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 0.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.