Volkswagen Eurovan
16 MPG The 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined (15 city / 18 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 938 gallons, $3000 a year in fuel, or $0.200 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–2003 run it averages 15.7 MPG, essentially flat across 7 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 | $0.156 | $1563 | $2344 | $3125 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.219 | $2188 | $3281 | $4375 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.281 | $2813 | $4219 | $5625 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.313 | $3125 | $4688 | $6250 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 2002 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 2001 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 2000 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1999 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1994 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 18 | $3900 | 558 | 2 |
| 1993 | 16 MPG | 14.7 | 18.3 | $3900 | 557 | 3 |
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 20 minivan - 2wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Eurovan ranks 19 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Windstar FWD Wagon (18), Chrysler Town and Country/Voyager/Grand Voy. 2WD (18.5), Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD (18.5), Chevrolet Venture FWD (19), Chrysler Town and Country (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 555 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Eurovan get?
The 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan is rated at 16 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 18 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 15.7 MPG, ranging from 15 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Eurovan cost in fuel per year?
At 16 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 938 gallons — roughly $3000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.200 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $4800.
Has the Volkswagen Eurovan become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 16 MPG today against 16 in 1993 — essentially flat across 7 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Volkswagen Eurovan efficient for its class?
It ranks 19 of 20 in the Minivan - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 5.6 worse than typical for the class.
Compare with similar models
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.